About Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, Inc. (VETS)

Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, Inc. (VETS) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the veteran suicide epidemic by expanding access to innovative mental health treatments for U.S. military veterans. Founded by veterans and advocates committed to addressing the invisible wounds of war, VETS works at the intersection of resources, research, and advocacy to support veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and other mental health conditions.

Through strategic partnerships, education, policy advocacy, and support programs, VETS seeks to accelerate access to psychedelic-assisted therapies and other emerging treatment options that show promise for healing veterans and improving long-term mental health outcomes. The organization has experienced rapid growth in recent years, fueled by national awareness, major philanthropic support, and the release of a widely viewed documentary that expanded the organization’s reach and donor base.

Today, VETS operates with a small but highly committed team working across the country and engages a broad network of advisors, contractors, and ambassadors. The organization has experienced significant growth in recent years, raising more than $6 million in the past year, its highest fundraising total to date, and expanding its national presence through research initiatives, advocacy, and direct programming.

VETS operates with an entrepreneurial spirit and mission-driven culture, where staff members are deeply connected to the cause and committed to driving meaningful change for veterans and their families.

Position Summary

Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) seeks a dynamic and experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as a key member of the executive leadership team and oversee the organization’s operational infrastructure, internal systems, and cross-functional execution.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will play a central role in ensuring the organization’s strategic priorities are effectively translated into operational execution. This leader will oversee day-to-day organizational operations, guide internal systems development, and support department leaders to ensure the organization operates with clarity, alignment, and accountability.

The COO will work closely with the CEO, Chief of Staff, and senior leadership team to strengthen internal processes, scale organizational infrastructure, and ensure the continued growth and sustainability of VETS’ programs and initiatives. The role will also oversee operational alignment across programmatic initiatives, internal operations, and organizational planning to ensure the organization’s three primary pillars—Resources, Research, and Advocacy—are effectively supported.

VETS operates in a fast-paced and mission-driven environment that requires leaders who are highly adaptable, entrepreneurial, and capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously. The COO must be comfortable working in a high-growth organization where systems continue to evolve and where leaders must both think strategically and roll up their sleeves to execute.

This role presents a unique opportunity for an operational leader to help shape the next phase of growth for a nationally recognized nonprofit organization addressing one of the most urgent issues facing the veteran community today. VETS is headquartered in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with office space located in Southlake. There is a strong preference for the COO to be based in the DFW area, but hybrid or remote arrangements may be considered for the candidate of choice.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership and Strategic Execution

• The COO will partner closely with the CEO and executive leadership team to ensure the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, and operational initiatives are executed effectively. This includes translating strategic plans into actionable operational frameworks, ensuring alignment across teams, and driving organizational accountability for key initiatives.
• The COO will play a central role in monitoring organizational performance, tracking progress against strategic objectives, and ensuring cross-departmental collaboration to advance the organization’s mission and growth goals.

Operational Oversight and Organizational Infrastructure

• The COO will oversee the organization’s operational infrastructure and ensure that internal systems, processes, and workflows support the continued growth and effectiveness of VETS.
• This includes managing internal operational functions such as organizational systems, technology platforms, data infrastructure, and internal operational processes. The COO will work closely with the Director of Operations and other operational leaders to identify opportunities to streamline workflows, increase operational efficiency, and improve coordination across departments.
• The COO will also oversee the development and implementation of standard operating procedures and internal policies that support operational excellence and organizational scalability.

Program and Initiative Management

• Working closely with program leadership, the COO will oversee the operational execution of the organization’s programmatic initiatives across its core pillars of resources, research, and advocacy.
• The COO will ensure programs are implemented effectively, timelines are met, and internal teams remain aligned around organizational goals and priorities. This includes supporting the coordination of programmatic initiatives, managing operational aspects of cross-departmental projects, and ensuring teams have the resources necessary to succeed.
• The COO will also work with leadership to identify opportunities to scale successful programs and expand the organization’s impact.

Team Leadership and Organizational Culture

• The COO will provide leadership and operational support to department heads and team members, helping build a collaborative, high-performing organizational culture rooted in accountability, transparency, and mission alignment. This role will directly manage the Director of Programs, Director of Operations, and Director of Research & Education.
• The COO will support organizational design and capacity planning as the organization grows, helping to determine staffing needs, refine roles and responsibilities, and strengthen team communication and collaboration.
• This role requires a leader who can support and empower teams while fostering a culture of initiative, innovation, and shared responsibility for achieving the organization’s mission.



Performance Management and Organizational Planning

• The COO will establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor organizational effectiveness and programmatic outcomes. They will prepare regular reports and operational updates for executive leadership and the Board of Directors, providing insight into organizational progress, operational challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• This leader will also support the development of annual operational plans and assist the executive leadership team in forecasting future organizational needs and priorities.

Financial and Resource Management

• Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer and finance team, the COO will help ensure responsible financial management across the organization.
• This includes supporting budgeting processes, monitoring expenses and resource allocation, and ensuring that financial decisions align with strategic priorities and operational needs. The COO will also help identify opportunities to maximize organizational efficiency and ensure resources are deployed effectively to support mission delivery.

Compliance, Governance, and Risk Management

• The COO will support organizational compliance with nonprofit governance standards, financial oversight requirements, and regulatory obligations. This includes maintaining internal controls, supporting audits and financial reviews, and working with legal and financial advisors to ensure adherence to best practices in nonprofit governance.
• The COO will also help identify potential operational risks and develop mitigation strategies to protect the organization’s long-term sustainability.

External Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• The COO may represent VETS in meetings, partnerships, and strategic discussions with external stakeholders, including philanthropic partners, collaborators, and advocacy coalitions.
• The COO will also support coordination with consultants, advisors, and contractors who play key roles in advancing the organization’s mission.

Candidate Qualifications

VETS seeks a mission-driven and entrepreneurial leader with strong operational experience and a passion for improving the lives of military veterans. Ideal candidates will bring a demonstrated ability to manage organizational operations in a fast-growing environment while building systems and processes that support long-term sustainability.

Qualified candidates will possess:

• A strong commitment to the mission of supporting veteran mental health and advancing innovative treatment solutions
• Significant leadership experience in operations, organizational management, nonprofit leadership, or a related fields
• Demonstrated success translating strategy into operational execution within complex or rapidly growing organizations
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and systems-thinking skills
• Strong leadership and team development capabilities, with the ability to support and empower staff while maintaining accountability
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a high-growth, fast-paced environment
• Experience working with executive leadership teams and Boards of Directors
• Familiarity with nonprofit governance, compliance, and operational best practices

Additional preferred qualifications include:

• Ten or more years of progressive leadership experience in operations, nonprofit management, or organizational leadership
• Experience implementing operational systems, performance metrics, and organizational planning frameworks
• Experience managing budgets and supporting financial oversight
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Personal connection to the veteran community or mission-aligned work is highly valued

POLICY ON PLACEMENT AND RECRUITING

The Batten Group and Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions are equal opportunity employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.

The Batten Group is committed to recruiting, selecting, and placing candidates based on qualifications, merit, and alignment with the mission and values of the organizations we serve.