ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Senior Director of Operations will play a critical leadership role at MCAN, working closely with the Executive Director to shape the organization’s efforts, drive operational excellence, and ensure the alignment of internal systems with mission-driven goals. The Senior Director of Operations will oversee and manage four core functions of the organization: Finance, Strategic Engagement (communications), Human Resources and Administration, and Network Engagement and Convenings. This role requires a highly organized, mission focused, and collaborative leader who can build and optimize internal systems, foster a culture of transparency, excellency and accountability, and help position MCAN for long-term growth and sustainability.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Senior Director of Operations performs a wide range of duties, including but not limited to the following:
Financial Oversight
- Supervise the Director of Finance and provide oversight of all accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting activities.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, internal controls, and nonprofit best practices.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and Director of Finance on annual budget planning and long-term financial strategy.
- Oversee the management of incoming grants, including compliance, reporting and invoicing processes to ensure timely and accurate financial tracking and accountability.
Strategic Engagement Communication and External Affairs
- Supervise the Director of the Strategic Engagement department, including communications and network and stakeholder engagement.
- Support the development and implementation of strategies that enhance MCAN’s visibility, credibility, and statewide influence.
- Build and maintain a positive reputation with key external stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofit partners, community organizations, and funders.
Human Resources
- Supervise the Director of the Human Resources and Administration department, including recruitment, onboarding, compensation and benefits, professional development, and performance management.
- Foster collaboration and teamwork across departments to achieve organizational goals.
Administration
- Oversee facilities operations and space planning to ensure a safe and functional work environment; manage vendor contracts and facility related budgets.
- Provide strategic oversight of information technology systems, cybersecurity; align IT initiatives with organizational goals and ensure reliable technical support services.
Network Engagement and Convenings
- Supervise the Director of Network Engagement and Convenings and provide oversight on MCAN hosted events.
- Support the execution of strategic convenings, events, and engagement efforts across MCAN.
- Build and maintain, in coordination with programmatic staff, a portfolio of gatherings that build capacity, foster collaboration, and advance the movement toward Sixty by 30.D
Organizational Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Oversee the day-to-day internal operations of the organization, ensuring alignment with MCAN’s strategic priorities.
- Support programming departments to find creative solutions to allow departments to achieve success.
- Promote a culture of equity, inclusion, innovation, and accountability throughout the organization.
- Create and implement policies and practices that foster a healthy, engaged, and high-performing team.
- significant experience in operations, finance, or administration within a nonprofit, philanthropic, educational, or mission-driven organization.
EDUCATION, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Demonstrated success in senior operational or executive leadership roles, with the ability to develop and execute implementation plans across departments.
- Strong financial acumen, including experience with nonprofit budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and financial reporting.
- Deep understanding of nonprofit management best practices, including internal controls, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate strategies, priorities, and outcomes to diverse audiences.
- Experience leading communications, public policy, or stakeholder engagement functions that advance organizational visibility and impact.
- Skilled in supervising and developing high-performing teams across functions, including finance, human resources, and strategic engagement.
- Proven ability to cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture aligned with organizational values.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize, delegate, and manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
- Relationship-building expertise with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, community partners, funders, and staff.
- Flexibility and adaptability to navigate a dynamic nonprofit and educational environment, while maintaining long-term strategic focus.
- Willingness and ability for periodic in-state and national travel, including overnight stays as necessary.
Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree required in public administration, nonprofit management, business administration, education, human resources, accounting or a related field.
- Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including
- Demonstrated experience supervising senior-level staff across multiple departments and functions.
- Experience with nonprofit financial oversight, including law, budget development and financial reporting.
- Experience leading or working closely with teams responsible for communications, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, or public policy is preferred.
- Human resources leadership experience, including developing systems for recruitment, performance management, and employee engagement, is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with the higher education, K-12, or college access and success landscape is helpful.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of working on a computer either in a sitting or standing position.
- Must be able to lift 20 pounds at times.
- Must be able to access and navigate organization’s office facilities.
Salary: $126,880
Benefits: Full benefits package includes platinum health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Also includes education support program, employee development program, 403b retirement plan (with standard 4% employer contribution and up to an additional 3% match), 240 hours of PTO, 13 paid holidays, 6 weeks fully paid parental leave, employee assistance program, downtown Lansing parking permit and cell phone reimbursement.
How to Apply
Please upload your resume, cover letter and 3 professional references from a present or past coworker or supervisor.
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