Chief Operating Officer

If interested, please contact one of the representatives below for a confidential discussion:

Chenice Thomas, Senior Associate, (281) 652-5543 or [email protected]
Dan Goonin, Principal, (651) 503-6259, [email protected]

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, has retained Robert Half’s Executive Search Practice to help identify a Chief Operating Officer. This is a unique opportunity to support the President and Executive Director to develop organizational objectives and is responsible for implementing, measuring, and refining strategic plans across the organization.  Founded in 1963 under President John F. Kennedy's directive, The Lawyer’s Committee stands as a leading national civil rights legal organization. Our mission remains steadfast: fighting racial discrimination against African Americans and other communities of color, addressing inequality of opportunity, and advancing justice.

Guided by the mission of The Lawyers’ Committee and based on the goals, objectives, and direction communicated by the President and Executive Director, the Chief Operating Officer will provide the leadership, management, and oversight necessary to ensure that the organization has strong planning and operational procedures, proper financial controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and human resource systems in place to accomplish the organization’s mission and meet its financial and operational goals and objectives. This individual will be based in Washington, D.C.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Setting financial strategy, including setting strategic targets, and driving organizational growth.
• Working with the President and Executive Director, Director of Finance, and the Board Committee to prepare a comprehensive annual budget and longer-term financial plans for Board review and approval.
• Overseeing the operations and employee productivity, building a highly inclusive culture that ensures team members can thrive and that organizational goals are met.
• Translating strategy into actionable steps for growth, implementing organization-wide business planning, goal setting, performance management, and annual operations planning.
• Overseeing organization operations and proactively mitigate business, governance, and operational risks by interpreting data and metrics, as well as establishing policies that promote the company culture and vision.
• Reviewing and approving departmental work plans and staffing for Finance, HR, IT, and Operations & Administrative departments.
• Managing a team comprising of a Director of Finance, Director of People and Culture, Director of Operations & Administration, Manager of Talent, HR Manager, and HR Assistant; IT Manager; and Operations & Administration Coordinator.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies:

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited school is required. A master’s degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 15 years of overall professional experience combined with an executive-level background, including a minimum of 10 years of supervisory experience.
• Financially savvy and politically astute with the ability to set clear priorities, delegate, and guide investment in people and systems.
• Strong acumen and the ability to set financial strategy, targets, and growth strategies.
• Experience with operational and financial board reporting.
• Minimum 10 years of operational leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a non-profit 501c3 donor-funded organization.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.

Compensation includes a competitive salary and excellent benefits. 

If interested, please contact us for a confidential discussion:


Chenice Thomas, Senior Associate, (281) 652-5543 or [email protected]

Dan Goonin, Principal, (651) 503-6259, [email protected]

Ready to Make an Impact? If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!

Apply Today: Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.

Benefits: The Lawyers' Committee offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes healthcare coverage (medical, dental & vision), parental leave, 403(b) contribution with employer match contributions, voluntary short- and long-term disability and an employer paid monthly cell phone stipend. 

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy, parental status, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, immigration status, union activities, political affiliation, military veteran status, credit information or any other status protected under law.

Pay: $150,000-$250,000 annually