Recently named one of WorkLife’s 50 Best Places to Work and one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, Whalar is a leading global Creator Company.
Whalar empowers creators, brands, and platforms to tap new areas of innovation and drive business growth together. We do this through our six divisions: brand partnerships, talent management, proprietary technology, a creator-centric venture studio, a gaming studio, and a physical campus for creators. As a result, we have the best understanding, the most access, and the earned trust of creators. We're a curious, diverse team of 300 individuals united by one belief: Everything Is Better With Creators.
We Liberate the Creative Voice. We are Whalar.
About the role:
Whalar is looking for a seasoned Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our executive team and play a pivotal role in steering the company's financial and strategic direction, and strategic direction.
The COO will be a key executive team member, working closely with the company's Co-Founders. The COO will oversee and lead the Finance, HR, and Legal functions within the company. This role requires a forward-thinking, strategic leader with a strong background in finance and legal matters and a keen understanding of business operations.
Key Responsibilities:
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Financial Strategy: Oversee and iterate financial strategies and plans to support the company's growth and financial objectives. This includes budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and ensuring financial sustainability. In partnership with the CFO, oversee and iterate.
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Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Lead M&A activities, including target identification, due diligence, negotiations, and integration planning to expand the company's portfolio and capabilities.
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Fundraising: Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including venture capital, private equity, and debt financing, to support the company's growth and investment needs.
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Legal Compliance: Oversee all legal matters, ensuring compliance with regulations, contracts, and agreements. Manage legal risks and guide on legal matters affecting the company.
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Human Resources: Oversee people function, including people ops, DEI, talent acquisition, performance management, compensation, and IT.
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Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the executive team to formulate the company's strategic vision, goals, and initiatives. Provide input and recommendations on business strategy.
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Financial Reporting: Prepare and present financial reports and analyses to the executive team and board of directors. Communicate financial performance and forecasts effectively. In partnership with the CFO, prepare and present.
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Hands-On Leadership: Exhibit a willingness to lead by example, getting hands-on and actively involved in operational aspects rather than remaining in an "ivory tower" leadership style. Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of professionals. Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment, promoting teamwork and employee development.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- MUST be a great human being and team player (see if you fit in)!
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Law, or related field; MBA or JD preferred.
- Proven experience in managing and scaling global mid-size companies.
- Proven experience as a senior executive in a similar role, preferably within marketing and advertising or entertainment and media.
- Strong financial acumen and understanding of financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting.
- Demonstrated success in managing legal affairs, including contracts, compliance, and risk management.
- Experience in M&A transactions and fundraising activities. Bonus points if you have been involved in an IPO.
- Demonstrated success in driving operational efficiency and achieving business objectives.
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and motivate.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking abilities.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Our values:
At Whalar, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) isn't just a statement, it's our collective strength. Our people are our superpower. A diverse team and inclusive leadership have shaped Whalar since our inception in 2016, fueling a constant evolution of growth. We champion a culture of respect and empathy, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends demographics. We hire individuals of all backgrounds and empower them to thrive, challenge stereotypes, and actively break societal barriers.
The perks:
Whalar provides flexible benefits and collaborative work environments/experiences, so employees can work productively in a setting that best and uniquely suits their needs.
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- 25 days of PTO + Sick days + Winter break
- Retirement planning with employer match
- Monthly phone/internet reimbursement
- Professional development stipend
- New joiner Home office allowance
- Fertility benefits
- Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave
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Calm App subscription (Add up to 4 dependents)
- Volunteer days
- Identity theft protection & Legal assistance
- Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
- Extra Voluntary Life Insurance Policy
- Voluntary Hospital and Critical Illness Insurance
- Voluntary Pet insurance
- Employee Resource Groups
Whalar provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Equal opportunity extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including hiring, promotions, training, working conditions, compensation, and benefits.
