Operations Director

The Operations Director is a leadership role responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the organization. The ultimate goal of the Operations Director will be to drive the implementation and improvements of operational processes and procedures, optimizing efficiency, and ensuring the effective performance of all departments.

Our ideal candidate will bring a strategic, “can-do” approach to their work and have ten (10) years’ experience in providing services supporting the strategy and implementation of operations management, preferably in a nonprofit or development context with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management or other related technical four-year degree

Our candidate will also embody the following skills, abilities and values:

• Diplomacy - Effective, clear and concise diplomatic communication strategies and conflict resolution throughout all levels of the organization.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills to support collaborative work with diverse individuals and teams.
• Demonstrates big-picture thinking, considering the entirety of concepts and long-term impacts.
• Strong change management skills and ability to work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Project completion – Strong desire and ability to ensure all elements of the project are present and complete.
• Flexibility – Plans a few steps ahead to account for unplanned changes and adapts to change with a new plan quickly.
• Teamwork - Interact productively with a team and play to each person’s strengths.
• Demonstrated success in building long-term effective business relationships.
• Fiscal responsibility – Exercise a fiscally conservative approach.
• Deadline oriented – Works consistently through deadlines.
• Judgment - Use sound judgment to work through complex situations.
• Experience with and eager to incorporate Lakota/Dakota and Native American-centered ideology and values into organizational strategies and engagement.
• Preference is extended to Native American candidates.

Team Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external partners, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Supervise and lead the HR Consultant, Board Development Consultant, other consultants as it pertains to SAGE operations, and the Office Manager.
• Supervise personnel across various departments, offering valuable and constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
• As the organization expands, take on a supervisory role in development/fundraising and finance, providing guidance and support to team members.
• Create, promote, and sustain an organizational culture that aligns with SAGE’s core values.

Strategic Planning & Evaluation

• Manage and oversee organizational planning and evaluation processes to ensure alignment with SAGE’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Collaborate with other Directors to enhance cross-team cohesion, team development, and performance evaluations.
• Contribute to improvement plans based on assessment outcomes.
• Oversee budget development and forecasting for operational expenditures.
• Oversee the development of new internal processes to improve program and opportunity pathways for business development and cross-functional efficiency.
• Work alongside the leadership team to craft and implement SAGE’s policies, procedures and work plans, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.

Efficiency Systems

• Create and operationalize efficient systems for day-to-day operations.
• Streamline processes to enhance productivity and effectiveness.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement solutions in a timely manner

Compliance & Risk Management

• Monitor legal requirements, compliance, and reporting obligations.
• Lead compliance and risk management initiatives and coordinate audits as needed.

Work Plan Integration

• Aggregate work plans from different teams and integrate them across the organization.
• Develop streamlined timelines to optimize project execution.
• Manage and negotiate contracts with third-party service providers and suppliers to ensure cohesive integration.

CEO Support

• Assist the CEO in operational strategy and deliverables for the internal team, consultants, stakeholders, and Board of Directors.
• Provide an open-door policy to staff members, fostering communication and accessibility.
• Work in partnership with the CEO to provide constructive feedback and propose strategic solutions to support the success of the organization.

SAGE Ambassador

• Serve as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic ambassador and public speaker to build and maintain SAGE’s positive public image and rapport with community members and stakeholders.
• Stay up to date on industry trends, innovations, and best practices to drive continuous improvement.
• Honor and incorporate Lakota/Dakota cultural values in SAGE’s daily operations.
• Other duties as required and assigned by the organization.

$80,000 - $120,000 annually