Chief Operating Officer, Washington, DC
Laura Palumbo
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
District Alliance for Safe Housing
Status: Full-time, exempt employee
Salary: $150,000 - $160,000
Reports to: President & Chief Executive Officer
Location: Washington, DC
Deadline: Best consideration by late January 2025. Resume reviews begin immediately
About the District Alliance for Safe Housing
Founded in 2006, the District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH) is DC’s largest provider of safe
housing and trauma-informed services for survivors experiencing homelessness due to
domestic and sexual violence. DASH meets survivors where they are, eliminating barriers to
safe housing so that they can rebuild their lives on their own terms.
DASH supports survivors—individuals, families, and transitioning youth aged 18-24—with
options and counseling for housing programs; emergency financial assistance; and emergency
housing, transportation, and wraparound services. Once in safe housing, survivors can elect to
receive DASH's supportive wraparound counseling and services. DASH’s Safe Housing
Programs manage 90 emergency and transitional-to-permanent housing units, including the
42-unit Cornerstone building, owned and operated by DASH.
DASH has grown significantly in recent years, driven by a talented team across programs,
administration, external relations, finance, and property management. DASH holds Candid's
Gold Seal of Transparency and has been recognized by the Catalogue for Philanthropy as
one of the DC region's best nonprofits. To learn more, visit www.dashdc.org.
Position Overview
Reporting to and partnering with the President & CEO (CEO), the Chief Operating Officer (COO)
is a newly created position that leads DASH’s People & Culture and Business Operations
teams. People & Culture manages all human capital and team culture activities, and Business
Operations is responsible for administration, information technology, and facilities management
functions. This is an exceptional opportunity for a mission-focused leader seeking to partner
with a committed team of passionate professionals leading the evolution of a highly respected
nonprofit organization.
As DASH grows and develops, the COO will steward and champion change management
processes within a dynamic, rapidly evolving environment. They will anchor future change
management processes within DASH’s thriving and positive organizational culture. They will be
guided by integrity, discretion, and high ethical standards that ensure the best outcomes for
DASH's employees and clients.
The COO's early focus will be on further stabilizing talent management by continuing the
implementation of clear policies, procedures, and standards of excellence required by DASH’s
size and complexity. The COO will work to streamline and optimize how DASH leverages
human capital, operations, administrative, and IT resources. In partnership with the CFO, they
will advise the executive team’s investments in these core areas to meet DASH’s goals and
objectives.
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As DASH embarks on new strategic planning later this year, the COO will work as part of the
Executive Team, and with direct reports and departmental staff on long-range planning to inform
DASH’s next chapter. The COO will strategize, anticipate, and provide counsel on the
organization’s future needs and resources.
The COO is a member of DASH’s highly consultative Executive Team, which regularly assesses
opportunities, risks, rewards, and tradeoffs related to programs, partnerships, team culture, and
operations. They actively engage with colleagues to provide feedback and inform DASH’s
strategic direction.
The COO partners with the CEO in a consultative relationship with the Board of Directors. The
COO oversees a ~$3 million departmental budget with two direct reports, who in turn manage a
current six-person (Business Operations) and three-person (People & Culture) teams.
Key Responsibilities
The COO will bring a balanced approach to strategy and operations. They will conduct
organized, focused work; manage multiple projects under tight deadlines; and maintain an
openness to changing situations and opportunities. Specific areas of responsibility include:
Human Capital Management (30–40% of time)
● Oversee the People & Culture department and all human resources efforts with direct
responsibility for talent acquisition, compensation and benefits strategy, professional
development, and employee relations.
● Update and refine systems, processes, and policies through a DEIB lens, including
recruiting, hiring, professional development, performance evaluation, and compensation.
● Advise CEO and Executive Team on organizational, managerial, and cultural issues,
including guidance on hiring processes and decisions.
● Ensure compliance with federal and DC law across the employment lifecycle, including
those mandated by grants and contracts.
● Monitor and suggest needed revisions of compensation and benefit plans to ensure they are
consistent, competitive, and cost-effective.
● Set a strategic approach to employee well-being and engagement through rewards,
recognition, and team-building opportunities that align with DASH’s values and mission.
● Establish a cohesive organizational training and professional development plan that
corresponds to DASH’s strategy and objectives.
● Advise on a comprehensive employee performance management system that includes
annual performance reviews and goal-setting processes. Partner with the Executive Team to
support supervisors in implementing performance management processes.
● Monitor the People & Culture team’s guidance, counsel, training, and resolution of personnel
matters such as performance challenges, peer conflicts, and worker’s compensation.
● Collaborate with the People & Culture team to identify and report to the Executive on trends,
issues, and opportunities related to workforce dynamics. Analyze data such as turnover
rates, exit survey feedback, and employee engagement surveys to provide actionable
insights. Collaborate with the People & Culture team to develop strategies for addressing
identified challenges, enhancing retention, and fostering a positive organizational culture.
Administration, Technology, and Facilities Management (20–30% of time)
● Oversee the Business Operations department and serve as a resource and advisor to the
CEO and Executive Team on administrative, technological, and facilities matters.
● Maintain and build trusted relationships with staff, board, clients, partners, and vendors.
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● Advise on the business and physical operations of DASH Properties, LLC, including legal
and programmatic compliance with grant and contract deliverables and planning and
oversight of capital development.
● Work with DASH staff to develop systems to ensure high-quality project management,
effective allocation of operational resources, and adherence to compliance requirements.
