Director of Operations

Director of Operations for the Alliance for the Mystic River WatershedEssential Info: $37.5 - $44 hour, depending on experience and qualifications, flexible hours - up to 35hrsweek  Benefits: Semi-remote, Paid Time Off (50hrsyr to start), Paid Medical Leave (50hrsyr to start), Wifi-Stipend (30$month), travel, health insurance, retirement, professional development negotiableMutual reviews every three months, with room for salary rate, hours, and benefits increase, especially if business case can be made for operational efficiency and contributions to organizational development. This is a start up non-profit and requires a builder mindset.Job Description Our Director of Operations will provide back end support for our programs and personnel. The Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed (the first Tribal and non-tribal Watershed Alliance in CT - and is composed of residents, members, staff, and leadership of the Mashantucket Pequot and Eastern Pequot Tribal Nations and the towns of Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington. Our mission is to keep all life in the Mystic River safe and flourishing in these times of increasing change. We are currently developing collaborative and community based planning and implementation processes for holistic watershed regeneration and the creation of a bioregional finance facility. This entails numerous community engagement and education events, the development of bioregion specific curriculum, youth based design processes and education programs, the creation of a Living Atlas Knowledge Commons (ArcOnline based mapping and observation platform), managing a watershed wide climate vulnerability assessment, and embarking upon a Watershed Regeneration Action Plan (including an EPA 9-elements Watershed Based Plan) process to guide millions of dollars of infrastructure investment and the development of regenerative enterprises.Having begun as an all volunteer organization in 2022, the Alliance has quickly grown to have an annual budget of over $320k from ~$600k in awarded grants and annual donations over $47k. We currently have $6 million in grants under review, and have supported over $32 million in regional partner grants, and now have 3 FTE equivalents spread between 4 staff members and 5 contractors. Success in this role will be evaluated by formalizing and streamlining administrative tasks, demonstrated contribution to organizational operational and financial development, and generation of good will and good feeling between staff, community members, the board, and our network of allies. As a start up organization, there is significant room to grow this role and contribute to the organizations programmatic and financial development.Key responsibilities include:Supporting budget development and managing organizational finances, including:Managing the Alliance's Quickbooks in collaboration with contracted accountant including tracking and coding expenditures to 5+ grant and contract accounts and donationsInvoicing contractors, vendors, and grantee organizationsIdentifying and contribute to development opportunities (e.g. grants, donor advised funds)Supporting strategic financial planning, including annual operational budgeting and performance evaluationRunning online and in person fundraisers like our Silent Auction, raffles, and developing our merchandisingDeveloping, maintaining, and enhancing our donor relations and volunteer management platform Developing Little Green Light database and related sign up formsWorking with communications coordinator, the board, and Executive Director for marketingbranding and regular communications (weekly updates, monthly newsletter)Tracking volunteer hours and contributions, Supporting our volunteer working committees (Youth Council, Water Quality Group, Community Action Team)Managing HR workflowsLeading on boarding and developing employee benefit packages in collaboration with regenerative finance partnersManaging bi-weekly payroll with contracted payroll manager (aggregate and report weekly hours per employee per funding sources)Formalizing workplace policies and proceduresLogistical Support for programs and eventsAssist with regular (2 per year) and programmatic (9+ per year) events, including purchasing, venue selection, coordinating with board members and volunteersPurchasing and inventory tracking of small but growing organizational assetsReportingSupport monthly reporting to the board of directors and membership Assist Treasurer and Executive Director with annual reporting to donors and members Working with contracted accountant for federal and state tax reporting and 501c(3) complianceWork Environment, Compensation, and TermsThis is a largely remote position with some occasional travel to the Mystic River Watershed and surrounding areas. The Ideal candidate will have familiarity with SE CT, and strong relations with communities in our watershed, including familiarity with Tribal Nation issues.Hours are flexible, although the position should be generally responsive to email and phone communications during regular business hours unless sick or taking time off. Occasional attendance at in person events may be required, with a minimum of 2 week lead time if so.This is an at-will position, subject to 3 month mutual reviews with potential to update contract terms. Contract length is 1 year from start date, this is a combination of grant funded and donor funded position, employment length depends upon availability of future funding post fall 2026QualificationsEssential:Value and mission alignment with the Alliance for the Mystic River WatershedWillingness to work within a fast paced and rapidly growing organizational environment2+ years of experience in Quickbooks or equivalent bookkeeping software, knowledge of accounting principles and practices1+ years experience in donor relations and database management, e.g. Little Green LightDesiredFamiliarity and knowledge of Indigenous governance, tribal self determination, and cross cultural collaborative planning especially as it applies to Pequot peoples and Southeastern Connecticut Demonstrated education, training, and familiarity with regenerative principles and understanding of regenerative paradigms that transcend natureculture, ecologyeconomy dualitiesPrior Experience in start up businesses and non-profits, a builders mindset3+ years demonstrated experience in organizational operations, strategic planning, and financial administrationDemonstrated willingness to learn and ability to be self taughtFormal education is not a requirement, but can be used to substitute for 2 years of experience if applicable (e.g. certification in non-profit management, MBA, PA, or relevant degrees)To Apply:Submit a cover letter describing value alignment, prior experience, qualifications and a brief statement of vision for developing this role and the Alliance as a whole, Resume, and 3 professional references to cc'ing

Created: 2025-04-03