Job Description

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS)

About the Organization

Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, Inc. (VETS) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the veteran suicide epidemic by expanding access to innovative mental health treatments for U.S. military veterans. Founded by veterans and advocates, VETS addresses the invisible wounds of war by working at the intersection of resources, research, and advocacy.

Through strategic partnerships, policy engagement, and direct support programs, VETS is accelerating access to emerging therapies—including psychedelic-assisted treatments—that show promise in treating PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), addiction, and other complex mental health challenges.

The organization has experienced significant national growth in recent years, raising more than $6 million in the past year alone—its highest fundraising total to date. With a growing national footprint, strong philanthropic momentum, and increasing visibility, VETS is entering a critical next phase of scaling its impact.

Operating with an entrepreneurial spirit and a deeply mission-driven culture, VETS brings together a passionate team, national advisors, and strategic partners committed to creating meaningful change for veterans and their families.

The Opportunity

VETS is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join its executive leadership team and help guide the organization through its next phase of growth.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will play a central role in translating strategic priorities into operational execution. This leader will oversee the organization’s operational infrastructure, internal systems, and cross-functional coordination to ensure alignment, efficiency, and accountability across all areas of the organization.

The COO will partner closely with the CEO, Chief of Staff, and senior leadership team to strengthen internal processes, scale organizational capacity, and support the continued expansion of VETS’ three core pillars: Resources, Research, and Advocacy .

This is a unique opportunity for an operational leader who thrives in high-growth environments and is energized by building systems, empowering teams, and driving measurable impact in a mission-critical organization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Execution

• Partner with executive leadership to translate strategy into actionable operational plans
• Drive alignment across teams to ensure effective execution of organizational priorities
• Monitor performance against strategic goals and ensure accountability across functions

Operational Infrastructure & Systems

• Oversee internal operations, including systems, workflows, and organizational processes
• Strengthen operational infrastructure to support continued growth and scalability
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and systems that improve efficiency and coordination

Program & Initiative Oversight

• Ensure effective execution of programmatic initiatives across resources, research, and advocacy
• Support cross-functional collaboration and project management across departments
• Identify opportunities to scale high-impact programs and expand reach

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead and support key department heads, including Programs, Operations, and Research & Education
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and mission alignment
• Support organizational design, staffing strategy, and team development as the organization grows

Performance Management & Planning

• Establish and track KPIs to measure organizational and programmatic success
• Provide regular updates and insights to executive leadership and the Board
• Support annual planning processes and long-term organizational forecasting

Financial & Resource Alignment

• Partner with finance leadership to support budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation
• Ensure financial decisions align with strategic priorities and operational needs
• Identify opportunities for operational efficiency and resource optimization

Compliance & Risk Management

• Support adherence to nonprofit governance, regulatory requirements, and best practices
• Maintain strong internal controls and support audit and compliance processes
• Identify and mitigate operational risks to ensure long-term sustainability

External Engagement

• Represent VETS in select external meetings, partnerships, and strategic initiatives
• Collaborate with advisors, consultants, and partners to advance organizational goals

Ideal Candidate Profile

VETS is seeking a mission-driven and entrepreneurial leader with a strong operational background and a passion for serving veterans.

The ideal candidate will bring a proven ability to build and scale systems within a growing organization, while also leading with empathy, clarity, and accountability.

Core Qualifications:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in operations, organizational management, or nonprofit leadership
• Proven success translating strategy into execution in complex or high-growth environments
• Strong systems-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities
• Exceptional leadership and team development skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving organization
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Experience working with executive teams and Boards of Directors
• Familiarity with nonprofit governance and operational best practices

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience
• Experience building operational systems, KPIs, and organizational planning frameworks
• Financial management and budgeting experience
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Personal connection to or deep commitment to the veteran community is highly valued

Location

VETS is headquartered in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with office space in Southlake, TX. There is a strong preference for the COO to be based in the DFW area; however, hybrid or remote arrangements may be considered for an exceptional candidate.

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