Nonprofit COO

About CSSThe Center for Scholars and Storytellers (CSS) is a research and impact organization affiliated with UCLA dedicated to connecting the worlds of academia and entertainment in order to improve the media landscape for kids, teens and young adults. CSS generates rigorous research and translates it into actionable insights for creators, studios, and media organizations — with the goal of making storytelling more authentic, representative, and impactful. With $1.3M in annual revenues and a growing national profile, CSS is entering a new phase of organizational development. CSS is an independent 501c-3.The OpportunityCSS is seeking its first Chief Operating Officer to serve as the operational backbone of the organization. Reporting directly to the Founder and CEO, the COO will own day-to-day management, team leadership, fundraising operations, and finance oversight, freeing the CEO to focus on external strategy, thought leadership, and major donor relationships.This is a rare opportunity to shape the operational infrastructure of a fast-growing, mission-driven organization at a pivotal moment. The right candidate will be both a people-first leader and a systems builder, someone who can hold a team to high standards while maintaining a culture of warmth, collaboration, and shared purpose.The Role in BriefThe COO is the CEO's closest partner and organizational alter ego. While the CEO drives vision, external relationships, and thought leadership, the COO ensures the organization is built, run, and grown to match that ambition. This is not a support role, it is a co-leadership role for someone who is equally comfortable developing strategy as they are running a staff meeting or reviewing a budget.What You Will OwnCEO Partnership and Strategic Leadership (essential)Serve as the CEO's primary thought partner on organizational strategy, growth, and decision-makingTranslate the CEO's vision into operational plans with clear owners, timelines, and accountabilityRepresent the CEO and the organization in internal and select external settingsAnticipate organizational needs and surface issues before they become problemsHelp set annual priorities and ensure the team is aligned and resourced to deliver on themBusiness Development and Partnerships (essential)Identify and pursue strategic partnerships with studios, media organizations, brands, and academic institutionsDevelop and manage a pipeline of earned revenue opportunities including consulting, licensing, and program partnershipsRepresent CSS in partnership conversations and close deals that align with organizational mission and growth goalsWork with the CEO to expand CSS's national footprint and institutional relationshipsTeam Leadership and Management (essential)Directly manage CSS staff including Senior Directors, Marketing, and Admin functions and the HR ConsultantBuild and maintain a high-accountability, high-support team cultureEstablish clear processes, check-ins, and performance expectations across the team, including key support from the HR Consultant Coach direct reports and support their professional developmentFundraising and Development Operations (essential)Manage the full fundraising pipeline including grant tracking, funder communications, and reporting deadlinesCoordinate the foundations team and ensure proper protocols before all funder conversationsOversee grants consultants and hold them to source material and credibility standardsPartner with the CEO on major donor strategy and cultivationEnsure CSS's research visibility and impact are consistently communicated to fundersFinance and Administration (essential)Own financial oversight including budget tracking, reporting, and coordination with fractional finance supportManage contracts, independent contractor and vendor agreements, and organizational compliance and insuranceEnsure internal financial processes are documented and consistently followed, including overseeing the HR Consultant’s management of payroll and bi-monthly CalSavers deductionsAssist with the hiring, onboarding, and offboarding processes as neededWork with UCLA finance and contracts with any UCLA entityCommunications and Organizational Visibility (nice to have)Ensure media appearances, speaking engagements, and funder meetings are coordinated with the communications teamOversee newsletter, content, and PR amplification workflowsMaintain cross-team transparency and communication standardsWhat We Are Looking ForRequired10+ years of progressive leadership experience, ideally in a nonprofit, research, or mission-driven organization, possibly in entertainment Demonstrated experience managing teams with accountability, warmth, and clarityTrack record in fundraising operations or development — managing pipelines, funders, and grant processesStrong financial acumen with experience overseeing organizational budgetsExceptional organizational and process-building skillsOutstanding written and verbal communicationComfort operating in a lean, fast-moving environment where you build as you goPassion for youthStrongly PreferredExperience in media, entertainment, academia, or research-adjacent organizationsFamiliarity with UCLA or similar academic institutional contextsExperience managing external consultants and holding them to standardsBackground in communications or content operationsWhat Success Looks LikeIn your first 90 days:You have met every team member and understand their roles, working styles, and current challengesYou have a clear picture of the fundraising pipeline and no deadline is at riskYou have established a weekly operating rhythm with direct reportsThe CEO has begun to step back from day-to-day managementIn your first year:CSS has a documented, functioning operational infrastructureThe team is performing at a higher level with clear accountability and supportFundraising operations run smoothly with the CEO focused on strategy and relationshipsYou are a trusted partner to the CEO and a steady, respected leader to the teamCompensation and LocationSalary range: $100,000 - $130,000 commensurate with experience. Los Angeles preferred. Hybrid work environment.Our CultureCSS is a close-knit team that cares deeply about its mission and each other. We hold ourselves to high standards and we invest in one another's growth. We are direct, collaborative, and genuinely committed to the work. The CEO leads with warmth and firm expectations — and is looking for a COO who shares that approach.To apply, please send your resume and a brief cover letter describing your interest to yalda@scholarsandstorytellers.comscholarsandstorytellers.com