The Operations Associate will work as part of the Operations team within the Michigan chapter providing support to the Director of Finance and the Director of Operations. The Operations Associate provides operational guidance to ensure efficient management of the chapter and compliance with TNC policies and procedures and best practices in financial management.
The Operations Associate will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the chapter by developing and implementing tactics for approved plans and completing and/or overseeing day-to-day tasks. S/he will maintain, track, and report on key data related to the scope and priorities of the functional activities and s/he will organize and coordinate diverse activities, projecting outcomes, monitoring progress, and implementing solutions in consultation with leadership. Major duties and responsibilities may include (but are not limited to):
- Administer and manage all contracts/agreements for the chapter, including:
- Work closely with project managers to prepare agreements between the chapter and its partners, grantees, consultants and vendors.
- Work closely with legal, operations and grants staff to ensure that the terms and conditions of agreements are properly documented.
- Maintain contract files to ensure they are complete and in compliance with TNC SOPs.
- Maintain tracking mechanisms to monitor agreements and produce monthly reports.
- Process and deposit cash receipts.
- May process accounts payable and accounts receivable within established guidelines.
- Carry out other duties as assigned by Director of Finance.
- May assist in completing HR administrative and operations requirements related to record-keeping, reporting and HR documentation.
- Assist Director of Operations with project-related tasks and perform other duties as assigned.
This position includes frequent interaction with all members of the organization locally and regionally and requires sensitivity in handling confidential information.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Work within scope of program’s strategic goals;
- Act independently on assigned tasks and exercise independent judgment based on analysis and experience, referring difficult questions and unusual problems to supervisor;
- Coordinate projects with several variables, working within a defined timeline and budget;
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information;
- Perform non-routine analysis, research and follow-through;
- Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements;
- Financial responsibility may include purchasing, processing invoices, contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget preparation;
- May act as a resource to others to solve problems and act in supervisor’s stead when instructed;
- May supervise administrative and/or volunteer staff, including training and professional development;
- Provide input through project teams for the improvement of existing programs;
- Travel and work flexible hours as needed;
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain; and
- Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
- Experience coordinating administrative processes;
- Experience generating reports and interpreting data;
- Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading;
- Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines; and
- Experience working across teams and communicating with a wide range of people.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated;
- Strong organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
- Ability to analyze information for the purpose of coordinating and planning activities, and solving problems;
- Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results;
- Excellent customer service skills and focus;
- Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results;
- Knowledge of current trends in specific field; and/or
- Strong organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
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.