Chief Operating Officer (COO)

About PFM

PFM is a leading public sector consultant and financial advisor comprised of PFM Financial Advisors LLC, PFM Group Consulting LLC and PFM Solutions LLC, along with other affiliates (collectively, PFM). PFM provides advisory and consulting services nationally to the public sector, including states, local governments, K-12 school districts, public utilities, transportation authorities, higher education institutions and non-profits.

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A portion of PFM's business is subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Municipal Securities Rule Making Board (MSRB).

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PFM has been providing advisory services to our clients for over 50 years.

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PFM has approximately 350 employees and is privately owned by its partners. We have offices in markets across the country.

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The Position

The COO reports directly to PFM’s CEO and works in collaboration with various standing partner committees such as Finance, Risk, and Human Resources to ensure the firm’s operations effectively support strategic priorities. They will also work closely with PFM’s Chief Legal Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer.

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The COO will be responsible for leading the operations of PFM’s four core central services functions. In the role, they will be a hands-on “doer” and problem solver as well as a strategist. The COO will have demonstrated senior executive skills and the ability to oversee financial management, budgeting, human resources, technology, facilities management and marketing and communications to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

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The COO will be responsible for ensuring continuity of operations at PFM. Additionally, the COO will coordinate and partner with the CEO and firm leaders to evolve systems as needed to enable and support PFMers in achieving short and long-term business goals.

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This is a strategic, engaging, and dynamic senior position where the right candidate will lead the operations team in providing efficient, effective, and innovative services to support the partnership of 47 managing directors and staff as the organization moves into its next 50 years.

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A collaborative leader who can serve as a change agent, when necessary, in a multi-stakeholder environment will be successful in this job.

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Responsibilities

• Lead the operations of PFM’s central services functions  
• The COO will have oversight for a group of senior managers who have responsibility for the IT, HR, Marketing and Communications and financial operations of PFM  
• The COO will play a central role in supporting succession planning and senior leadership development efforts across PFM  
• As a consulting business operating across all domestic time zones, flexibility as it relates to COO availability will be important  
• Travel to other offices and meetings will be necessary

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Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.  
• At least 10+ years of experience in operations, business management, or a related field, ideally within financial or professional services, with progressive leadership experience and a track record of increasing responsibility.

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Location

The successful candidate could be based in Arlington, Virginia or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with strong preference for Arlington, Virgina where the CEO is based. A regular presence in the Philadelphia office, where the headquarters and core operations teams are located, will be expected.

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Compensation

PFM offers a comprehensive benefits package. This includes flexible paid time off, tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, a 401(k)-retirement plan with employer match and annual profit-sharing opportunity, medical, dental and vision insurance, health and wellness benefits, and disability and life insurance.

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The anticipated base salary for this position is $177,000 to $200,000. This position is also eligible for annual performance-based bonuses. Actual compensation is influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, experience, qualifications and geographic location.