Director of Operations

Job Description

Job DescriptionThe Black Institute (TBI) The Black Institute is a racial justice “action tank” - a think tank that takes action. Through research and advocacy, The Black Institute focuses on racial justice issues facing Black people and people of color throughout the United States and the Diaspora. See www.theblackinstitute.com for more details. Position Description: The Black Institute (TBI) seeks a detail-oriented Director of Operations to lead and support internal operations of our small collaborative team of full-time staff, contractors, and future interns. This role works closely with the Executive Director to foster communication across all levels of staff and ensure seamless operations. In addition, the Operations Director will improve operational management systems and processes, focusing on vendor relations, technology, project management, programmatic operations, human resources, financial operations, budget organization, CRM management, and fundraising systems. The candidate should understand national, New York State, and New York City politics, stay aware of current issues impacting Black communities and communities of color, and be able to move quickly on funding opportunities. Bilingual or multilingual ability is strongly preferred to support communication with diverse communities across New York City. The ideal candidate is a quick learner, strong organizer, and problem solver who can anticipate needs, manage details, and tackle requests with a can-do attitude. The Director of Operations' specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate and schedule The Black Institute's quarterly board meetings.
• Serve as the Secretary of the Board (recording the minutes, maintaining contacts, etc.)
• Coordinate with outside legal counsel to ensure compliance with all 501 c3 regulations.
• Support ED on board committees as needed, e.g., onboarding new board members, production of materials, etc.
• Run payroll.
• Manage all Human Resource-related matters, including recruitment, onboarding, offboarding, and maintaining personnel records.
• Manage insurance policies, including Commercial/General Liability, Disability, Worker's Compensation (including ensuring all payments and renewals are made on time and without expiry)
• Help oversee the finance infrastructure of the organization, including compliance, the annual budget process, the audit process, and other financial responsibilities.
• Supervise all government and private contracts and grants to ensure compliance with fiscal and programmatic reporting.
• Manage the operational systems and processes that support TBI's fundraising efforts.
• Track, organize, and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, contracts, donor prospects, and public/private funding leads.
• Maintain and organize CRM systems, funder records, outreach lists, donor information, and follow-up trackers to support fundraising and campaign operations.
• Support budget organization, budget tracking, grant spending oversight, and internal financial documentation in coordination with the Executive Director and finance team.
• Monitor national, New York State, and New York City political developments and key issue areas connected to TBI's mission and campaigns.
• Quickly learn new systems, tools, funding processes, issue areas, and campaign priorities as organizational needs change.
• Organize, assist, and oversee internal meetings and events, including weekly team meetings.
• Serve as primary liaison to IT service providers and oversee all IT needs.
• Serve as primary liaison to building management and personnel, coordinating office space needs and requests, maintenance and repairs, and upgrades to office space as needed.
• Maintain inventory of the organization's equipment and office supplies.
• Create and monitor the internal systems and processes for communication and reporting among staff.

Qualifications · Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field required.· The ability to work well under pressure and deadlines as well as prioritize tasks.

• 5+ years of experience in an operations management role. Ideally in nonprofit operations management.
• Possess a sharp business mind, is organized, and is a self-starter with excellent judgment and careful attention to detail.
• Commitment to The Black Institute mission.
• Strong understanding of national, New York State, and New York City politics, with awareness of current policy issues affecting Black people and people of color.
• Experience organizing budgets, financial trackers, CRM systems, donor/funder lists, and internal reporting systems.
• Ability to identify, track, and follow up on funding opportunities with urgency and strong attention to detail.
• Quick learner who can adapt to new systems, technology platforms, political issues, and organizational priorities.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills: communicates professionally to all levels of management and adapts to changing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a small team.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual or multilingual candidates are strongly preferred, especially candidates who can communicate in English and Spanish, Haitian Creole, French, or another language spoken by NYC communities.
• Proficient in the use of personal computers, Google Apps, and Microsoft applications
• Basic knowledge of nonprofit accounting.
• Able to successfully manage multiple projects and tasks.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends, upon request.
• Local to NYC with the ability to commute to Brooklyn.