Operations Director

*Apply by May 2nd 2024*

About this role:

This role is aimed at an experienced leader with the ability to design, develop, and execute on operational processes and practices that demonstrate and build on the organization's values. The Operations Director will have experience with responsibilities spanning organizational planning and implementation, day-to-day operations and project management, HR, and finance. They will work closely with the Associate Director and in coordination with the co-Executive Directors, serving as an operational thought partner and proactively translating organizational strategy into day to day planning and operations.

What you will do:

Drive operational processes for the organization, including:

• Grow organizational processes and practices with an emphasis on the right level of detail, structure and cadence to our work.
• Develop and execute knowledge management and project management resources and workflows including an appropriate tech stack and standard operating procedures that ensure organization-wide adoption, usage, and utility.
• Translate organizational goals into operational activities, ensuring alignment between organizational values and their execution in practice.
• Along with Associate Director, drive development and execution of projects to a high degree of quality, with primary responsibility for operational elements, project management and vendor relationships.
• Develop and execute HR processes, including recruitment and onboarding for new members of the team, compensation planning, policy development, employee relations, benefit administration, workforce planning, and performance reviews.
• Research operational and HR best practices and design approaches attuned to a highly dynamic and geographically distributed team.
• Synthesize operational details for leadership and other team members, providing strategic support to co-EDs in organizational planning and anticipating bottlenecks and obstacles along the way.

Ensure financial and organizational stability and accountability for the organization, including:

• Lead on fundraising development pipeline and project management budgeting in close coordination with co-EDs and fiscal sponsor.
• Build and maintain sound relationships with contractors, employees, and our wider community while ensuring a high degree of quality in execution of tasks.
• Develop financial reporting practices that augment the Executive Directors' capacity for strategic decision making.
• Consistently maintain accounting resources for ongoing reporting in coordination with fiscal sponsor and staff.
• Lead in the organization's relationship with our fiscal sponsor, working closely with key points of contact to ensure processes are streamlined and effective.

Requirements

Skills, education, and mindset you will bring:

• At least 7 years of experience in operations roles with a demonstrated track record of increasing responsibility.
• Strong understanding of and commitment to operational excellence including planning, implementation, financial oversight, and HR functions. Experience in a variety of organizational environments is a plus.
• Excellent project management skills, including demonstrated proficiency in collaborative project management tools such as Notion, Google Workspace, or Slack, showcasing attention to detail and commitment to organized and efficient workflows.
• Highly collaborative and eager to support individual team members' growth and the success of the AI Now team; willing to roll up their sleeves and dig in alongside leadership and staff.
• Excellent communication abilities, able to liaise with many people from various backgrounds.
• Showcases a nuanced understanding of cultural dynamics; familiarity with cross-border work, including in an international setting, is a plus.
• Proficient in working across different time zones, including through asynchronous communications, highlighting effective collaboration and communication skills in a globally dispersed environment.
• Ability to navigate and excel in a dynamic work environment, including ability to adeptly manage multiple work streams with flexibility and adaptability.
• Ability to drive processes and timelines to meet deadlines.
• Unwavering attention to detail and high levels of organization, ensuring precision and thoroughness in all tasks.
• Proven capability to drive process improvements, showcasing a proactive approach to refining and optimizing workflows.
• High professionalism and confidentiality.

Benefits

Location

Flexible; with a strong preference for Eastern Standard Time zone, as most members of the organization are based in New York City. While we cannot guarantee work visas for those that do not already possess the right to work in the location in which they will be based, we are prepared to support visa applications for the right candidate. At this time we work solely through hybrid office arrangements, combining remote at-home work with intermittent use of co-working spaces.

Compensation

This position is for an exempt full-time employee, 40 hours per week, at $100,000-$120,000 per year depending on experience. Full time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off. Employees who complete at least one year and 1,000 hours of service are eligible to participate in the Aspiration 401(k) retirement plan, including an employer match of employee contributions up to 4% of the employee's salary. In accordance with the values of our organization including equity and transparency, our benefits are standardized.

Career Progression

This role offers opportunities for career progression dependent on performance. A likely track would progress to Managing Director depending on the candidate's interest, acumen and the evolving needs of the organization.

Aspiration is an equal opportunity employer. All employment and promotion decisions are made without regard to race; color; sex; religion; age; national origin or ancestry; marital status; disability or handicap; mental disability or medical condition (including cancer, HIV/AIDS, and genetic characteristics); pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; veteran status; parental status; citizenship status; genetic predisposition or carrier status; status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sex offenses; personal appearance (including height and weight); sexual orientation; gender and gender identity, expression, or appearance; or any other basis prohibited by U.S., state, or local law. Decisions are made without regard to previous claims, filed a charge or sued because of discrimination. People of color, people with disabilities, women, LGBTQ individuals, and members of other historically disadvantaged groups are especially encouraged to apply.