Head of Operations - North America

SummaryThis is a new role in the US office of Climate Group North America, presenting an exciting opportunity for an entrepreneurial generalist to drive the next chapter of Operations at Climate Group. The right person for this role will be comfortable with all areas of nonprofit management and have a keen attention to detail. This role will be critical in ensuring the success of implementing a new accounting ecosystem and driving strategic operations across finance, governance, and HR. Preference will be given to those with demonstrated experience managing a third-party accounting eco-system. About Climate GroupClimate Group is an international organization, and we want to reflect that in our staff. People who work for us, and people who apply, need to feel heard, safe, and included. That is why we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion throughout our application process and in our offices. We welcome applicants that are diverse in terms of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity and perspective.Climate Group drives climate action. Fast. Our goal is a world of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with greater prosperity for all.We focus on systems with the highest emissions and where our networks have the greatest opportunity to drive change. We do this by building large and influential networks and holding organizations accountable, turning their commitments into action.We share what we achieve together to show more organizations what they could do. We are an international non-profit organization, founded in 2004, with offices in London, Amsterdam, Beijing, New Delhi and New York. About the roleClimate Group is a people organization, and our people are at the leading edge of addressing the climate crisis. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and strategic individual to leverage operational leadership and business acumen to drive Climate Group North America's work in accelerating climate action. Reporting to the Executive Director of Climate Group North America, this position will deliver North America Operations and develop long-term operational strategy. This professional will play a pivotal role in the building of strong organizational structure and compliance through the areas of finance, governance and HR. The Head of Operations will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of a new accounting ecosystem as it transitions out of the centrally managed accounting in London. The right person for this role will be an adept stakeholder manager and excel in organization, communication, and establishing best practices. This role works closely with the leadership of the Operations teams based in Climate Group's London office and collaborates at all levels with both internal and external stakeholders. The core responsibilities for the Head of Operations NA include, but are not limited to: Define, drive and deliver the strategy for Operations in North America in the short and long-term. Ensure the strategy is executed in accordance with the global operations framework. Deliver HR, team culture, financial management, programmatic strategy and leadership development as part of overall Operations strategy. Work with the Board of Directors on meeting development, committee management, nominations, communications, and other administrative tasks as needed. Develop systems and internal organization to enable and drive Board engagement. Ensure compliance with local and federal regulations. Develop strategies for risk management, maintaining a risk register for internal and external risks to safeguard the organization and its ability to execute its mission. DutiesFinance and Accounting Act as primary point of contact for external accounting team; administer accounting softwareEstablish and maintain strong internal financial controls to protect organization from financial risk. Communicate effectively with staff and vendors necessary procedures for payments, reimbursements, and other transactions.Work with US and UK based staff to ensure proper accounting and documentation of income and expenditures. Prepare for and lead the annual financial audit and field work; and liaise with auditors to assist in the preparation of tax filings.Serve as main point of contact with third-party providers which may include (but is not limited to) payroll, tax support and advice, and banking.Advise on the group planning process, with preparation of required inputs for annual budget, forecast and periodic reporting.Manage access to critical accounts for North America and track and onboard new users. Ensure proper reporting is delivered to the Executive Director and review as required.Strategy and Project ManagementBe the primary resource to the Executive Director in all strategic and organizational projects as directed. Acting as Chief of Staff, drive vision, oversight and leadership of staff, and model Climate Group values. Manage own projects and oversee staff who lead and deliver projects within OperationsIn partnership with the Executive Director and Leadership Team, engage in the management and execution of Climate Group North America's strategic plan. Be proactive in identifying potential issues on projects, outgoing communications, or agenda items of the Executive Director. Initiate solutions to collaborate on with the Executive Director and Leadership Team.Governance and Compliance Develop and manage organizational frameworks to ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations impacting Climate Group NA. Work with the Board of Directors, Governance Committee, nonprofit attorneys and accountants as required to develop standard operating procedures for the organization. Deliver on governance and compliance requirements, undertaking regulatory filings, board secretarial responsibilities, and keeping up to date statutory registers and company information. Manage and maintain appropriate insurance policies, including liability, BOP, D&O, and E&O, and others as needed.Human Resource Management Oversee all HR-related tasks including policy development, payroll, staff updates on pay and performance, and inter-organizational HR strategies. Maintain compliance with all legal requirements and advise on any employment risks.Optimize existing recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding processes. Train US team on best practices.Manage PEO, including benefits, insurance and pension providers; monitor and advise on market benchmarks and potential new benefit options. Be responsible for the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of employees, in the context of hybrid working arrangements.Board of Directors Management and DevelopmentOn behalf of the Executive