Chief Operating Officer; COO

Overview

The Shames JCC on the Hudson is a vibrant, inclusive community center serving individuals and families of all backgrounds in the Rivertowns and beyond. We offer a wide range of programs—fitness and wellness, early childhood, camp, arts and culture, Jewish life, and social impact initiatives—within a welcoming, “town square” environment. We are seeking a strategic, hands-on Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee all day-to-day operations, including facilities, IT, and core operational functions that enable our mission and programs to thrive.

Position Summary

The COO is a key member of the senior leadership team and serves as the organization’s chief integrator—ensuring that people, processes, systems, and facilities all work together smoothly and efficiently. The COO will oversee:

• Facility operations and maintenance
• Information technology and systems
• Operational processes and policies
• Safety, risk management, and compliance
• Key vendor/contractor relationships

The COO will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and will manage a team that may include the Facilities Director, IT Manager/consultants, Security personnel, Front Desk/Member Services operations, and other operational staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Strategy:
  Serve as the chief architect of day-to-day operations, ensuring the JCC runs efficiently, reliably, and member-centrically.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational policies and workflows across the organization.
• Partner with program and departmental leaders to ensure operational support aligns with program and member needs.
• Facility Management:
  Working with Facilities Director, oversee all aspects of building operations for the JCC campus, including maintenance, custodial services, mechanical systems, and capital improvements.
• Ensure that all facilities are safe, clean, welcoming, and fully functional for members, staff, and visitors.
• Oversee relationships with contractors, vendors, and service providers (e.g., HVAC, security, cleaning, landscaping, snow removal).
• Develop and manage preventative maintenance plans and capital replacement schedules.
• Partner with the CEO on facility-related planning for expansions, renovations, and major projects.
• IT & Systems Oversight:
  Oversee the JCC’s information technology infrastructure, including hardware, software, network, Wi-Fi, and cybersecurity.
• Ensure reliable, secure, and user-friendly systems for staff and members (e.g., membership management, registration, CRM, access control, financial/point-of-sale systems).
• Manage relationships with external IT providers and consultants; evaluate and implement new tools and platforms as needed.
• Support staff adoption and effective use of technology through training, documentation, and troubleshooting.
• Member Experience & Front-of-House Operations:
  Oversee front desk, membership operations, and other key member-facing operational touchpoints.
• Ensure processes and systems are in place for excellent customer service, efficient check-in, registration, billing, and communication.
• Oversee Director of Security.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations (including health and safety, building codes, emergency preparedness, etc.).
• Develop and regularly update emergency procedures, safety protocols, and incident reporting systems.
• Food Service:
  Oversee the facility’s kitchen functioning, equipment, and Health Department licensing.
• Manage relationship with concessionaires, caterers and other food service providers.
• Partner with the CEO and finance team to develop, manage, and monitor operational and capital budgets.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiency, and revenue enhancement through improved operations and vendor management.
• Participate in contract negotiations and ensure contracts are documented, tracked, and managed effectively.
• People Management & Culture:
  Lead, mentor, and develop staff; set clear expectations and support professional growth.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and service across all functions.
• Model the JCC’s values of inclusion, respect, and community in all internal and external…