gpac | The Recruitment Platform

Chief Operating Officer in Washington

Date Posted: Monday, February 23, 2026

Job Snapshot

Job Description

Our client is looking to identify a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to support firm leadership and oversee day-to-day administrative operations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

This is not a normal C-suite executive role. The firm is seeking a hands-on operational leader who thrives in a professional services environment and understands how to support a structured leadership model that includes a Managing Shareholder, Department Chairs, and Board of Directors.


Position: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

About the Role

The COO will serve as the right hand to the Managing Shareholder, helping ensure the firm’s administrative and operational functions run efficiently and effectively. This individual will play a key role in aligning departments such as HR, IT, Marketing, and Office Management, while supporting leadership with execution, communication, and strategic initiatives.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys being embedded in the day-to-day operations of a firm while also contributing to broader organizational strategy.


Key Responsibilities

Firm Leadership & Board Support

  • Coordinate and prepare materials for Board of Directors and Shareholder meetings
  • Assist with firm-wide planning, including calendars, reporting, and internal initiatives
  • Support leadership decision-making through data gathering and operational insight

Managing Shareholder Partnership

  • Act as a trusted operational partner to the Managing Shareholder
  • Assist with strategic initiatives, internal communications, and firm priorities
  • Support hiring processes, including lateral onboarding and employment tracking
  • Provide reporting on attorney performance and firm metrics

Department & Operational Oversight

  • Support and strengthen administrative functions across HR, IT, Marketing, and Office Operations
  • Act as a liaison between leadership and internal teams to resolve issues and improve workflows
  • Help drive consistency, efficiency, and accountability across departments
  • Assist with client-related administrative processes and internal coordination

Qualifications

  • 10–20 years of operations and administrative leadership experience
  • Background in a law firm strongly preferred, but will consider accounting, engineering, or similar professional services environments
  • Experience working with structured leadership (Managing Partners, Shareholders, Boards)
  • Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a professional services setting

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary Range: $150,000 – $210,000 depending on experience
  • Bonus potential (~10% annually) based on performance
  • Stable, collaborative firm environment
  • Opportunity to play a key role in firm leadership and long-term operations

Why This Role Stands Out

  • True “seat at the table” with firm leadership
  • Hands-on operational impact across the entire firm
  • Ideal for someone who prefers substance over title
  • Strong culture with long-term stability

Interested?

If you're an experienced operations professional ready for a meaningful leadership role, reach out to Chad Calcaterra at gpac for confidential consideration.
📩 Email: chad.calcaterra@gogpac.com
📞 Phone: (605) 401-6992

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.

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