Director of Operations, Associate-level

The Nature Conservancy is the world's leading conservation organization working to protect ecologically important lands and waters around the world for nature and people. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.

The Nature Conservancy works in all 50 states and more than 33 countries with approximately 3,800 employees, over 700 of whom are scientists, and an annual operating budget of almost $800M. It has protected more than 117 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of river around the world while operating more than 100 marine conservation projects.

You can find out more about us online.

Location(s):

The Associate Director of Operations works in the main California office of The Nature Conservancy -- two blocks from the Embarcadero Street BART station in San Francisco. Direct reports to the Associate Director of Operations work in the San Diego, Chico, Monterey, and Sacramento offices.

Responsibilities:

The Associate Director of Operations provides overall direction for all activities related to the operational management of the California Chapter (comprising approximately 12 offices and 200 people). The Associate Director of Operations is responsible for the oversight and direction of facilities, personnel, vehicles, computing and telecommunications equipment, insurance, office management, and safety. The Associate Director of Operations is also responsible for the development of the annual operations budget, periodic forecasts and analysis, and for non-financial reporting needs as required by the chapter and the World Office.

This position provides oversight of compliance with internal controls and standard operating procedures, including contract administration, accounts payable, and routine personnel actions and is responsible for developing operational guidelines for the Chapter to ensure efficient management and compliance with regulations. This position also assists with the processes for annual planning, and establishes and monitors progress toward the Chapter's operations goals.

The position will supervise 4 Regional Operations Mangers located at major offices across the state, coordinating their work with the Regional Directors they primarily support. Goals are set and performance evaluations conducted jointly. Significant in-state travel is required.

Working with the Associate State Director for Finance & Operations and the California Human Resources Manager, the Associate Director of Operations also assists with the execution of delegated human resources procedures, including satisfying administrative requirements, and implementing HR policies and guidelines.

Duties are highly confidential and require broad and comprehensive knowledge of TNC's policies and therefore it is essential that their implementation reflects and reinforces management philosophy and culture. The Associate Director of Operations supervises administrative staff who will be responsible for completing day to day office functions. The Associate Director of Operations will report to the Associate State Director for Finance & Operations and collaborate closely with the state HR & TIS Managers and senior finance staff, will serve as a member of the state Management Team and will interact with Worldwide Office staff.

Complexity/Problem Solving:

1. Design, implement and direct multiple projects with several variables, setting and meeting deadlines, and ensuring program accountability.
2. Resolves complex issues independently within program area. Experiments to find creative solutions.

Discretion/Latitude/Decision-making:

1. Makes business decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment.
2. Significant opportunity to act independently within broad program goals.

Responsibility/Oversight - Financial & Supervisory:

1. Manage administrative staff, with responsibility for establishing clear directions and setting stretch objectives.
2. Develops and administers operations budget.
3. Ensures that the Chapter complies with TNC polices and procedures and external (donor/legal) requirements.

Communications/Interpersonal Contacts:

1. Work and communicate with a wide range of people in order to develop, negotiate, and or implement programs and projects.
2. Provides a variety of information to staff and others to assist workflow throughout the organization.
3. Formulate and clearly communicate ideas to others.
4. Consistently demonstrate professional, positive, and approachable attitude/demeanor and discretion. Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree and 7 years related experience or equivalent combination.
2. Successful experience in developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
3. Supervisory experience, including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance, including conflict resolution.
4. Ability to work in a highly matrixed organization with strong influencing skills a must.
5. Working knowledge of financial management and accounting practices.
6. Demonstrated experience in MS Office, Word, and Excel. May require database management skills with ability to produce reports. Ability to use advanced computer functions including navigating the Internet. Ability to manipulate, analyze and interpret data.
7. Service oriented. Courteous, personable, tactful, and experience dealing effectively and sensitively with all levels of staff and public.
8. Understanding of how organizations work and how to design structures.
9. Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
10. Ability to organize time and manage diverse activities. Meet deadlines.
11. Demonstrated flexibility to changing situations and priorities.

Compensation: The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, flexible work policies, and a collaborative work environment. The targeted salary range is $65,000 to $85,000, depending on experience.

We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

Our comprehensive benefits package is tailored to the individual countries where we work and provides a full range of benefits to help meet our employees' needs for health care, retirement, and a positive work-life balance.  Benefits include:
-  Medical insurance;
-  Retirement savings plan, with matching contribution of up to 8 percent after one year of service, fully vested after 3 years;
-  Generous annual leave and sick time;
-  Paid holidays;
-  Paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance; and
-  Paid business travel accident insurance.

To Apply:

For consideration please contact Ken Meyerhoff.