Chief Operating Officer

The Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood (CSJ) seek a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic and operational leadership for a multifaceted, mission-driven institution. The COO reports to the President of the Leadership Council, who serves as the congregation's chief executive. The President works in close consultation with the four member elected Leadership Council, ensuring that decisions reflect both collaboration and collective discernment. The COO will be a key partner in translating these decisions into effective action, managing the organization's complex operations with professionalism and rigor.

The COO will oversee all administrative and operational functions, including finance, human resources, facilities, technology, convent, advancement, communications, and marketing. The role spans operations across Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and other sites, including properties such as the Academy in Hempstead, facilities in Rockaway, and various residential communities. The COO will be responsible for modernizing organizational structures, clarifying roles and reporting lines, and strengthening financial and operational practices to ensure accountability and efficiency. By owning these responsibilities, the COO enables the Sisters to dedicate their time and energy to the ministries and advocacy work that are central to their vocation.

This is an opportunity for a proven executive who thrives in complex environments, balancing strategic vision with hands-on management. The ideal candidate will bring strong business and operational expertise, the ability to lead large teams, and respect for the values and mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Key Responsibilities

Day to Day Management - Lead the day-to-day operations of a complex, multi-department organization of more than 300 employees, aligning staff and systems with Congregational priorities.

Governance and Thought Partnership - Serve as a trusted thought partner to the Leadership Council, bringing forward sound operational insight to support decision-making.

Organizational Assessment & Team Development - Conduct a thorough review of the existing organizational structure, assess staff capabilities, and propose an updated organizational chart and reporting lines.

Strategic Leadership - Partner with the Leadership Council to carry out Congregational decisions with professionalism, timeliness, and fidelity to mission. Anticipate emerging needs and provide steady leadership during times of transition, ensuring that compassion and mission are consistently balanced with business acumen and effective execution.

Change and Transition Management - Guide the Congregation through cultural and organizational transitions with steadiness, clarity and decisiveness. Communicate clearly, implement changes thoughtfully, and ensure that transitions honor both the Congregation's traditions and its future needs.

Financial Stewardship - Provide oversight of all financial functions, including complex budgets, audits, reporting, forecasts, investments, and long-term planning.

Property and Asset Management - Steward the property, facilities, and land assets; including modernization, sale, redevelopment, and environmental sustainability; balancing financial responsibility with mission-centered priorities.

Human Resources and Organizational Culture - Strengthen HR systems to promote accountability and professional growth, ensuring clear performance goals, effective evaluation processes, and ongoing staff development.

Partnerships and Risk Management -Review, negotiate, and manage contracts, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Ministry Support and Development - Ensure that ministries are operationally and financially supported to thrive, while respecting that their vision and spiritual leadership remain under the purview of the Congregation. Collaborate with ministry leaders and the Leadership Council to align resources, strengthen sustainability, and advance impact.

Leadership & Competency Expectations

The Chief Operating Officer will be a mission-driven, collaborative leader who can balance the Congregation's faith-based culture with strong operational expertise.

Strategic Steward

The COO will bring a structured and solutions-driven approach to managing complexity, ensuring that roles and reporting lines are clear and that systems support both efficiency and accountability. They will assess current operations with a critical eye, identifying gaps and introducing improvements that strengthen financial, operational, and administrative practices. Skilled at facilitating feedback and navigating conflict, the COO will foster an environment where challenges are addressed directly and resolved constructively. Through this disciplined yet adaptive stewardship, they will create the stability and capacity needed for the organization to move forward with confidence.

Team Developer

The COO will be a steady and supportive manager who invests in developing people and building capacity. They will establish clear performance goals and metrics, implement evaluation and feedback systems, and provide opportunities for professional growth. At the same time, they will thoughtfully assess the team's overall capacity, making difficult personnel decisions when necessary to ensure the right structures and talent are in place.

Honor Religious Life

The COO will demonstrate a deep respect for the mission and traditions of the Sisters of St. Joseph and for the ministries they champion. While this leader does not need to be Catholic, they must hold a deep appreciation for Catholic religious life as a way of life, demonstrating spiritual grounding, empathy, and respect for diverse faith traditions.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree such as MBA, JD, MS, or related master's preferred or equivalent years of experience.

Significant senior-level management experience overseeing complex operations, ideally with faith-based, religious institutions, nonprofits, or other large-scale mission driven organizations.

History of successfully leading organizations through strategy development, operational planning, with the ability to translate vision into practical systems and outcomes.

Demonstrated financial expertise, including oversight of multi-million-dollar budgets, audits, and reporting.

Experience managing property and facilities at scale, including modernization, redevelopment, or sale, with an understanding of balancing stewardship with mission priorities.

Background in human resources and organizational leadership, including building systems of accountability, professional development, and culture rooted in respect and fairness.

Strong relationship-building and consensus-building skills, with the ability to earn trust across diverse stakeholders.

While Catholic faith is not required, an appreciation for Catholic Social Teaching and respect for religious life or faith-based organizations as a way of life is essential.

Location, Compensation & Benefits

This is an on-site position based in Brentwood, New York, with travel to other locations in Queens, Nassau, and Brooklyn as needed. The salary range for this opportunity is $250,000 - $300,000 , commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes multiple medical plan options, dental and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, and FSAs for health, dependent care, and commuter expenses. Employees also receive a 403(b)-retirement plan with employer match, generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays, as well as access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness resources, and professional development opportunities. These offerings reflect the Congregation's commitment to supporting the well-being of those who carry forward its mission.