The Operations Program Specialist, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, supports the priorities of the Chief Operating Office and will be responsible for managing and coordinating small to medium-scale operations projects, assisting in implementing tactics for approved strategic plans, and assisting the Chief Operating Office in increasing organizational effectiveness and efficiencies. They will manage tasks related to meeting and event coordination, operations, and the development of various types of communications. They will report to the Program Project Manager, Office of the Chief Operating Officer and be based at the Worldwide Office in Arlington, Virginia.
The Operations Program Specialist role requires the ability to move quickly between a variety of roles and tasks, and the initiative to learn and continuously improve themselves and the products and outcomes around them. This role requires being good with and enjoying details, while also being anchored in the big picture. This role requires being able to thrive in conditions that call for independent thinking and problem solving, and also being able to respond to very specific requirements and directions.
They will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the Chief Operating Office by coordinating logistics, developing and implementing tactics for approved plans, and completing and organizing multiple tasks and activities. They will coordinate logistics for organization-wide meetings and/or special events.
They will effectively communicate or distribute information in a timely manner to assist staff in making time-sensitive decisions, to solve problems, and to improve workflow. They will assist with drafting internal or external communications for the Chief Operating Officer and Operations Management Team as needed in keeping with the guidance and strategic communications plan developed by Internal or External Communications. They will create PowerPoint presentations for strategic communications.
They will adapt processes and implement recommended practices in order to improve effectiveness. They will work closely with the Operations Management Team and they will maintain, track, and report on key data related to the scope and priorities of the Chief Operating Office and Operations Management Team. They will establish project goals and success factors, critically assess project scope and objectives, monitor and measure project progress, assist in corrective action as needed, and communicate project status information to all stakeholders. They will complete activities with multiple variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing the timeline. They will develop and utilize a deep understanding of the operations and conservation initiatives and a clear understanding of how they work together to achieve the goals and outcomes of the Chief Operating Office and The Nature Conservancy. They will lead or support diverse actives and will interact with staff at all levels of the organization, including senior leadership, to identify operations challenges and propose solutions and implementation plans.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Act independently and in supervisor’s stead as needed, within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems;
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information;
- Participate in or coordinate the work of cross-functional, cross-divisional teams towards a desired outcome;
- May be responsible for the work of peers on departmental project teams;
- Develop and implement new initiatives that will ensure department and organization-wide goals and strategies are achieved;
- Manage and implement complex projects with several variables, including managing project teams, setting deadlines, tracking progress, and ensuring accountability;
- Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements; Decisions may bind the organization financially or legally;
- Duties may require non-routine analysis and research;
- Travel occasionally, and work flexible hours, as needed;
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain;
- Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines; and
- Work within scope of program’s strategic goals.
- 3 years related experience or equivalent combination;
- Experience generating reports and analyzing and interpreting the data;
- Experience managing, implementing, and tracking multiple projects;
- Experience managing event/meeting logistics;
- Experience with business process analysis and/or improvement;
- Experience creating communications plans and content; and
- Experience using PowerPoint (or another presentation tool) to simply explain complex topics.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated;
- Ability to implement complex processes;
- Experience working with cross-functional teams;
- Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results;
- Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate staff;
- Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results;
- Excellent “customer service” skills;
- Strong organization skills, time management, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks;
- Knowledge of current trends in the specific field;
- Successful experience implementing strategic program goals; and
- Experience conceptualizing new ideas and solutions and effectively communicating benefits and risks.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.