Operations Manager
Sustainability Institute, a non-profit research and consulting organization in Hartland VT, seeks candidates to fill a new full-time position of Operations Manager.
Primary Function:
Responsible for the overall financial management, human resource functions, contract management and compliance, technology systems and physical plant of the Institute. Serve on management team, providing operational and administrative services and advice to staff and Board on operational, financial, and personnel policies and procedures.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Operational/Financial:
- Manage the Institute’s daily operations including the flow of incoming communication.
- Develop, in conjunction with the management team and the Board’s Finance Committee, the Institute’s annual budget.
- Report regularly to the Executive Director and the Board on the Institute’s financial status.
- Act as staff liaison to the Board’s Finance Committee.
- Monitor and administer the agency’s annual budget, preparing financial statements/reports and cash flow projections on a regular basis.
- Review and process all transactions relating to accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger and payroll processing and maintaining an accrual-based financial record keeping system.
- Work with and compile documents for independent auditors to prepare the annual federal information return and to conduct the yearly audit to evaluate existing financial practices, records and policies and to ensure compliance with contracts and agreements.
- Manage the Institute’s information and technology resources, including voice and data systems, centralized database, computer networking, server, web site and email.
- Develop and maintain internal reporting and tracking systems.
- Maintain, update and ensure compliance with Financial and Operational Policies and Procedures.
- Human Resources:
- Participate in the process of recruiting, interviewing, hiring, orienting and evaluating staff members.
- Maintain, update and ensure compliance with the Institute’s Personnel Policies and Procedures.
- Provide supervision to operational staff, volunteers and interns.
- Maintain employee records and files in a confidential manner, including evaluations, wages, time sheets, attendance records, and comprehensive time off usage.
- Act as the Administrator for the Institute’s Flexible Spending Plan, 403 (B) Plan, and other benefits, including medical, dental, life and short and long-term disability policies.
- Program/Projects:
- Work with Program/Project Leaders to develop specific financial materials and budgets for grant applications and fee-for-service proposals and participate in discussions about financial matters and reporting with funders.
- Track projects’ financial performance against budget and monitor their compliance with contractual and financial obligations.
- Prepare financial reports for all contracts and agreements in compliance with funder expectation and in collaboration with Program/Project Leaders.
- Maintain centralized database for external contacts and of private individuals, foundations, corporations and other funding sources.
Position Requirements:
- A Bachelors degree in Accounting or Business Administration with four years experience maintaining an accrual-based financial record keeping system or a Bachelors degree in an unrelated field with six years related experience (including accrual-based financial record keeping system) in nonprofit or for-profit business.
- Excellent leadership, interpersonal communication skills and a desire to work collaboratively with staff, members of the board, funders, contractors and other institutions.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, select and supervise contractors and vendors, and delegate responsibilities in ways that encourage success.
- Computer skills including network maintenance and operations, web-site management, QuickBooks Accounting Systems, FileMaker Pro, and Microsoft Office.
- Knowledge of EEO and ADA and other federal and state laws covering operations and employment.
- Knowledge of third party contracts and grant reporting.
Reports to:
Executive Director
About the Sustainability Institute:
SI envisions sustainability and puts it into practice. An overarching challenge of our age is to develop sustainable systems that improve and maintain the health and quality of life. Developing and fostering these systems is the mission of the Sustainability Institute (SI), founded in 1996 by the late Donella (Dana) Meadows. We conduct research to identify the principles and mechanisms necessary for sustainable solutions. We use systems thinking principles and system dynamics modeling to identify leverage points in human and natural systems and to design interventions that produce positive effects. Because human interactions and relationships are critical for healthy systems, we apply principles of organizational learning. We seek solutions that embrace, maintain and expand diversity and equity, including inter-generational equity. Through writing, speaking and mentoring, we work to influence mindsets in a way that will promote effective change. Through consulting, coordination and collaboration, we build individual and organizational capacity to analyze, understand and manage complex environmental, social and economic systems.
The SI has a staff of 14, an active seven-member board, and an annual operating budget of approximately $2 million. Current sources of funding include foundation grants, individual and organizational contributions, and fee for service consulting. SI operates out of an energy efficient renovated 1950s farmhouse in Hartland, Vermont with staff also based in North Carolina and Massachusetts.
For more information, please visit http://www.sustainabilityinstitute.org
Compensation and Search:
Salary commensurate with qualifications. Excellent benefits.
Applications should be submitted to bmiller@vermontel.net. Position available until filled. Initial candidate review begins May 19, 2008.
The Sustainability Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position. It is the goal of SI to seek out and employ well-qualified individuals based on skills, abilities and responsibilities identified in the job description. SI makes a special effort to encourage applications from persons who reflect the diversity of the communities and constituencies with which SI works. SI is committed to creating internally a diversity of race, gender, age, sexual orientation and physical ability.