Chief Operating Officer

XPRIZE Overview 
XPRIZE is an established global leader in designing and executing large-scale competitions to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. As a 501(c)3, our unique model democratizes innovation by incentivizing crowd-sourced, scientifically viable solutions to create a more equitable and abundant future for all.  Since our founding in 1994, we’ve launched $519 million in prize competitions that are driving more than $31 billion in social and economic impact — a 60x return on philanthropic investment. These competitions not only de-risk early-stage breakthrough ideas but also mobilize capital, talent, and momentum to accelerate solutions from concept to real-world scale.

We operate across 5 areas of impact, including: 
Deep Tech + Exploration
Energy + Climate + Nature
Food + Water + Waste
Health
Learning + Society
Join XPRIZE to help create meaningful impact as we strive to empower humanity to achieve breakthroughs and architect a more equitable and abundant future for all.
 Position Description 
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a core member of XPRIZE’s executive leadership team and a strategic partner to the CEO. This role exists to ensure that XPRIZE’s internal operating systems, infrastructure, and governance are strong, scalable, and mission‑aligned, enabling the organization to deliver bold, audacious prizes at global scale. 
The COO oversees XPRIZE’s enterprise operations, including Information Technology, People & Culture (HR), Finance, and Legal/Business Affairs, ensuring that these functions operate as integrated enablers of impact rather than isolated support teams. The COO brings rigor, clarity, and accountability to how XPRIZE runs, while protecting the creativity, experimentation, and entrepreneurial spirit that define the organization. 
This is a builder‑leader role suited for an executive who thrives in complexity, can scale systems without bureaucracy, and knows how to balance innovation with operational discipline.
 Reporting & Scope
Reports directly to the CEO 
Serves as a peer to Domain Leaders and other executive leaders 
Oversees senior leaders responsible for IT, People & Culture (HR), Finance, and Legal/Business Affairs 
Acts as a key liaison to the Board and relevant committees (e.g., Audit, Finance, Risk) 
 
Responsibilities
Enterprise Operations Leadership 
Own the design, integration, and continuous improvement of XPRIZE’s operating model across IT, HR, Finance, and Legal 
Ensure systems, policies, and processes scale effectively as XPRIZE grows in size, complexity, and global reach 
Establish clear decision rights, accountability, and performance expectations across operational functions 
Ensure clear and efficient cross functional alignment across the organization 
Translate strategy into executable operating plans, metrics, and rhythms 
Finance & Business Operations 
Provide executive oversight of financial strategy, planning, and performance 
Partner with Finance leadership on budgeting, forecasting, cash‑flow management, and long‑range financial modeling, monthly and quarterly reporting for the board, sponsors, and internal programs
Ensure strong internal controls, audit readiness, and compliance with nonprofit and regulatory requirements 
Support the CEO and Board with clear, decision‑ready financial insights 
Oversee enterprise performance metrics and dashboards, insight driven reporting tied to organizational priorities 
People & Culture (HR) 
Oversee the People & Culture function to ensure XPRIZE attracts, develops, and retains world‑class talent 
Ensure compensation, performance management, talent development, and succession planning are aligned with strategy 
Champion a high‑performance, values‑driven culture with clear expectations and accountability 
Ensure compliance with employment laws and best practices across jurisdictions 
Serve as a thought partner to the CEO and executive team on organizational design, leadership effectiveness, and culture evolution 
Legal, Risk & Governance 
Oversee legal and business affairs, including contracts, leases, intellectual property considerations, and regulatory compliance 
Ensure appropriate risk management practices, insurance coverage, and vendor oversight 
Partner with external counsel as needed while maintaining internal discipline and efficiency 
Support Board operations, governance processes, and committee work in partnership with the CEO 
Information Technology & Systems 
Oversee enterprise IT strategy, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data governance 
Ensure technology systems enable collaboration, scalability, security, and operational efficiency 
Champion thoughtful adoption of new tools, automation, and AI‑enabled systems where they meaningfully enhance performance 
Strategic Planning & Execution 
Partner with the CEO and executive team to shape and operationalize XPRIZE’s strategic priorities 
Build systems for tracking execution, progress, and organizational health 
Ensure cross‑functional alignment and remove operational friction that slows impact 
Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness 
Lead, coach, and develop senior operational leaders 
Build a culture of ownership, clarity, and continuous improvement 
Act as a stabilizing force during periods of rapid growth, change, or ambiguity 
Model calm, decisive leadership and strong judgment under pressure 
 Key Outcomes & Measures of Success
Scalable, integrated operational systems that support growth without bureaucracy 
Clear financial visibility, discipline, and sustainability 
High trust and effectiveness across IT, HR, Finance, and Legal functions 
Strong leadership bench and organizational clarity 
Positive feedback from the CEO, executive team, and Board on operational effectiveness 
 Ideal Candidate Profile
Experience & Background 
15+ years of progressive senior leadership experience, including enterprise operations oversight 
Demonstrated experience scaling organizations (nonprofit, for‑profit, or hybrid environments) 
Direct experience overseeing Finance, HR, IT, and Legal/Business Affairs functions 
Strong financial acumen; experience with budgeting, forecasting, and organizational metrics 
Prior experience working with Boards and Board committees 
MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred; CPA or similar credential a plus 
Leadership Attributes 
Systems thinker who sees how people, process, and technology fit together 
Comfortable operating in ambiguity while driving clarity and execution 
High integrity, sound judgment, and strong executive presence 
Ability to balance discipline with creativity and speed 
Collaborative, direct, and trusted partner to the CEO and executive peers 
Personal Characteristics 
Mission‑driven and inspired by XPRIZE’s purpose 
Calm, steady leader with resilience and adaptability 
Highly organized with strong follow‑through 
Curious, learning‑oriented, and open to new ways of working 
Collaborative Leadership - Builds trust and alignment across diverse teams and stakeholders; fosters a culture of shared purpose 
Team Building and Alignment - Creates and develops strong teams, unites them around a compelling vision and inspires high performance 
Decisive and Action Oriented - Moves ideas into action with urgency while balancing thoughtful risk-taking 
Comfort with Ambiguity - Navigates complexity and uncertainty with resilience, adaptability, and clarity 
Effective Communication - Communicates with professionalism and influence, tailoring style to audiences from engineers and scientists to global executives and lay people 
Strategic Planning and Execution - Aligns resources and priorities; sets clear goals and ensures accountability 
Global Mindset - Operates with cultural awareness and perspective; experienced and comfortable engaging with international partners 
Intellectual Curiosity - Approaches challenges with curiosity, creativity, and a passion for continuous learning 
Data-Driven Results Orientation - Establishes metrics, analyzes outcomes, and drives measurable impact 
Situational Agility - Adapts quickly to evolving circumstances, demonstrating judgment, diplomacy, and presence 
Talent Developer - Builds, mentors, and sustains high-performing, engaged teams 
 The anticipated base salary for this position is $330,000 to $400,000 and may also qualify for an annual incentive.

This role is eligible for our extensive benefits package and generous paid time off including vacation, sick, and holidays. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors including the qualifications of the individual applicant, years of relevant experience for the role, level of education attained, and certifications and/or other licenses held. XPRIZE is a remote-first environment.

The XPRIZE FOUNDATION is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate in employment. Equal access to employment, services, and programs is available to all persons. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the organization. 
Please note: Though submitting a resume to the XPRIZE FOUNDATION implies that you are interested in a position(s), it does not imply that you are an applicant.

You are not considered an applicant until you have been contacted directly by a Talent Acquisitions representative requesting that you begin the designated application process, which may involve phone and/or in-person interview(s), job-related testing, and background checks.