Chief Operating Officer

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc.

 

• Reports To: Executive Director

• Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

 

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

 

The Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick is an internationally recognized, 10-mile linear park that seamlessly connects cultural districts, neighborhoods and destinations while also serving as a downtown hub for the city and regional greenway network. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail includes 5 acres of lush gardens, a vibrant public art program and is open and accessible 365 days a year and has become the way by which people experience downtown Indianapolis.

 

The Cultural Trail is managed and operated by Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. (ICTI), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire, create and sustain connections and cultural experiences that are accessible to all. ICTI thoughtfully maintains the 10-mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick and Pacers Bikeshare, the city's bike share program.

 

ICTI is a team of motivated and enthusiastic individuals that takes great pride in what we do with and for the community. We have a flexible work environment and encourage big ideas and creative thinking.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

 

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior leadership role responsible for translating the Indianapolis Cultural Trail’s mission into operational reality. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the COO serves as both a strategic thought partner and a hands-on operational leader — ensuring that the organization's internal infrastructure, programmatic and operational effectiveness, and financial health are aligned to deliver maximum community impact.

 

This strategically focused position will manage the day-to-day operations to ensure that the organization achieves its desired goals and grows its capacity for impact in the future. Bringing a focus on internal systems and structure, the COO will oversee operations, financial strategy, and ensure that all organizational processes and services are high-quality, efficient, effective, and mission focused. This collaborative senior leadership role is for someone who takes pride in ensuring best-in-class organizational and programmatic operations and supports a high functioning and collaborative team.

 

This is an ideal opportunity for a mission-aligned leader who brings programmatic passion, operational excellence, sound financial management and experience building internal structures and in equal measure — someone who can translate a vision into day to day operational effectiveness across the organization. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

 

• Serve as a trusted deputy to the executive director; represent the organization internally and externally as needed

• Contribute to strategic planning processes, translating long-term goals into operational roadmaps with clear milestones

• Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning across the organization

• Lead organization-wide initiatives related to equity, staff development, and operational excellence

 

Financial Management & Stewardship

 

• Own and oversee the full annual operating budget, including forecasting, cash flow management, and variance analysis

• Partner with the CEO and Board Finance Committee to develop multi-year financial strategies that support organizational sustainability and growth

• Lead monthly financial reporting; present clear, accessible financial narratives to the Board of Directors and funders and department heads

• Ensure compliance with GAAP standards, grant financial requirements, and all federal/state nonprofit regulations

• Manage the annual audit process and serve as primary liaison with external auditors and financial institutions

• Oversee payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and financial controls

• Identify and mitigate financial risk; develop and maintain financial and investment policies and processes as needed

 

Programmatic Operations & Oversight

 

• Provide operational leadership and support to all program teams, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and funder commitments

• Establish and monitor key metrics and learning frameworks across programs

• Work alongside program directors to develop and manage program budgets; ensure responsible and compliant use of restricted funds

• Support grant reporting by synthesizing programmatic and financial data into compelling impact narratives

• Drive continuous quality improvement across program delivery — identifying gaps, testing solutions, and scaling what works

• Ensure programs are resourced appropriately and that staff have the operational support needed to do their best work

 

Systems, Technology & Infrastructure

 

• Oversee organizational systems (HRIS, financial software, data/CRM platforms) to ensure efficiency and data integrity

• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and internal controls

• Manage contracts and vendor relationships; ensure adequate insurance coverage and risk management practices

• Oversee facilities and office operations as applicable

 

People Operations & Talent

 

• Oversee HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation, and compliance

• Manage and mentor direct reports; build leadership capacity at all levels

• Champion staff wellbeing, professional development, and an inclusive workplace culture

• Ensure personnel policies are maintained and updated to reflect best practices and legal requirements

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Required

 

• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience, including significant financial management responsibility

• Demonstrated experience managing budgets of $2M or more, ideally in a nonprofit or mission-driven setting

• Deep understanding of nonprofit finance, fund accounting, and grant compliance

• Proven track record overseeing or partnering on programmatic operations

• Strong people management skills with experience leading cross-functional teams

• Exceptional analytical, written, and verbal communication skills — able to make complex financial information accessible to diverse audiences

• Genuine alignment with and commitment to Cultural Trail’s mission and values

 

Preferred

 

• CPA, MBA, or equivalent advanced degree or professional certification

• Experience working with non-profits, government, and/or foundations a plus

• Familiarity with relevant software and platforms including QuickBooks, Google Suite

• Ability to ride a bike

 

Why Join Us

 

• Make a tangible difference in a place thousands of people experience every day

• Work with a passionate, creative team that values innovation and community impact

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience

• Benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan and generous PTO

• Office located along the Cultural Trail in the heart of downtown Indianapolis

 

Work Environment

 

This job is primarily on-site with flexible work options available. The typical work week is Monday through Friday during normal business hours, with occasional after hours and weekend work.

 

Salary

 

$130,000 - $145,000 annually

Competitive benefits package

 

To Apply

 

Please submit your resume and cover letter with “Chief Operating Officer" in the subject line to HR@indyculturaltrail.org explaining why you're drawn to this role and what you'd bring to our team.

 

Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the community we serve.