Director, serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors and manage Director tasks and follow-ups. Plan and schedule the Board of Directors quarterly virtual board meetings and annual in-person meeting. Organize quarterly board materials, assemble, and distribute a Board packet and corresponding communications pre- and post-meetings. Act as administrator on Board nominations, annual audit, and other actions as needed.Administration & CommunicationsWork with the NA and international teams to develop sound inter-organizational practices and systems.Work with the Executive Director to schedule and coordinate weekly senior leadership team and all-staff meetings and their corresponding agendas.Provide additional capacity to the Executive Director and Leadership Team on a variety of levels when needed, including the management and execution of virtual and in-person events.About youWe value strengths and the desire to learn - if you meet the majority of the criteria listed below, please apply. The perfect candidate for this role is one who approaches their job holistically and strategically, is comfortable wearing a lot of hats, and contributes to the creation of an environment of integrity, accountability, and belonging.EssentialLeadership and Strategic VisionStrong ability to define, drive, and deliver operational strategy in line with organizational goals and the global operations framework.Ability to collaborate with senior leadership, offering guidance and fostering a culture of teamwork and accountability.Financial Acumen and Risk ManagementExpertise in finance and accounting, including budgeting, financial controls, audits, and tax filings.Ability to develop and implement strategies for financial risk management, ensuring compliance and safeguarding the organization's resources.Governance and Compliance KnowledgeDeep understanding of federal, state, and local regulations, ensuring the organization's compliance with all relevant laws and standards.Experience with nonprofit governance, legal frameworks, and regulatory filings. Organizational and Project Management SkillsExceptional organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and projects.Experience in overseeing and delivering large-scale operational initiatives while ensuring strategic alignment and execution.Stakeholder ManagementAbility to manage relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, both internal and external, including the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and other key partners.Proficient in managing board meetings, committee management, and driving board engagement.DesiredCreative Problem-SolvingA forward-thinking approach to identify potential challenges proactively and design solutions that align with organizational goals.Ability to think outside the box and adapt strategies as needed.Global Perspective with Local UnderstandingExperience working within both global and local frameworks, especially in an international organization with cross-cultural teams.Understanding of how to integrate global operations with local needs and regulations.Technology ProficiencyFamiliarity with accounting software, HR management systems, and project management tools to support effective operations.Ability to leverage technology to enhance organizational performance and streamline processes.Experience with Nonprofit EnvironmentsPrior experience working in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations, particularly in operations or organizational management roles.Understanding of nonprofit-specific challenges and how to navigate them.Mentorship and Leadership DevelopmentAbility to foster the growth and development of team members, promoting leadership within the organization.Experience in managing and mentoring a diverse team, focusing on skill development and long-term career growth.Our locationOur people are based remotely with the ability to access co-working spaces local to them. Most of our team work out of New York City and Washington, DC. Our preference is for this role to be situated in the Northeast region but we are willing to consider candidates in other areas, providing they are able to work EST hours. Some travel is expected for this role. The team meets quarterly in person in New York or Washington DC. International travel to the London office will be no more frequent than once a year.What we offerOur people are at the heart of what we do. You'll be joining a global community of bold, ambitious doers who are committed to driving climate action fast.This is a permanent position. The salary offered is $104,510 to $113,000 per annum, commensurate with experience.Many of our people work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at interview about your preferred ways of working and if we can make it work for the role and within the team then we will. The salary range stated is for New York City. Our salary rates reflect the local market and depending on your location, a local salary rate will be addition to the rewards you'll find from working with friendly, passionate people who'll challenge and help you grow, we offer a fantastic benefits package:25 vacation days per year (pro-rated for part-time working), plus public holidays403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer contribution after six months' serviceLong-service holiday bonus of an additional day after three and six years' service Health and dentalvision insurance policy from first day of employmentCommuter benefit program to use pre-tax dollars to pay for transit passesFlexible working to support a healthy worklife balancePaid leave for volunteering, moving house and getting married Membership for Headspace, a meditation and mindfulness appComprehensive learning and development initiatives to help you reach your full potential, including access to LinkedIn LearningApply nowSubmit your application now using the 'Apply for this job' button. Your application should be in the form of a CV and one-page cover letter covering why you want to work with Climate Group and how your experience, skills and knowledge relate to the competencies outlined above. If you need any further information, require the job advert in an accessible format, or need additional support at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Ashley Mielcarek, Operations Manager, at closing date for applications is midnight on January 17. We'll be holding interviews on a rolling basis, therefore welcome and encourage early applications.The requisite eligibility criteria, or work visa to work in the US are a requirement for this position and no relocation andor sponsorship costs will be borne by Climate Group.Please note we will not be engaging recruitment agencies for this role.

Created: 2024-12-23