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 Technology + 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 Finance, People & Culture (Human Resources), 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 People & Culture (Human Resources), 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 Finance, Legal and Human Resources
• 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

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 the 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, 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

Why Work at XPRIZE:
In addition to working for a mission-driven company that catalyzes industries, pushes innovation forward, and is creating an abundant and equitable future, we offer the following benefits:

• Remote-first environment (must live and work in the United States)
• Quarterly company-paid All-Hands meetings in Los Angeles for frequent in-person collaboration
• Employee and dependent medical, dental, and vision options
• A 401(K) program with employer match
• Ample paid time off, including vacation, floating holidays, sick days, and company-paid holidays
• An Employee Assistance Program for confidential, professional support with personal, family, or other challenges
• Employee stipends/reimbursements for cell phone, internet, health & wellbeing, and learning & development
• Generous Paid Parental Leave for all employees welcoming a new child to their family
• One meeting-free block per week and four focus weeks per year to ensure uninterrupted time for strategic projects

The anticipated base salary for this position is $325,000 to $375,000 and may also qualify for an annual incentive. This role is eligible for our competitive pay package including base salary and bonus, 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.

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