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Director of Operations

We seek an analytical, independent, and experienced Director of Operations to lead and enhance our financial management, operational processes, legal compliance, and efficiency. This role will be crucial in identifying and addressing operational bottlenecks and making data-backed suggestions for improvement.

The Director of Operations will be a key member of the Executive team, responsible for managing the organization's financial health, optimizing operational processes, ensuring legal compliance, and enhancing overall efficiency. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of finance, process improvement, legal compliance, and operational efficiency in the nonprofit sector.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Management:

  • Develop and oversee the annual budget, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

  • Monitor financial performance, analyze financial data, and provide regular reports to the ED and Board of Directors.

  • Oversee and manage tools for tracking project budgets and integration to organization-wide budgets.

  • Implement and maintain robust financial controls, policies, and procedures to safeguard assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.

  • Manage cash flow, investments, and financial forecasting to ensure the organization’s financial stability.

  • Manage the accounting process, liaise with external accountants, and ensure timely and accurate completion and reporting of all financial transactions, including managing payroll and benefits.

  • Coordinate the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors, and ensure timely completion and compliance with audit recommendations.

  • Identify and pursue opportunities for financial growth and sustainability, including grants, donations, and other funding sources.

2. Process Improvement and Efficiency:

  • Analyze existing operational processes and identify areas for improvement to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability.

  • Develop and implement streamlined workflows, systems, and procedures to optimize resource utilization and operational performance.

  • Oversee, manage, and/or develop tools for stakeholder engagement, impact measurement, mailing lists, and donor tracking.

  • Identify operational bottlenecks and work collaboratively with departments to address and resolve issues.

  • Make strategic suggestions for operational improvements and ensure continuous monitoring and adaptation to evolving needs.

  • Implement and manage technology solutions to support operational improvements and data management.

3. Legal Compliance:

  • Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, including nonprofit governance, employment laws, and financial regulations.

  • Develop and maintain policies and procedures to ensure legal and regulatory compliance across all aspects of the organization.

  • Oversee the organization’s risk management program, including insurance coverage, liability management, and crisis response planning.

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for legal matters, working with external legal counsel as needed.

  • Conduct regular compliance audits and risk assessments, addressing any identified issues promptly and effectively.

4. Collaboration and Leadership:

  • Work closely with the Executive Director and Head of People to align operational strategies with organizational culture, HR practices, and scaling strategies.

  • Collaborate with department heads to ensure alignment of operational processes with organizational goals and objectives.

  • Provide leadership and mentorship to the operations team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

  • Manage internal staff communications and systems to ensure operational efficiency.

  • Communicate effectively with the executive team, staff, and stakeholders to ensure transparency and alignment on operational initiatives.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field; CPA preferred.

  • Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in non-profit operations management, with a strong focus on finance, process improvement, legal compliance, and operational efficiency.

  • Proven track record of successfully managing financial operations, including budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting.

  • Experience in the nonprofit sector is mandatory.

  • Strong understanding of legal and regulatory requirements applicable to nonprofit organizations.

  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

  • Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions.

  • Proficiency in financial management software, ERP systems, and other relevant technology solutions.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any other relevant documents to gesina@foodforclimateleague.org with the subject line "Director of Operations Application – [Your Name]." Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Additional Details:

Start Date: November 2024 (or earlier if possible)
Reports to: Executive Director
Salary: $120,000 - $140,000
Location: Chicagoland area, working from home
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Benefits:

  • 10 days PTO in year one, 15 days starting year three, and 20 days starting year five

  • Two personal days per year

  • Flexible working hours

  • Medical, dental, and vision plans and a tech stipend

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Director of Operations position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it.

Food for Climate League is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The negative impacts of climate and nutrition access disproportionately impact the most marginalized people in society, including people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, women, and LGBTQ people. Because we believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.