CEN: Associate Director of Operations & Project Management - THRIVE ALLIANCE : Job Details

CEN is seeking an Associate Director of Operations & Project Management to enhance its commitment to supporting nonprofit leaders and building an equitable community. This role is essential for maintaining CEN's operational rhythm, overseeing internal operations, project management systems, and program logistics. The ideal candidate will effectively leverage digital tools, manage key organizational processes, and assist the team in adopting new technologies. We are seeking a leader with a strong blend of operational excellence, technical systems management, and exceptional interpersonal skills, who can optimize systems, enhance digital platforms, and ensure clear communication both internally and externally. This position is perfect for someone who thrives at the intersection of operations, technology, and collaboration, with a strategic mindset that prioritizes a human-centered approach.

The Center for Excellence in Nonprofits (CEN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Redwood City, CA, dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders through continuous learning and fostering inclusive environments. CEN believes that strengthening the staff and board leadership of nonprofit organizations is the most effective way to enhance the nonprofit sector's overall capacity. Guided by IDEAL principles, the organization aims to serve as a vital resource for emerging leaders, executive directors, and board members by offering high-quality resources, peer support networks, and personalized consultations tailored to maximize organizational effectiveness.

Operations Management

Lead in systems creation/strategy and project management across the organization with a strong focus on digital solutions

Prepare and manage CEN's annual operations calendar and board operations calendar, ensuring team-wide alignment through digital tools like AddEvent, Eventbrite, Salesforce, and Zoom.

Maintain and improve operational systems to optimize in-person and virtual collaboration and program execution

Oversee project management software system (ClickUp)—ensuring proper team usage and training

Maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) and ensure team adherence as programs and systems evolve

Assemble and analyze program data on an ongoing basis to create reports and projections

Manage Squarespace website including but not limited to maintaining domain registration, accurately updating content, and conducting periodic site audits

Monitor website analytics to identify areas for improved user experience and functionality— recommending and leading website redesign projects, as needed

Programs & Events

Prepare and manage the programmatic global calendar and provide administrative and timeline support for programs including consultation

Drive and manage the operational cadence of the CEN calendar(s) in conjunction with CEN program scheduling and logistics with a high level of accuracy and minimal oversight

Perform and/or oversee duties associated with project/event planning, execution, analysis, and logistics

Compose, edit, and fact-check documents, slides, graphics, and correspondence for programs using Canva and SharePoint

Participate in annual CEN special events (typically in-person and 3-5 times per year—sometimes during non-business hours) as well as select community and partner events as a CEN representative

Provide program communications and materials in addition to client/community member relations

Conduct meetings to debrief, kickoff, update status, etc. related to programming

Client Relations, Database, & Reporting

Provide and manage staff in providing outstanding customer service across all facets of the organization (ex. clients, donors, community partners) in person as well as via phone, email, and other media

Manage and improve CRM systems (Salesforce or equivalent) to enhance client and donor data management, analysis, and communications.

Manage database and website with content support and guidance from CEN executive and team

Create and distribute complex reports and spreadsheets which may utilize specialized software and systems

Manage virtual and in-office vendor accounts, ensuring efficient service delivery

Accounting

Collect and prepare end-of-month data from the CEN team to ensure accurate and timely payroll allocations using Harvest and other client tracking platforms

Collaborate with CEN's outside accounting firm to ensure smooth financial operations

Process accounts receivable and payable via U.S. mail, QuickBooks Online, bill.com, etc.

Track, reconcile, and analyze data such as monthly usage of all program discounts, grant-funded registrations, and no-cost services for staff, board, grant, and annual impact reporting

At least five years of nonprofit experience (preference given to roles in operations)

Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of IDEAL values and practices

Meets challenges with resourcefulness as well as a high level of autonomy and goal achievement

Exhibits high-level judgment and high ethical standards, particularly in handling sensitive and confidential information

Strong communication skills, the ability to work with a wide variety of backgrounds and personalities at all levels within an organization, as well as cultural humility and responsiveness

Strong attention to detail and high proficiency with Windows & Microsoft Office Suite

Ability to quickly learn, understand, and implement complex digital systems and software and improve upon them to ensure CEN's ability to scale to meet evolving nonprofit sector needs

Demonstrated ability to work independently and to prioritize and follow-through on multiple tasks and projects simultaneously

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

Deep passion for and knowledge of leadership development

Ability to build and maintain relationships with interested parties including but not limited to board members, staff, vendors, corporations, and partners

Fund development support to include Google-Ads grant strategy and management

Graphic design and storytelling ability to create engaging, data-driven program/event materials and reports for team and interested parties

Systems creation and maintenance that inspires participation and changes with fluidity, when appropriate, to swiftly address evolving team and community needs

Experience supervising and mentoring staff and volunteers.

$70,000-$90,000

Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume via email to: [email protected] Note that applications without a cover letter may not be considered. We respectfully ask that phone inquiries be limited to candidates requesting ADA accommodations (call 650.###.#### or email [email protected]).

Free platform where you can find new job and volunteer opportunities in the Silicon Valley nonprofit sector. Explore opportunities.