Director of Operations, Pisces Foundation

The Pisces Foundation works to advance a world where nature and communities thrive. We are a resource for problem-solvers seeking the tools to address global environmental challenges and build a vibrant San Francisco. The foundation is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with grantee partners across the globe. We recently updated our strategy and organizational structure to better support collective action through field building, movement infrastructure, and collaborations that create the influence and alignment needed for meaningful social change. More information on the Pisces Foundation’s updated strategy can be found here.

The Opportunity

As part of our updated organizational structure, the Director of Operations is a new role that replaces the COO position and serves as a counterpart to the new Program Director.

The Director of Operations leads the operations function at the Pisces Foundation, ensuring excellence and effectiveness across grants management, accounting, HR, legal, and governance to support the Foundation’s mission. Reporting to the President and working in close collaboration with the Program Director, this position leads a dedicated team of four, including the Operations Associate, Grants Manager, and Grants Associate.

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead operations for a mission-driven foundation tackling the pressing challenges of environment and climate, as well as urban challenges facing our hometown of San Francisco. You’ll oversee impactful grantmaking, lead a high-performing team, and contribute to strategic initiatives, all within a collaborative and inclusive environment. If you’re a leader passionate about environmental and urban issues, this position offers the chance to make a real difference while fostering innovation and growth.

Key Responsibilities

Grants Management

• Oversee grantmaking operations to drive impact and ensure compliance.
• Lead and develop a newly expanded team, fostering collaboration and operational excellence.

Legal and Governance

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations; maintain and share knowledge of emerging requirements.
• Implement a risk management approach aligned with the Foundation’s scale, mission, and exposures, ensuring effective board oversight.

Accounting

• Develop annual and three-year budgets; provide the President and board with regular financial reports, cashflow analysis, and recommendations.
• Oversee annual audit and 990 tax filings in collaboration with outsourced accounting team, auditors and tax preparation firm (Baker Tilly) supported by the Senior Grants Manager and Operations Associate.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of weekly invoice payments and semimonthly payroll by the Operations Associate with appropriate controls.

Human Resources

• Oversee recruiting, onboarding, and offboarding processes with support from the Operations Associate and hiring managers.
• Oversee the annual performance and development cycle and administer compensation plans with support from the Operations Associate.
• Ensure competitive, cost-effective benefits administration and manage Operations Associate to assist employees in utilizing benefits effectively.
• Act as a trusted advisor on employee matters; provide recommendations for the President’s approval.

Workflow Management

• Manage organization-wide workflow to ensure excellence and predictability; incorporate input from the Program Director.
• Communicate deadlines and create shared workplans using tools like Outlook calendars and staff meetings presentations.
• Direct the Operations Associate to maintain an accurate foundation-wide calendar.

Administration and Office Management

• Oversee technology, including software, hardware, connectivity, and security with IT vendor support.
• Supervise the Operations Associate in managing office functionality supplies, and overall appearance.
• Manage documentation, contracts, and board meeting preparation in partnership with the Program Director and team members.
• Oversee the Grants Management team’s preparation of the grant docket and the Operations Associate’s management of the meeting logistics. Responsible for the execution of resolutions and executive sessions.

Management, Learning, and Collaboration

• Supervise the Senior Grants Manager and Operations Associate; provide effective management, guidance, coaching, and mentoring.
• Create an inspiring and creative operations team culture with open communication and learning across teams.
• Provide proactive management to support matrix-based project structures and effective delegation.
• Create a culture of learning within the Foundation by arranging ongoing training and management coaching to staff and trustees.
• Lead foundation-wide projects that advance the Foundation’s organizational goals

Internal Relationships and Leadership

• Support the integration of a shared Foundation strategy, ethos, and approach.
• Serve as trusted thought partner to President and Program Director, ensuring program and operations alignment.
• Provide excellent change management and internal communications to support transitions.

Key Competencies

• Grants Management - Expertise in grantmaking operations, compliance, and impact-driven strategies.
• Legal and Governance - Knowledge of nonprofit regulations and risk management; Experience supporting board governance and compliance.
• Accounting and Financial Oversight - Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, reporting, and audits; Experience overseeing payroll, tax filings, and internal financial controls.
• Human Resources - Proven leadership in recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and compensation; Skilled in benefits administration and employee relations.
• Workflow and Operations Management - Experience optimizing workflow, managing deadlines, and overseeing technology and office administration.
• Leadership and Team Management - Strong team leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and change management expertise.

Core Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of experience in operations, nonprofit management, or related fields.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience tailoring messages for different audiences.
• Alignment with the Foundation’s mission and program areas, including environment, climate and urban issues.
• Commitment to collective aspirations and universal goals, while advancing justice and equity through work.
• Strong judgement, with the ability to think and work independently to effectively plan, prioritize and track multiple workstreams under deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to help others; interpersonal skills to effectively represent the Foundation and build relationships with staff, family office, board members, and partners in a respectful and authentic manner.