Operations Director

Upstander Project

Job Description

About Upstander Project
Upstander Project uses storytelling to amplify silenced narratives, develop upstander skills to challenge systemic injustice, and nurture compassionate, courageous relationships that honor the interconnection of all beings and the Earth. We envision a world rooted in responsibility and respect for all where upstanders confront injustice and repair harm to ensure all beings thrive together.

Position Summary
Upstander Project is seeking candidates who demonstrate passion for our mission and goals, deep expertise, and a collaborative spirit to become our next Operations Director and join our growing senior leadership team. As a small remote team, we are seeking a candidate who has strong interpersonal skills and can effectively and openly communicate between and among our vibrant, close-knit team of dynamic educators, filmmakers, and administrators. Indigenous People and People of Color are strongly encouraged to apply. 

The Operations Director provides oversight of all internal functions for the organization, including financial, human resource, operations, strategic planning and performance management, and development.
 
Financial Responsibilities
 
  • Provide overall financial oversight and planning for the organization, including project/grant specific budgets and the creation, coordination, and execution of an annual organizational budget 
  • Develop, maintain, and ensure adherence to financial policies and procedures
  • Oversee the accounting functions of the organization, which are completed by Upstander Project’s administrator and outside accountants 
  • Deliver regular financial reports to the board, including accounting and budgeting reporting, ensuring organizational compliance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations
  • Prepare and submit all tax, unemployment, workers compensation and insurance related documents to federal and state governments and relevant agencies

Human Resource Responsibilities
 
  • Promote a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to organizational values
  • In collaboration with the leadership team, establish staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance reviews, and administer salary adjustments
  • Supervise and coordinate, in collaboration with the leadership team, the work of external consultants, ensuring adherence to all organizational policies and procedures
  • Directly supervise 1-5 employees as determined collaboratively by leadership team
  • Lead search for new employees, including creating job descriptions, conducting interviews, and onboarding new hires
  • 401k plan management and compliance
  • Plan for future health insurance plan management and compliance
  • Source and maintain workers comp, general liability insurance and relevant production and errors and omission insurance for Upstander Project
 
Operations Responsibilities
 
  • Coordinate internal information technology functions for the organization, including the implementation and integration of new software and IT policies and procedures
  • Establish and maintain all internal operational policies and procedures
  • Administer project management workflows across all teams within the organization, utilizing Asana software to create PM that is both specific and has the ability to cross-reference across all functions 
  • Coordinate bi-annual board meetings (both virtual and in-person)
  • Attend the annual Upstander Academy and support the Learning and Creative departments, represent Upstander Project at relevant events such as film festivals, screenings, development meetings, etc.
  • Oversee monthly all-staff meetings with all full and part-time employees
 
Strategic Planning and Performance Measurement
 
  • Oversee, with the organizational leadership team, a strategic planning process for the organization
  • Maintain a performance measurement matrix and coordinate the evaluation process for the organization in alignment with its strategic plan

Communications
  • Develop long term communications plan including assessing staffing needs for development and implementation of plan
  • Oversee monthly newsletter to be sent to all organization subscribers
  • Oversee occasional development campaigns (including but not limited to “back to school” and “end of year”)
  • Drafting of annual reports

Development
  • Identification of fundraising opportunities (govt. and private foundations, individuals, partners, etc.)
  • Provide oversight for the management of organizational grants as relates to proposal development, budgeting, submissions, monitoring, and reporting
  • Proposal writing and budget development with support from senior staff
  • Grants management and administration
  • Foster donor relationships through regular communication

Required skills and experience
1-2 years experience managing organizational budgets 
1-2 years experience writing, budgeting, and reporting for grants (private and federal), identifying prospects, and individual donor relations.

Position Overview:
  1. Remote, applicants must live in the eastern or central time zone. Strong preference for those in driving/train distance to Boston.
  2. Occasional travel for strategic planning, project management, and donor relations, up to four weeks per year, to be determined in collaboration with the senior leadership team. 
  3. Salary range: $92,000 to $102,000, exempt. Commensurate with experience. 
  4. Benefits ($500 annual technology stipend, unlimited paid time off, 401k match after one year of employment).

How to Apply
To apply, please send a thoughtful cover letter, resume, and three professional references to team@upstanderproject.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.