Chief of Operations (COO) Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation

Job Description

The Chief of Operations (COO) is a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the President of BCBSNC Foundation responsible for driving effective operations, advancing organizational priorities, and ensuring internal alignment. This role focuses on the Foundation’s business planning, board and governance management, staff engagement, and oversight of high-impact special projects. The COO plays a pivotal role in creating a high-performing, mission-driven culture and advancing the mission of the Foundation.

Who We Are

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation is a private, charitable foundation established as an independent entity by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina in 2000. Over the past two decades we have been honored to work with – and support – organizations, government entities, and community partnerships across the state, investing more than $250 million in North Carolina through grants, collaborations, and special initiatives. While our mission remains consistent, our strategies and priorities shift over time, reflecting what we learn about our organization, the work of our grantees and partners, as well as what is happening around us.

About the Role

The Chief of Operations (COO) is a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the President of BCBSNC Foundation responsible for driving effective operations, advancing organizational priorities, and ensuring internal alignment. This role focuses on the Foundation’s business planning, board and governance management, staff engagement, and oversight of high-impact special projects. The COO plays a pivotal role in creating a high-performing, mission-driven culture and advancing the mission of the Foundation.

Travel Expectations: Minimum once a month travel, approximately 12-15 visits annually to our Durham, NC campus.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Business Planning

• Lead annual business planning processes in coordination with the President and leadership team.

• Develop and manage strategic dashboards, progress tracking systems, and executive-level reports in partnership with VP, Operations and Finance.

• Ensure alignment of foundation goals with corporate Purpose strategies.

Board and Governance Management

• Support Foundation Board engagement

• Manage board meeting planning, including agendas, outside speaking engagement, briefing materials, minutes, and follow-ups.

• Coordinate governance compliance, charters, and documentation.

Culture, Engagement and Internal Alignment

• Champion a cohesive and inclusive organizational culture.

• Facilitate internal communications and staff meetings, ensuring alignment and transparency.

• Design and implement initiatives that promote staff development, team learning, engagement, and recognition.

Special Projects and Strategic Initiatives

• Lead cross-functional projects on behalf of the President, often involving high visibility or complex problem-solving.

• Conduct research, synthesize insights, and prepare briefing documents to inform executive decisions.

• Act as a thought partner in strategic planning and innovation efforts.

Executive Support and Operational Efficiency

• Serve as a proxy or representative in meetings and strategic discussions as appropriate.

• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance team effectiveness in partnership with the VP of Finance and Operations

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree or advanced degree (where required)

• 10+ years of experience in related field

• In lieu of degree, 12+ years of experience in related field

Bonus Points

• Strategic skills to synthesize complex information and develop strategy through design to implementation

• Exceptional project management and organizational skills.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build trust.

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and lead through influence.

• High emotional intelligence and discretion

• Experience working within a corporate foundation or complex matrixed organization.

• A deep passion for social impact and philanthropy

What You’ll Get  

• The opportunity to work at the cutting edge of health care delivery with a team that’s deeply invested in the community  

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