CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Sage Credit Union

$381M Assets

Klamath Falls, OR

Sage Credit Union is growing, and with that growth comes an exciting opportunity to shape the future of member service across a community-focused organization. To support this next chapter, Sage has created a new executive leadership role, Chief Operations Officer (COO).

The Chief Operations Officer will serve as a key partner to the CEO and executive team, helping guide Sage through a period of expansion while ensuring the organization continues to deliver exceptional service to members and communities. Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will provide both strategic direction and operational leadership across branch operations, facilities, and the infrastructure that supports Sage’s daily operations.

This role is both visionary and hands-on. The COO will help lead key initiatives, including branch expansion, facility remodels, and operational readiness for new markets. As the organization continues to grow, the COO will also play a critical role in building the operational leadership structure needed for the future, including developing a regional model with directors overseeing key areas of the organization.

The ideal candidate is a builder, collaborator, and problem solver who enjoys rolling up their sleeves to get things done while keeping an eye on the bigger picture. They are energized by the opportunity to strengthen systems, develop leaders, and help shape the operational foundation of a growing credit union.

This is an opportunity for a leader who thrives in a rural, entrepreneurial environment, values strong relationships, and is passionate about helping a mission-driven organization grow while remaining deeply connected to the communities it serves.

Key Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership for credit union operations, including branch operations and operational support functions.

Ensure a consistent, high-quality member experience across all branch locations.

Partner with the CEO and executive team to translate strategic priorities into operational execution.

Lead the development of scalable processes and systems to support organizational growth.

Oversee operational readiness for branch expansion, facility remodels, and new location development.

Develop and mentor operational leaders while strengthening the credit union’s leadership structure.

Foster a culture of operational excellence, continuous improvement, and relationship-focused member service.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Sage Credit Union is seeking a leader who combines operational rigor with curiosity, humility, and strong interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will be:

A strategic thinker and operational builder

A strong listener and thoughtful communicator

A problem-solver who asks insightful questions

A leader who develops others and builds teams

Comfortable in an environment where action and execution are valued

Sage Credit Union values character and ability over pedigree and welcomes candidates from diverse professional backgrounds.

Experience and Qualifications

Senior leadership experience in financial institutions, operations, facilities, project management, or organizational leadership.

Experience overseeing multi-location operations or regional teams.

Demonstrated ability to lead organizational growth and operational change.

Experience managing complex projects such as facility expansions, renovations, or operational transformations.

Experience developing leaders and building high-performing teams.

Experience in financial services, credit unions, or banking is not required.

Location and Travel

This role is based in rural Southeastern Oregon and supports a geographically distributed branch network. The position requires regular travel between branch communities, some of which are several hours apart. This role offers the opportunity to serve rural communities where relationships matter deeply and where the credit union plays an important role in supporting members and local economies.

Why Sage Credit Union

Sage Credit Union believes in the kind of service that comes only through a local institution, where every single person is a member — not a number. Their staff have roots, and care about the people they work with, both as members of the credit union and as members of their community.

So they listen with purpose and bring creativity to challenges, demonstrate integrity, and deliver a structure of financial products and services to help members explore the scope of what’s possible.

Sage’s guiding principles are to always listen to understand, think with creativity, and act with integrity.

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $170,000 to $210,000 annually, with eligibility for an annual incentive bonus of up to 20%. Actual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, skills, internal equity, and organizational needs. The base salary may vary above or below the stated amounts, as permitted by applicable law. This position is also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package.

ABOUT DDJ MYERS, an ALM First Company

DDJ Myers is the executive search consultant for this organization. Our expertise is in supporting leadership teams in sustainable practices for high-performing organizations through succession planning, leadership development programs, executive coaching, board governance and renewal, and executive search. Please learn more about us at www.ddjmyers.com.