Chief Operating Officer

Position Overview

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure the seamless administration of the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association (NCSFA) and all benefits and programs offered to its membership.

The COO reports directly to the Executive Director and ensures the organization operates effectively and efficiently in alignment with its mission, vision, and statutory responsibilities. This position leads key initiatives in finance, member services, benefits administration, compliance, and organizational development. The COO shall have the ability to serve as the acting director in the absence of the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Administration

• Under the direction of the Executive Director, oversees the daily operations of programs and benefits offered to the membership of the NCSFA and affiliated entities to ensure continuity and compliance.
• Supervises Finance Director and Accounting Specialist, manage corporate documents and leases, insurance policies, scholarships and grants, all legal and administrative records. Manage staff policies, cyber security, IT contracts, vehicle insurance & maintenance, workers compensation, property & casualty insurance, other asset repair and replacement as needed.
• Supervise finance staff performance and evaluate staff annually.

Program Oversight & Member Services

• Serve as a subject matter expert on all member benefits, insurances, and Fire & Rescue Pension.
• Manage the Firefighter Cancer Benefit Program, Line of Duty Death benefits, and supplemental insurance programs.
• Manage Scholarships and Grants
• Prepares reports for benefits partners; OSFM, etc.
• Assists with Roster Management and works with fire chiefs to ensure compliance.

Finance & Compliance

• Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to ensure financial integrity across all NCSFA funds.
• Oversee budget planning, audit preparation, and fiscal policy implementation.
• Manage and monitor contracts, requests for proposals, and capital expenditures.
• Maintain compliance with state and federal statutes related to financial reporting and firefighter benefit programs.
• Reviews and reports to the Executive Director all department finance reports, audits, and compliance documents.
• Review finance reports prepared by the CFO and staff for board meetings, etc.
• Maintains personnel handbook and board manuals.
• Oversees payment of association operations invoices
• Responsible for requests for proposals for replacement of office equipment, awarding of contracts, vehicle purchase and maintenance, warranties, other.

Communications & External Relations

• Serve as a liaison to partner organizations including OSFM, NCAFC, VFIS, and other key stakeholders.
• Assist Executive Director with legislative initiatives.
• Deliver presentations to partners, fire departments, and other affiliates as needed.
• Serves on boards and committees to support membership
• Manages office equipment and assets, contracts, etc.
• Serves as Administrator for Advance Firefighter Certification
• Serves as third-party administrator for Fire Officer III program and Fire & Life Safety Educators Conference

Conferences & Events

• Assists with the coordination of the annual SAFRE Conference and other major events.

Education & Experience

• Minimum of an associate’s degree from a regionally accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Knowledge of the fire service preferred but not required.
• Graduate Degree or Certificate Program in Leadership, Management, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Experience in the governance of State, Local Government, or private organization preferred.
• Combination of education and experience in operations management: City, County, or Fire Department management preferred.

Supervisory Controls

The Executive Director sets overall objectives and provides resources. The COO plans and carries out assignments, resolves conflicts, coordinates with others as needed, and interprets policy within established goals and under direction of the Executive Director. Work is reviewed primarily for effectiveness and alignment with the organization’s strategic direction.

Supervision Given

Requires a broad knowledge of management practices to oversee multiple organizational units and supervise finance staff.

Complexity & Scope

The position involves managing diverse and complex administrative, financial, and operational functions. The COO’s work has significant impact on NCSFA’s strategic goals, compliance, and member services statewide.

Personal Contacts & Purpose

Regular contact with fire chiefs, local and state officials, vendors, professional organizations, and public representatives. The purpose is to build consensus, negotiate agreements, and advance NCSFA’s mission through leadership and collaboration.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Moderate physical activity includes travel, standing, and lifting items under 25 lbs. Work is typically in an office or meeting environment, with occasional travel to conferences and site visits statewide.

Other

This description is intended to outline primary responsibilities and qualifications. It does not restrict the Executive Director’s authority to assign or modify duties as organizational needs evolve.

Additional Information

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for the position is $84,730 -151,904. The starting salary is commensurate with education and experience. The NCSFA offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, a 401k retirement savings plan, an annual service bonus based on years of service, paid vacation based on years of service, and sick leave.

TO APPLY:

Please submit the following BY MAIL to Barry A Overman, Executive Director, NCSFA, 323 West Jones Street, Suite 401, Raleigh, NC 27603.

• Resume, including work history, education and training, personal information, and 3 verifiable references.
• Submit a cover letter summarizing education and experience related to this position.
• Resumes and cover letters must be submitted and received at the office by January 15, 2026.
• The Board will invite successful semi-finalists to interview and/or skill evaluations following the completion of the application period, with final interviews as needed.
• Direct inquiries to Barry A Overman, 919-821-2132.

The NCSFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.