Third Sector Partners, a cause-connected executive search firm, has been retained by India Autism Center to lead the search for a Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Organization: INDIA AUTISM CENTER

Job Title: CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)

Reports to: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)

Location: SIRAKOL, WEST BENGAL

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Introduction:

India Autism Center (IAC) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a comprehensive ecosystem of lifelong support for autistic individuals and their families.

Through residential living, education, skill development, research, clinical support, professional training, advocacy, and community engagement, IAC seeks to enable greater independence, inclusion, dignity, and quality of life for autistic individuals across India.

Read more about India Autism Center’s work at: https://indiaautismcenter.org/

Role Overview:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be responsible for leading and executing the day-to-day operations of India Autism Center (IAC), ensuring that every operational function of the organisation works seamlessly, efficiently, safely, and in alignment with IAC's mission.

Working closely with the CEO, the COO will convert strategic priorities into executable operational plans while building robust systems, disciplined governance, financial prudence, and a high-performance culture across the organisation.

The role will oversee institutional operations including residential services, facilities management, administration, security, hospitality, food services, infrastructure, procurement, compliance, technology adoption, people development, government liaison, community engagement, and cross-functional operational coordination.

The COO will ensure that every operational function enables the organisation to provide safe, dignified, efficient, and high-quality services for autistic individuals, families, employees, partners, and visitors.

Key Responsibilities:

· Institutional Operations & Execution

· Campus Operations & Facilities Management

· Safety, Security & Emergency Preparedness

· Operational Excellence, Systems & Automation

· Financial Stewardship & Cost Optimisation

· Compliance & Government Liaison

· People Leadership & Organisational Culture

· Workforce Capability Development & Sensitisation

· Residential & Service Quality

· Community Development & Social Impact

· Strategic Growth & Institutional Development

Note:



The roles and responsibilities outlined above are not meant to be an exhaustive list of tasks.

The need for flexibility is required and the job holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within the employee's skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed.

Key Outcomes The successful candidate will be expected to achieve the following outcomes:

· A safe, secure, efficient, and well-managed residential campus operating at the highest standards.

· Operational infrastructure that supports the organisation's phased expansion while remaining accessible, sustainable, and future-ready.

· A campus ecosystem that consistently enables autistic individuals to live with dignity, develop independence, acquire lifelong skills, and thrive in alignment with IAC's philosophy of "Live, Learn, Evolve."

· Operational systems that consistently deliver quality, reliability, accountability, and service excellence.

· Seamless coordination across all organisational departments.

· Strong financial discipline through effective cost optimisation and responsible resource utilisation.

· Increased operational efficiency through automation, AI, and technology-enabled processes.

· Full statutory and regulatory compliance with effective government and local authority relationships.

· A highly engaged workforce demonstrating strong organisational values, teamwork, professionalism, and a service-oriented mindset.

· Mandatory autism sensitisation and role-specific learning programmes implemented across the organisation.

· High levels of resident, family, employee, donor, and stakeholder satisfaction.

· Strong community partnerships that positively impact neighbouring communities and strengthen IAC's local presence.

· Robust operational readiness supporting future institutional growth, expansion, and multi-campus operations.

Must Haves:

· Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Healthcare Management, Public Administration, Infrastructure Management, Social Sector Management, or a related discipline.





· Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience with at least 8–10 years in senior operations leadership roles.

· Demonstrated experience managing large and complex institutional operations including facilities, administration, hospitality, infrastructure, security, and cross-functional teams.

· Proven experience building operational systems, governance frameworks, and scalable organisational processes.

· Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, cost optimisation, procurement oversight, and operational decision-making.

· Experience working with Government Departments, statutory authorities, regulators, and external agencies.

· Experience leading organisational transformation, technology adoption, and operational automation initiatives.

· Strong leadership, problem-solving, negotiation, and execution capabilities.

· Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

· Willingness to travel as required.

Preferable:

· Experience in disability services, healthcare, higher education, residential institutions, hospitality, or other mission-driven organisations.

· Exposure to greenfield campus development or large institutional setup projects.

· Experience implementing digital transformation, ERP platforms, AI-enabled operational systems, or smart campus initiatives.

· Familiarity with quality management systems, risk management, business continuity planning, and institutional governance.

· Experience working with Boards, donors, CSR partners, and funding agencies.

· Strong understanding of service excellence frameworks within residential or community-based environments.

Growth Prospect:

· This role offers the chance to build and lead the operational foundation of one of India's most ambitious autism-focused institutions.

· As IAC expands into a multi-disciplinary and multi-location ecosystem, the COO will play a pivotal role in shaping institutional excellence, operational innovation, community impact, and sustainable organisational growth while establishing benchmarks for inclusive residential and support services in India.

Third Sector Partners is a pioneering cause-connected executive search firm and has been retained for this position. Interested candidates can send in their CVs along with three references and a cover note to [email protected]. The last date to send in your application is August 5th 2026.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

📌 Chief Operating Officer (Kolkata Metropolitan Area)
🏢 Third Sector Partners
📍 Kolkata Metropolitan Area