The Operations Manager is responsible for operations functions supporting one or more programs or departments in the California Business Unit. The Operations Manager may also be responsible for Finance, Human Resources, Facilities, Information Systems, Office Management and/or Safety.
The Operations Manager will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the program by developing and implementing tactics for approved plans, and completing and/or overseeing day-to-day tasks. They may be responsible for central administrative processes, including facility management, telecommunications, mailroom operations, supervising telephone/public reception, maintaining office supplies and equipment, and purchasing requests. They are responsible for supporting the development and implementation of annual budgets, and monitoring progress. They may provide assistance to all levels of staff on Human Resources issues, working closely with the Regional Human Resources Business Partner. The Operations Manager will provide guidance in satisfying requirements based on extensive knowledge of policies and procedures, including extensive work with Non-Real Estate Contracts. They will interpret guidelines and analyze factual information to achieve results, improve workflow, and solve problems. They will provide recommendations and targeted training related to the functional activity they manage. The Operations Manager will work in close cooperation with any or all of the following: Conservancy staff, donors, volunteers, vendors, public agencies, financial institutions, and legal and accounting professionals. They will keep up-to-date on market trends and best practices in order to improve services. They will organize and coordinate diverse activities, project outcomes, monitor progress, and implement solutions, in consultation with leadership.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
The OPERATIONS MANAGER does some combination of the following:
- Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems;
- Ensure programmatic commitments, Conservancy policies and procedures, and legal requirements are met and managed for compliance. Decisions may bind the organization financially or legally;
- May manage one or more California offices;
- Provide timely and accurate financial reports and analysis to board members and project managers;
- Develop and monitor budget, forecast, sustainability, and strategic financial plans;
- Collaborate with Grants Specialists on managing public awards;
- Oversee day-to-day financial activities such as purchasing, processing invoices, negotiating, and contracting with vendors;
- Review due diligence and contract documents for non-real estate contracts and grants out to ensure compliance with Policies and Procedures and best practices established by the Business Unit;
- Advance special projects and/or become subject matter expert on one or more projects managed by the California Operations team.
- Ensure contracted vendors carry required insurance coverage and that appropriate documentation is obtained and maintained;
- Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally-charged information;
- Manage functional activity towards program’s strategic goals;
- Manage projects with several variables, set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline, and ensure accountability.
- Travel occasionally, working long and flexible hours as needed;
- May participate in complex negotiations;
- May supervise administrative, professional, and/or volunteer staff, including training and professional development;
- 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Finance / Accounting experience;
- Experience coordinating projects;
- Experience generating financial reports and analyzing and interpreting data;
- Experience developing and administering departmental budget or equivalent;
- Experience managing multiple central administrative processes; and
- Experience working across departments.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experiences are appreciated;
- Ability to implement complex processes;
- Demonstrated experience handling confidential information;
- Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate staff;
- Experience working with government awards;
- Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results;
- Experience supervising staff, interns and/or volunteers;
- Strong organization and negotiating skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks; and/or
- Non-profit GAAP accounting experience.
- Experience in supporting Human Resources Process
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.