Operations Manager

Background:

The Science Operations Manager ensures the effective and efficient operations
of the Science Division by providing advice, guidance and support in the areas
of accounting, budgeting, project management, human resources and facilities
management.

The Science Operations Manager assists the VP for Science with
the management of the science division by providing analysis of the financial,
staffing and resource allocations within the division and by recommending
improvements to the overall operations.

He/she will work to implement actions
agreed to by the Science leadership. In addition he/she supports Science
Division project managers on request with all aspects of project management
from proposal development and submission through project completion.

This
individual serves as the primary liaison with the Operations Division to ensure
efficiencies in operations procedures.

He/she also coordinates with other
divisions to avoid duplication of effort.

The Science Operations Manager
maintains a high level of communications with the Science Division, other
Divisions and Natural Heritage Programs.

The Science Operations Manager is
supervised by the VP for Science and supervises no staff.

Duties:

1. Working with the Vice President of Science, take a lead role in the
   preparation, maintenance and monitoring of Division-wide budgets including
   annual budgets and revisions. Help with developing and maintaining
   departmental budgets as requested by the Chief Scientists. Coordinate among
   departments and across divisions on budgets that are shared. Monitor actual
   vs. planned spending.
2. Take a lead role in financial planning for the Science Division, including
   financial analyses that support organization-wide business planning.
3. Provide division-wide support for project contracts/grants as requested by
   project managers including proposal development, scope of work, timelines,
   budgets and deliverables and agreement submission, negotiation and signing.
   Review proposals as requested to ensure alignment with mission, compliance
   with operations procedures and practicality of project implementation.
   Coordinate with staff in other divisions to avoid duplication of effort. Identify
   and pursue project follow-on activities as appropriate.
4. Take a lead role in understanding and monitoring projects across the
   Division. Facilitate the completion of projects by ensuring that the project
   managers have the tools (e.g., financial reports and analyses, signed
   contracts, appropriate staff, office space, computer facilities, etc.) they need
   to complete the projects. Help project managers monitor actual vs. planned
   spending.
5. Facilitate the work of the Science Leadership by participating in the
   development and implementation of Science Division operations procedures
   and division-wide goals and facilitating fundraising, new business development
   and outreach. Respond to requests for assistance in these areas from the Vice
   President of Science and Chief Scientists as needed.
6. Working with staff in the Operations Division, facilitate the Human
   Resources needs of the Science Division including leading the recruitment
   process of new Science Division hires, coordinating new Science Division
   employee orientation, and facilitating the performance appraisal and salary
   review process.
7. Coordinate division-wide operation needs (e.g., identify necessary financial
   reports and coordinate with operations division to provide them). Help provide
   for and promote the operational needs of off-site Science Division staff (e.g.,
   space requirements, computer facilities, etc).
8. Serve as primary liaison with Operations Division and other Divisions as
   necessary on operations issues and projects. Maintain a high level of
   communication on operational issues with Science Division Staff, Operations
   Staff and Heritage Program staff.
9. Train Science Division staff as needed in operations procedures such as
   budget preparation, results of financial analyses, contracting, etc.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelors Degree in accounting, finance, management, or related field and
   five years of relevant work experience, or Masters Degree and two years of
   relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and
   experience. Some biology or environmental science background preferred.
2. Demonstrated experience in accounting/finance especially in the area of
   budgeting and financial analysis.
3. Demonstrated skills in project management including proposal preparation,
   staff allocation, contract negotiations and development of MOUs.
   Demonstrated experience with U.S. federal government contract rules and
   regulations.
4. Human Resources experience including recruiting and compensation
   practices preferred. Experience in facilities management and working with
   off-site staff preferred.
5. Familiarity with standard office software for word processing, spreadsheets,
   database management, and presentation graphics, preferably Microsoft Office
   software; and with Windows 95/98/2000-based systems required. Familiarity
   with general accounting software packages desirable.
6. Experience working with non-profit organizations and/or government
   agencies preferred.
7. Record of setting and meeting productive work goals and deadlines, and
   ability to complete projects requiring exacting attention to detail.
8. Ability to work under a variety of situations, including a) independently and
   b) cooperatively in tightly- and loosely-integrated teams. Ability to maintain
   cooperation from individuals over whom you have no management authority.
9. Ability to communicate well in person and in writing to a wide variety of
   cooperators and partners, including Natural Heritage Programs, The Nature
   Conservancy, U.S. federal agencies, academic researchers and other
   non-profit organizations. Ability to conduct training sessions on
   operations-related topics.
10. Willingness to commit to the goals of NatureServe and the protection of
    biodiversity.

Application Instructions:

Send cover letter and resume via mail or email to:

R. Price
NatureServe
1101 Wilson Blvd., 15th Flr.
Arlington, VA 22209