About the Organization

Since 1971, the Southern Poverty Law Center has pursued racial justice and human rights for all people. From a small law office in Montgomery to a multi-state organization known nationwide for championing equity, the SPLC owes our 52 years of growth, change and triumph to the communities we serve, our dedicated staff, and committed supporters. We are guided by a deep commitment to building a future where white supremacy, poverty, and mass incarceration are relics of the past.

We work across four issue areas:

  • Fighting White Supremacy: The SPLC works to expose the influence of hate and extremist groups and dismantle white supremacy. We investigate extremists and hold their leaders accountable for their attempts to sow division and destroy our nation. We promote anti-racist, anti-bias action that prevents radicalization and moves us closer to our vision of safe, resilient communities celebrating diversity and inclusion.
  • Reducing Incarceration: The SPLC is committed to ending the inequities of the criminal legal and immigration systems while helping safeguard the rights of those trapped within them. We focus on disrupting mass incarceration and the school-to-prison pipeline, fighting the criminalization of Black and Brown communities, and investigating the human rights abuses of detained and incarcerated people.
  • Eradicating Poverty: The SPLC seeks justice alongside people living in poverty. We challenge entrenched systems, fight for equitable access to public services and advocate for the human right to housing, education, health care, and economic opportunity in the Deep South and beyond. We envision a nation where all Americans have access to the resources they need to thrive, no matter their circumstances or identity.
  • Strengthening Democracy: The SPLC works to protect, expand and uplift the voting and civic engagement rights of communities of color across the nation. Through legal action, policy, education and partnerships with local groups and organizers, we help strengthen the political power of those targeted by voting restrictions and structural barriers to fair representation. We envision a thriving, multiracial democracy for all Americans — a nation where every voice counts.

We're based in Montgomery, Alabama and have offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Miami and Tallahassee, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and Washington, DC.

About the Role

What You'll Do

Serving as a member of the SPLC’s senior executive team, the EVP, Chief of Operations will be responsible for overseeing the operational departments of the SPLC and ensuring collaboration, coordination and impact. The EVP/ COO will work to advance our strategic plan and vision, collaborating with the leaders managing the SPLC’s operational departments. They will also support strengthening the systems, policies and processes of the organization to coordinate activities across teams and build alignment across departments. The EVP/ COO will play a critical role in assessing risk and leading mitigation strategies for the organization.

Strategic Leadership

  • Provide strategic counsel to the President/CEO and executive leadership team; foster organization-wide collaboration and serve as a thought partner by helping to set and enable strategic priorities.
  • Lead cross-departmental efforts and ensure ongoing communication and coordination, centering our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in all work streams.
  • Lead the organization’s efforts to create a positive working environment reflecting organizational values; implement initiatives to develop leadership skills and establish accountability mechanisms for leadership.
  • Support the EVP, Chief of Programs and Innovation in preparing and managing weekly Executive Team and Leadership Team meetings, bi-monthly joint ET/LT meetings, quarterly meetings between the JEDI team and the leadership teams, and all leadership retreats.
  • Ensure leadership meetings align with strategic priorities, and that there is clear ownership and follow-through on projects and initiatives.

Operational Leadership

  • Oversee a high-performing executive team, providing mentoring, coaching, and accountability to the leaders managing the Information, Development, Finance and Administration, and Human Resources, Security and JEDI departments. Ensure integration across all departments and teams.
  • Represent operational team interests in strategic planning and problem-solving processes, while acting as a steward for overall organizational health and sustainability. 
  • Develop and implement operational strategies, structures, policies, and procedures to support the organization's mission and goals; support the prioritization of strategies and tactics to advance organizational goals. 
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, standards and best practices. 
  • Facilitate and enable timely decision-making, removing roadblocks and enabling teams to work effectively toward strategic objectives. 

Risk Management

  • Identify and mitigate operational risks to ensure the organization's sustainability and resilience. 
  • Develop and maintain contingency plans and crisis management. 

Who You'll Work With

  • You will report to the SPLC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Margaret Huang.
  • You will manage the Chief Information Officer, Chief Development Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief of People and Culture, and will oversee a total team of roughly 140.
  • You will collaborate closely with the full leadership team, staff at all levels, the Board, and key external stakeholders.

Required Skills and Experience

Related work experience:

  • Minimum of fifteen (15) years in leadership roles with a track record of success managing executives and leading organizational change, with at least seven (7) years managing, developing, mentoring or supporting a diverse and high-performing executive team. Non-profit management experience preferred.
  • Significant experience centering JEDI (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion) values in your approach to leadership and working with organizations to manifest these values in the workplace.
  • Exceptional relationship-building skills with a track record of cultivating strong working relationships across staff and stakeholders at all levels of an organization, with a range of beliefs and identities.
  • Demonstrated success developing culture, systems, and processes to enhance high levels of collaboration.
  • Proven track record of successful operational and financial management.
  • Professional maturity, with the ability to manage conflict, sensitive information, and complex/divergent interests.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Ability to inspire and motivate staff, the board, and allies to advance a shared vision and communicate that vision to all audiences.
  • Commitment to ideals of justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity (JEDI).
  • Connection to the South, with a deep understanding of the culture, strengths, challenges, and unique attributes of the region.
  • An entrepreneurial, proactive attitude with strong organizational skills.
  • Flexibility to adapt quickly to change and work within an impact-oriented organizational environment.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
  • Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing tasks and demands.
  • Enthusiasm, initiative, and grace under pressure.
  • High level of integrity and commitment to the organization’s mission and values.

Additional Details

Location

This role is based in the South with a preference for candidates located in one of the locations where we have our largest presence: Montgomery, AL or Atlanta, Georgia.

Benefits

As a nonprofit, you might think we are limited in what benefits we can offer. Well, think again. These benefits and perks are available to those who join the Southern Poverty Law Center's dynamic staff.

Learn more about the SPLC's comprehensive benefits here.

 

Comprehensive medical and prescription drug benefits with the majority of the healthcare premium paid by SPLC. Trans-inclusive and transition-related services covered under healthcare benefits. Assisted reproductive treatment also covered.

A comprehensive dental plan that is fully paid by SPLC. Low out-of-pocket cost for vision benefits, including eye exams, glasses or contacts. Premiums are pre-taxed to save you money.

Generous time off, including 4, 5, and 6 weeks per year depending on tenure, and additional time off for 18 paid days per year including the week of July 4th.

Free online, unlimited telehealth visits with board-certified doctors

As a regular employee, you are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Retirement Plan on your date of hire. SPLC matches dollar-for-dollar up to 4% of your annual salary and adds a 6% discretionary contribution to your account.

SPLC is committed to supporting the professional development of their staff through training programs, seminars, conferences, certifications, and workshops. Each employee will be allotted an allowance of $1,500-$2,000 per fiscal year depending on their years of service.

Tuition reimbursement is provided for employer-approved courses up to a lifetime maximum of $15,000. Employees may request 50% of their tuition reimbursement to be paid at the beginning of the course.

12 weeks of paid parental leave upon birth, fostering, or adoption of a child. For employees with less than one year of service, parental leave is prorated in the amount of one week for each month or partial month of service.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The SPLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.

Please Apply

Qualified individuals, please apply at: https://www.splcenter.org/about/careers/jobs

Accessibility Language

SPLC is committed to the inclusion of all qualified individuals in the hiring process, including but not limited to those with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation(s) to participate in the application or interview process, please contact HRrecruit@splcenter.org. 

 

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.

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