Operations Director

Join us at the exciting and innovative intersection of well-being and nature. We’re a mission-driven youth development non-profit that has experienced rapid growth in the past five years, and we need to expand our management capacity. If you are looking for a chance to demonstrate your abilities to organize, coordinate, and manage all while supporting the well-being of underserved children and advancing the appreciation of natural spaces, then we have an opportunity for you.

Job Summary:

The Operations Director will provide critical “back of the house” structure and organization for Farrington Nature Linc (FNL). We are looking for a mission-focused, highly organized, process-minded team member with experience in operations, finance, HR, facilities management and external relations. This position will act as the lead on all internal facing systems and operations.

We are looking for someone with great people skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to help us create a well-organized, efficiently run organization that fully embraces our values and serves our mission.

Organization Overview:

Farrington Nature Linc’s mission is to enhance the well-being of children from low-income communities through a connection with the natural world. Our 75 acres of woodlands, fields, and ponds near Boston are dedicated to providing respite and inspiration for children who might not otherwise have this opportunity. We envision a world in which every child has access to nature; every child learns that nature is a powerful source of health and happiness; and every child believes that the stewardship of nature strengthens communities.

We are a small but mighty, and growing, team, serving over 3,500 youth per year through summer, vacation, and afterschool programs. Learn more at our website farringtonnaturelinc.org.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Position Summary:

The Operations Director will assist with many aspects of running FNL, including operations, programs, HR, facilities management, and external relations.

Percentages of time (below) are estimates and would fluctuate with the seasonal nature of programming. The position serves as a key member of the management team, and reports directly to the Executive Director.

This is a full-time salaried position with benefits, including vacation and sick leave.

Operations, Finance and Administration (60-70):

• Manage employee onboarding, benefits administration, payroll, and unemployment. Hire and manage outsourced HR and payroll vendors.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, manage organizational finances and support reporting to the board.
• Work with an external bookkeeper to ensure timely invoicing for partners, services, and payment of all bills including employee reimbursements.
• Manage all contracts for program services after initial terms have been agreed upon. Ensures contracts are signed, and certificates of insurance have been received and filed.
• Responsible for all record keeping, staff meeting content and facilitation, and technology systems.
• Attend and provide staff support for the Board Committee that supervises our land assets and financial decision making.
• Maintains inventory of office and program supplies, including ordering and tracking program allocation.
• Respond to general enquiries via email and phone from the public

Facilities Management (30-40%)

• Oversee all aspects of the Organization’s physical buildings and 75 acre property, ensure maintenance to support their current and future viability.
• Create and maintain regular schedules of maintenance, with Property Manager, and upkeep for all buildings and grounds and ensure appropriate coverage for anticipated visitation levels.
• Hire, oversee and document work done for all projects and maintenance activities, including work by contractors and consultants.
• Request quotes from contractors and other vendors when needed for general maintenance or for capital improvements.
• Communicate with property tenants in regards to rent, maintenance and support with issues.
• Negotiate and manage all facility leases and rental agreements for short term or one time rentals, including invoicing.
• Identify hazards to achieve maximum health and safety standard compliance
• Ensure the completion of maintenance responsibilities such as opening, closing, cleaning, set-ups and special events, trash and snow removal, etc..

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in a job-related area or equivalent job-related experience
• 5+ years in a director or senior management level position in a nonprofit organization, foundation, university, or government agency
• Ability to use Google Office Suite or Microsoft Office (spreadsheets, slides and word documents)
• Committed to racial equity and youth development work

Preferred Qualifications

• Highly entrepreneurial and systems-thinker; self-starter, self-disciplined
• Demonstrated financial management experience in managing budgets and reporting
• Outstanding communication (written, verbal), interpersonal skills, and ability to show empathy
• Demonstrated success in roles requiring execution of multiple tasks while responding to multiple competing priorities and deadlines
• Proven ability to work with efficiency, flexibility, and good humor
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a wide array of people – staff of all ages and stages, donors and investors, and individuals from extremely diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Experience managing complex projects
• Experience overseeing building & grounds facilities and operations is required, with experience in a museum or historic house setting a plus.
• Basic understanding of budget development and management
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends

Attitude

• Discretion in managing confidential information
• Maturity, humility, excellent work ethic, enthusiasm, positivity, “can-do” attitude, and sense of humor
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural competency and living nonprofit work through a social and racial justice lens.
• Comfortable working in a small, shared office space. Possibility for some remote work with approval of Executive Director

Additional Requirements

Employees are required to utilize their personal cell phones for business-related needs. FNL provides reimbursement and a virtual phone system. If an employee does not possess a reliable cell phone, alternative arrangements may be made.

Work happens between office spaces and outdoors in all weather conditions, or in a barn with limited heating/cooling.

Applicants must agree to a CORI and driving records check as part of the job screening, but evidence of a criminal record is not necessarily an impediment to hiring. A copy of our CORI policy is available on request.