● Guide business procedures and policies and establish best practices in administration,
technology, operations, facilities, and compliance. Ensure security and privacy in all
documentation and participant records.
● With the Executive Team, monitor legal compliance and develop a proactive risk
management strategy.
● Advise on the vendor management process, including soliciting quotes for service contracts
and projects, evaluating options, making recommendations to the CEO, finalizing
agreements with the CFO, and monitoring contractor performance.
● Provide guidance on facilities and security management for DASH offices and transitional
housing units, including safety and OSHA requirements.
● Oversee the ongoing repair, replacement, and maintenance of all aspects of DASH’s offices
and properties.
Organizational Strategy and Planning (20% of time)
● Partner with the CEO, CFO, and divisional leaders to assess DASH’s operational
performance. Provide input into the departmental budget and partner with senior leaders to
ensure human capital needs are reflected in their departmental budgets.
● Lead implementation of strategic planning goals associated with human resource capacity
and administrative infrastructure.
● Develop tools and systems to provide critical and timely information to the CEO and
Executive Team; make actionable recommendations on operations, talent, and facilities.
● Engage the Executive Team and others about risks, trends, and changes in DASH’s
operations, talent, and facilities. In partnership with the Executive Team, establish and
monitor annual organizational strategy objectives and business plans.
● With the Executive Team, implement changes to operations and human capital through
effective communication, training, and support for staff and community stakeholders.
Team Management (20% of time)
● Attract, develop, and retain high-performance team members; coach them through
onboarding, professional development, performance management, promotions, and
retention pathways that center transparency, equity, and accountability.
● Guide and contribute to a trauma-informed team culture.
● Provide leadership in the development of inter-team communication and cohesiveness,
sustaining culture and supporting staff during organizational change cycles.
● Ensure organization-wide policies, procedures, and practices are developed, implemented,
and consistently maintained to reach DASH’s goals. Identify cross-team training
opportunities to strengthen working relationships throughout the organization.
● Engage and support cross-departmental teams outside of the direct span of control.
Other duties as assigned or required.
Experience, Skills, and Qualities
The COO position will be a challenging and rewarding opportunity that requires a diverse set of
skills and experiences. While we understand that no single candidate can possess every
qualification listed below, the following are priority areas:
● Demonstrated passion for DASH’s mission.
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● Committed to working collaboratively with a management team of senior professionals.
● 7+ years of nonprofit management experience, including a record of supervisory experience
effectively managing a small team.
● A generalist approach to organizational administration in key areas of human resources,
business operations, and/or facilities management.
● Strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple
projects on different timelines.
● Competency with human resources is desirable, such as setting up systems, talent
acquisition and development, human resources compliance, performance management, and
building a positive team culture. Prior work with PEOs is a plus.
● An established background in facilities, risk management, and compliance is a plus.
● Experience with strategic planning; able to implement plans into work streams and tactics.
● Skilled in promoting the growth and development of individuals through empowering,
advocating, and differentiated support.
● Advanced understanding of government contracts and grants management. Knowledge of
OMB requirements for nonprofits is desirable.
● Proven leadership in change management settings, including building consensus, making
tough decisions, and clarifying organizational goals and performance expectations.
● Comfortable addressing conflict, diffusing disagreement, and supporting productive team
communication.
● Ability to thrive in a dynamic, people-centered, results-driven, and fast-paced environment
that requires flexibility, collaboration, and creative thinking.
● Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills; comfort engaging at all levels of the
organization, including with clients, staff, vendors, and donors.
● Demonstrated ability to exercise a high level of confidentiality and discretion.
● Strong technology proficiency, including Microsoft software, project management platforms
(DASH primarily uses Monday.com), and databases, such as an HRIS; record of partnering
with IT staff to manage critical programmatic technology systems.
Compensation & Benefits
DASH offers a competitive salary in the range of $150,000-$160,000. Employees have access
to 90% employer-paid insurance for health, dental, and vision, short- and long-term disability
and life; a minimum of 20 days of paid leave, 15 holidays, a weeklong winter holiday; and a 3%
DASH non-elective contribution retirement plan.
Application Process
DASH has retained the services of Good Insight, a national executive search firm serving
nonprofits, to conduct this search. Interested applicants should submit a resume and a detailed
cover letter that describes their interest in and qualifications for this role. Upload application
materials at www.good-insight.org/careers. Direct confidential inquiries to Carlyn Madden and
Isha Hunter at DA...@good-insight.org.
Resume reviews begin immediately. For best consideration, please apply by late January 2025.
Early applications are encouraged due to the pace of the search.
Location
DASH is located in Washington, DC. The COO position operates on a hybrid schedule that
requires a location in the DC region to support team meetings and oversee facilities.
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Physical Demands
This role includes prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and may
occasionally be called upon to perform a variety of physical tasks, such as pushing, pulling, and
lifting up to 25 pounds unassisted. Contact DA...@good-insight.org to request reasonable
accommodations.
Equal Employment Opportunity
DASH is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive work environment and to
building a team that reflects the rich diversity of our community. DASH bases employment
decisions on each person’s performance, qualifications, and abilities. It does not discriminate in
employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, national origin, age, disability, or characteristics protected by District of Columbia
and federal law. People of color, people with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual
orientations, gender expressions, and identities are encouraged to apply.
All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory proof of eligibility to work in the United
States. A background investigation, credit check, and drug test are required for this role. A
record of complete vaccination against COVID-19 is required; exceptions may be granted in
limited circumstances for medical or religious reasons.