How Can a Fractional COO Help My Business?

Employees and volunteers for nonprofit organizations are often spread too thin. This means that the leader of these teams needs to be the chief executive officer (CEO), chief information officer (CIO), chief financial officer (CFO), and chief operating officer (COO), all rolled into one. In some instances a fractional executive can serve primarily as a new set of experienced eyes and ears for your organization. You are down in the trenches every single day, and this new support can open your team to a whole new world of opportunities. You get the point: these organizations need help, and a fractional executive can be just the answer they are looking for. 

The passionate team at Computers in Ministry (CIM) understands these organizations’ pain points, which has motivated us to create this guide on fractional executive services and fractional COO services to answer the question of “Why is a COO important for a nonprofit?” 

What Does a Fractional COO Do?

It is not uncommon for someone within a nonprofit organization to perform the duties of a fractional chief operating officer without having the title. So, what do they really do? A fractional executive of any kind is someone who performs the roles of an executive (a COO in this case) for a short-term or in a part-time manner. This person takes over a portion of business operations as a consultant, lending perspective from their  experience at the executive level in their previous roles. 

So, what are a few of the COO roles and responsibilities they would be performing for a fraction of the time?

• Analyze internal operations and flag areas that are in need of improvement.
• Develop thorough strategies that align with the full-time executive team’s short-term and long-term goals.
• Leads coordination with human resources, legal, sales, marketing, manufacturing, accounting, IT, and other departments.

How Does a COO Influence Strategy?

The CEO and COO are the two roles most responsible for leading a team down a specific path for the future. As nonprofits are not about turning a profit, a fractional COO would then prioritize their time for leadership and management procedures. This ensures the team is taking the most comprehensive approach to creating quality, efficient, and stellar outcomes for its donors/target audience. Now, let’s dive deep into the strategic areas that a COO would impact at a nonprofit.

• Alignment: Fractional or full-time, a COO will work tirelessly to ensure that all day-to-day projects are aligned with the nonprofit’s overall mission. While the CEO is seen as the person who “runs” the organization, it is often the duty of the COO to keep the other leaders in line, which then ensures everyone else can follow suit on their work. 
• Cultivate Talent: A COO can only be as successful as the people they lead, and a large focus on their strategic endeavors should be on identifying the best talent and investing in them. As we already know, nonprofits do not always have the resources to hire more talent, which means investing in the team members that go above and beyond will allow for greater expansion of the organization. This investment can allow for departments to take on larger projects, which allow for strategic plans to shift and flourish. 
• Operational Budget: While the CFO is the one who handles the high-level finances within an organization, the COO will figure out the operational budget and submit it for approval. They are then responsible for ensuring that the team stays within that allotted amount. If the COO does not create a budget that does not factor in the real needs of the organization, it can lead to a poor quarter or year. 

What Size Company Needs a COO?

At first glance, the role of a COO seems like something that only a Fortune 500 company attempting to pump up the price of the stock would need, but nonprofits are just as likely to need the services of a COO. The responsibilities and importance of the role might not change depending on the size of the organization, but the scope of the position could shift for a fractional COO.

The choice for a nonprofit to establish this position within the organization will ultimately depend on where the business as a whole is in its evolution and where it will grow in the future. The wonderful news is that CIM is ready to work with your organization regardless of size. We help ensure that your organization receives the hands-on training, structural support, and methodologies to help your nonprofit thrive for years to come.

CIM: Nonprofits’ Next Best Partner

While our company does not offer direct COO services, we have vast experience dealing with executive leadership challenges in the nonprofit sector. In lieu of acting as your COO, we are able to offer extensive training services and industry certifications to ensure that the leadership at your organization is able to handle anything that comes your way. 

If, even after browsing our services, you don’t feel that we offer exactly what you are looking for, all hope is not lost. We can design a custom partnership agreement that fits into your model perfectly. We love thinking outside of the box, solving pain, and innovating.

To get started on this new journey, contact us today.