Chief Operating Officer

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Marketing and Communications at Grace Cathedral

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting Relationships

The Chief Operating Officer reports directly to the Dean of Grace Cathedral.

About Us

As one of the largest Episcopal Cathedrals in North America, Grace Cathedral is a warm congregation located in the heart of San Francisco, a house of prayer for all people, a beacon of social justice, and a center for the arts. We welcome visitors worldwide who come to celebrate, find solace, connect with others, serve and be served, and learn.

It is also home to a loving, diverse congregation of over 500 households. Our congregation includes families and singles, children and seniors, and is made up of people who reflect the diversity that enriches San Francisco. We are known for our love of tradition, openness to new ways that God’s spirit is at work in the world, and commitment to serving everyone in the city, regardless of their beliefs.

Position Summary

Grace Cathedral seeks an exceptional operational leader to serve as Canon Chief Operating Officer (Canon refers to an executive leader in a cathedral); a proven player‑coach who will drive excellence across non‑ecclesiastical aspects of the Cathedral. This senior executive will bring hands‑on leadership, strategic vision, and collaborative management.

Reporting to this position will be all non‑ecclesiastical functions including finance, administration, operations, human resources, marketing, facilities, revenue, event rentals, technology, and development (development will have a dotted line relationship to the dean). This role will be a critical strategic advisor to the Dean and Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as a member of the cathedral Chapter or senior staff to help direct the mission and vision of Grace Cathedral and execute the strategic plan.

Partner with the Dean to ensure operational excellence and support the cathedral's spiritual mission.

Lead policy development and implementation across all operational functions.

Provide hands‑on leadership of all non‑ecclesiastical operations, including finance, administration, human resources, facilities, and technology.

Manage and develop a talented, diverse team of non‑ecclesiastical staff, driving excellence across all operational functions.

Drive operational efficiency, innovation, and best practices across all functions.

Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, treasury, and risk management.

Manage multi‑department budget processes and present financial reports to leadership and the Board.

Ensure GAAP compliance and coordinate annual audits.

Manage relationships with banks, investment managers, and financial service providers.

Lead human resources strategy, benefits administration, and staff development.

Oversee facilities management of cathedral buildings, grounds, and dean’s residence.

Drive IT strategy and technology initiatives that support digital ministry and operations.

Negotiate major contracts and manage legal affairs.

Collaborate with Board committees on Buildings & Grounds, Finance, Investment, and Executive matters.

Prepare and present operational updates to trustees and leadership.

Foster relationships with external partners, vendors, and service providers.

Required Qualifications

10+ years of progressively responsible operational leadership, preferably in nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, or multi‑constituency environments.

Proven track record as a player‑coach who leads by example while developing teams.

Experience managing multiple revenue streams and complex stakeholder relationships.

Demonstrated success in financial management, strategic planning, and organizational development.

Experience with arts programming, community engagement, and facility management preferred.

Education & Certifications

Bachelor's degree required; MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred.

Experience with nonprofit financial management and governance preferred.

Exceptional ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams.

Strategic thinker with hands‑on execution capabilities.

Strong communication and presentation skills.

Experience with board relations and committee collaboration.

Player‑Coach Mentality

Leads by example while developing others.

Resourceful in creating efficiencies and driving results.

Maintains big‑picture vision while being detail‑oriented.

Flexible and forward‑thinking in a dynamic environment.

Direct, trustworthy, and ethically grounded.

Personable, compassionate, and culturally sensitive.

Commitment to spiritual development and growth (no religious affiliation required).

What We Offer

The opportunity to lead operational excellence at one of America’s most significant cathedrals, working alongside a mission‑driven team to serve a diverse community and visitors from around the world while supporting a spiritual mission that makes a meaningful difference.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $180,000 – $210,000.

Search contact : gracecoosearch@gracecathedral.org

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