Director of Operations

Cultivate Initiatives

$82K — $88K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of leadership experience in operational roles or similar capacities.
  • Strong understanding of financial management and resource allocation.
  • Proven track record of strategic planning and execution.
  • Ability to develop, implement, and measure program effectiveness.
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in diverse work environments.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with the Executive Director to shape organizational strategy and operating plans.
  • Translate strategic priorities into actionable goals and performance metrics.
  • Oversee program areas for quality assurance and alignment with organizational strategy.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration and accountability across the organization.
  • Monitor and optimize program funding and operational performance.
  • Provide oversight for facilities and ensure effective site operations.
  • Represent the organization in external partnerships and community relations.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and dental benefits.
  • Retirement plans to support long-term financial security.
  • Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in underserved communities.
  • Collaborative and inclusive work environment that prioritizes professional growth.
Full Job Description
Position Summary:

The Director of Operations is a key member of Cultivate Initiatives' executive leadership and serves as the organization's senior operational leader. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Operations provides leadership for the organization's three program areas-Workforce Development, Housing & Homemaking, and Supportive Sheltering-as well as facilities.

The Director of Operations works closely with the Executive Director and Director of Finance to translate organizational strategy into effective operations, strengthen performance and sustainability, and align resources with organizational priorities. The Director of Operations establishes clear goals and meaningful metrics, fosters accountability and collaboration, and drives continuous improvement across the organization.

At the heart of the role is ensuring that Cultivate Initiatives has the people, resources, and infrastructure needed to effectively serve people and communities on the margins. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic perspective and a willingness to step into the work, solve problems, and lead through challenges and change. The Director of Operations provides executive leadership for the organization when the Executive Director is unavailable.

Compensation/Benefits:
  • $82,000-88,000 annually depending on experience
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental and retirement plans.
  • Opportunity to make a meaningful impact by contributing to the success of a non-profit organization.
  • Collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and professional growth.


Primary Duties:

Executive Leadership & Strategic Planning
  • Partner with the Executive Director and director team to develop and implement organizational strategy, priorities, and operating plans.
  • Translate strategy into clear goals, metrics, accountability, and execution across programs and operations.
  • Keep the organization's mission and the needs of the people it serves at the center of operational and strategic decision-making.
  • Identify organizational challenges and opportunities and develop creative, sustainable solutions.


Program & Operational Oversight
  • Provide leadership and oversight to the Directors of Workforce Development, Housing & Homemaking, and Supportive Sheltering, ensuring strong performance, quality, accountability, and alignment with organizational strategy.
  • Monitor program funding, deliverables, and performance, ensuring commitments are met and programs remain aligned with organizational and contractual requirements.
  • Lead continuous improvement and strengthen coordination across programs and operations.
  • Ensure programs have the operational support, resources, and infrastructure needed to effectively serve participants and communities.


Organizational Management
  • Build a consistent culture across the organization that fosters collaboration, accountability, communication, and inclusion.
  • Coach and support directors in achieving organizational goals, developing their teams, and building strong, accountable, collaborative functions.
  • Work with Human Resources and organizational leadership to support effective hiring, development, performance management, and retention.


Financial Stewardship
  • Partner with the Director of Finance and program directors to develop and monitor budgets and ensure effective use of organizational resources.
  • Ensure financial sustainability through understanding the financial impact of operational and programmatic decisions.
  • Identify opportunities to strengthen efficiency, resource allocation, and sustainable growth, including through diversifying revenue streams.


Facilities & Site Operations
  • Provide oversight of Cultivate Initiatives' facilities and site operations, including the organization's building and on-site village.
  • Ensure the safety, security, functionality, and effective day-to-day operation of organizational facilities and grounds.
  • Partner with staff and external vendors as needed to address facility maintenance, repairs, improvements, and other site-related needs.


External Leadership & Representation
  • Represent Cultivate Initiatives with community, governmental, private, nonprofit, and other external organizations as appropriate.
  • Build relationships that strengthen the organization's programs, partnerships, and community impact.
  • Provide effective organizational representation and leadership when the Executive Director is unavailable.


Board Relations and Communication
  • Establish and maintain regular and clear communications with Board members on operational and program issues.
  • Attend board meetings and report on operational and program metrics.
  • Lead and/or participate in board and staff committees to advance the mission.


Preferred Competencies, Skills, & Experience:
  • Significant leadership experience, including leadership of programs, operations, or multiple functional areas.
  • Demonstrated ability to think both strategically and tactically, with an emphasis on long-term sustainability and organizational growth.
  • Strong financial acumen and ability to understand and analyze the financial impact of organizational decisions.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and manage meaningful metrics, use data to assess performance, and translate strategy into measurable results.
  • Proven ability to identify root causes of systemic problems, develop creative solutions, and effectively lead through change and complex situations.
  • Highly effective communicator and collaborator with strong judgment, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build trust and accountability across an organization.
  • Commitment to equity and inclusion, with the ability to lead effectively in a diverse, multicultural workplace.


Work Conditions and Physical Requirements:
  • Work is performed indoors.
  • Ability to work in environments with varying noise levels, from quiet offices to louder, industrial settings.
  • Work requires the ability to perform repetitive movements of the wrist, hands, or fingers due to continuous use of computer keyboards and other office equipment.
  • Being physically present in the CI offices from 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday
  • Must be able to provide proof of Driver's License


How to apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume
electronically through our website.

The position is open until filled. Applications received by October 1, will receive priority consideration. If a suitable candidate is found during that screening, later applications will not be considered. We look forward to speaking with you!

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