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We are currently hiring for the following open positions. Apply today!

 

Design Researcher (Contract)

This is a six-month, full-time contract position starting November 2024 and ending April 2025, with the possibility of an extension.

This individual will help to identify and understand specific behavioral challenges and opportunities related to sustainable food choices at a select location. This person should have a passion for behavioral sciences and expertise in qualitative and quantitative research and ethnographic research methodologies. 

Responsibilities

Support Senior Researcher(s) with all design research methodologies, such as quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. 

This work will include: 

  • Creating survey and interview questions

  • Analyzing qualitative data from surveys and interviews, e.g., using software to code for themes

  • Assisting with conducting onsite interviews, surveys, and data collection

  • Drafting content and design for reports in collaboration with researchers and designer

  • Conducting literature reviews, analyzing customer and purchase data

Conducting User Research

  • Landscape Analysis: Analyze historic efforts, internal data, social media, and online conversations to assess patterns and opportunities. 

  • Literature review: Locate and analyze primary and secondary relevant academic literature and research on behavioral economics, consumer psychology, and other relevant materials, with the goal of identifying successful strategies and potential pitfalls.

  • User Interviews: Draft questions and conduct one-on-one interviews to gather in-depth insights into user needs, pain points, and experiences. Support the development and execution of in-person interviews that assess core needs, motivations, and perceptions. 

  • Surveys & Questionnaires: Support the development of online surveys that assess core needs, motivations, and perceptions. 

  • Contextual Inquiry: Observing users in their natural environment to understand how they interact with products or services in real-life settings.

  • Support behavior mapping through on-site visits and interviews. Conduct structured observation, combining different techniques for documentation, mapping, and counting activities.

Data Collection and Analysis

  • Data Gathering: Gathering data from various sources such as user interactions, surveys, interviews, and usability tests.

  • Data Analysis: Analyzing data to identify patterns, trends, and actionable insights that can inform design decisions.

  • Synthesis: Organizing and synthesizing research findings into clear, actionable insights. Support the senior researcher in defining a specific problem statement and impact goals, as well as developing an impact measurement matrix.

Collaboration with Cross-functional Teams

  • Design Team Collaboration: Working closely with senior researchers, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure research findings help to inform decisions and are incorporated into the design process.

  • Stakeholder Communication: Presenting research findings to stakeholders and explaining how they can inform design decisions, product strategy, or innovation.

Translating Insights into Design Solutions

  • Actionable Insights: Converting user research findings into design 

  • Reports and Presentations: Creating clear, concise reports and presentations to communicate findings to stakeholders.

  • Research Repositories: Maintaining a repository of research data, insights, and documentation for future reference.

Required Qualifications

Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in design research, service design, user experience design, or the social sciences or higher at an accredited college or university AND at least 2+ years of applied design research experience;

  • A self-starter, data and outcome-driven, and ability to multi-task with solid organizational and time-management skills;

  • Skill in transforming complex data into intuitive, easy-to-understand visual formats such as charts, graphs, and infographics.

  • Ample experience developing surveys and executing interviews.

  • Comfortable and experienced with multi-disciplinary research approaches. 

  • Willingness to experiment, iterate, and refine ideas based on user feedback and research findings.

  • Experience running and analyzing field experiments;

  • Proven track record of creative and solution-oriented thinking;

  • Openness to change and comfort with ambiguity;

  • Insatiable curiosity about the motivators and barriers to sustainable food choice;

  • Ability to integrate different sources of information, both from academic papers and market reports, to identify meaningful insights and impact opportunities;

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to present information concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing;

  • Excellent interpersonal skills; 

  • Committed to working collaboratively with a small team of motivated individuals

  • Strong understanding of food systems issues and interest in food systems change and

  • Excitement about building a sustainable, equitable, and healthy future for people and the planet.

How to Apply

Please complete this Google form.

Optionally, contact: Gesina Beckert, gesina@foodforclimateleague.org. Please put “Design Researcher” in the email subject line.

Additional Details

Compensation: $40 to $60 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications

Location: Preferable in California, working from home. Travel for one to two onsite visits in Los Angeles, California. 

Hours: Approximately 35 hours a week

This position also offers:

  • A chance to be at the table with visionary leaders and contribute to pioneering work to help catalyze a global cultural shift to sustainable food systems.

  • Mentorship from a world-class team of female food leaders with a combined track record of effecting widespread change toward healthier, more sustainable food for all.

  • Opportunity to work with various research partners with expertise in human-centered design and behavior change.

  • Access to the inside dialogue, challenges, innovations, and insights of some of the largest, most influential food companies in the world.

  • Up-close experience with the process of growing an early-stage venture. 

 

Director of Finance and Operations

Now in our 5th year as a nonprofit, we are seeking an experienced nonprofit leader to oversee Food for Climate League’s growth. This leader will manage our financial, operational, and HR needs.

We seek an analytical, independent, and experienced Director of Finance and Operations to lead and enhance our financial management, operational processes, legal compliance, and efficiency. We seek a strategic thinker who leverages financial and operational data to amplify impact.

This role will be crucial in identifying and addressing operational bottlenecks and making data-backed suggestions for improvement, both in terms of operations and finances, as well as providing team leadership. This individual will have one direct report. We envision this role expanding as the organization grows to include the management of additional employees and departments.

Summary

The Director of Finance and Operations will be a key member of the Executive team, responsible for managing the organization's financial health, optimizing operational processes, ensuring legal compliance, enhancing overall efficiency, and servings as a leader for this growing organization. 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. Prior experience in nonprofit leadership is required.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Management:

  • Assess finances to help the leadership team determine optimal growth strategies. 

  • 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. Human Resources

  • Develop and implement HR strategies that support the recruitment, development, and retention of top talent.

  • Oversee the management of cross-departmental projects and ensure that strategic planning processes are effectively implemented.

  • Foster a positive organizational culture that aligns with the mission and enhances employee engagement.

  • Act as a mediator and build consensus among team members, enhancing communication and collaboration across departments.

  • Work closely with the PEO to oversee HR functions such as onboarding, employee benefits, and performance management systems. The focus would be on ensuring that the PEO’s services align with the nonprofit’s culture and employee engagement strategies.

  • Collaborate with the PEO to develop and implement training programs that enhance employee skills and support career development within the organization.

5. 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:

  • Experience in the nonprofit sector is mandatory.

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in non-profit operations management, with a strong focus on finance, process improvement, legal compliance, and operational efficiency.

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

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

  • 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 complete this Google form.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Additional Details:

Start Date: December 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

  • Two-week winter holiday vacation (FCL office is closed over Christmas/Hanukkah and New Years).

  • Medical, dental, and vision plans 

  • Monthly tech stipend

  • Annual professional development stipend

  • Collaborative Team Culture: We foster a supportive and inclusive team environment where everyone is valued and respected. We prioritize impact, standing up for one another, and working together with a shared commitment to caring for the planet, ourselves, and each other. Our team sees beyond roles, recognizing each other as individuals and embracing a culture of mutual support and collective purpose.

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

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

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.