Operations Manager

Position Overview

Mangalam Research Center for Buddhist Languages (MRC), a non-profit organization located in downtown Berkeley, CA, has an immediate opening for an Operations Manager. Salary is negotiable, depending on experience and skills.

The Operations Manager (OM) is responsible for ensuring the organization’s programs, services, and infrastructure run smoothly and strategically. The OM coordinates with the Executive Director to align daily operations with the organization’s mission and long-term goals. This role ensures that staff, residents, volunteers, and members of the wider community with which MRC is associated have the systems, resources, and support they need to thrive.

The position of Operations Manager (OM) involves the following areas:

• • Program Management Support: Collaborate with the Academic Director, the Executive Director, and the Director of the Center for Creative Inquiry (CCI—see below) in supporting programs, events, publications, and other initiatives.
  • Online tools/systems oversight: Management of social media and software used by MRC staff related to MRC’s mission, including programs.
  • Coordination with the Center for Creative Inquiry, an affiliated but independent organization located in the adjacent building, including making sure that the CCI building is kept in good condition and supporting its operations and events, both in-person and online.
  • Facilities Coordination: MRC is staffed in part by building residents, both paid and volunteer, some of whom also work for CCI. The OM is responsible for management of house and facilities and residents, in coordination with the building manager, who is responsible for maintaining equipment and for the structural integrity of the building. In connection with these responsibilities, the OM has the opportunity to live at MRC in an en suite room, at no charge, if desired.

Note that MRC is affiliated with various organizations founded by Tibetan lama Tarthang Tulku, located in Berkeley and elsewhere. Demonstrated interest in Buddhism, mindfulness, and/or contemplative inquiry is desirable. A Buddhist affiliation is not required. The OM is eligible to take at no charge online and in-person classes and workshops offered to the public by MRC, CCI, and the Tibetan Nyingma Institute.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operations Management
   • Provide support for all programs and initiatives, ensuring quality, sustainability, and alignment with mission.
   • Assist in the presentation of public programs, classes, workshops, and conferences.
   • Support Executive Director, Academic Director, and Managing Editor (and cooperate with the Director of CCI) in the execution of complex projects (e.g., writing initiatives, grant-supported conferences) including logistics, faculty/participant coordination, and reporting.
   • Establish systems for tracking and improving program participation, outcomes, and student/attendee retention.
2. Outreach, Communications & Visibility
   • Manage execution of program promotional activities, including marketing, design, and communications, working with MRC staff, volunteers and contractors.
   • Oversee the organization’s digital presence and event/course software: Slack, Mailchimp, social media, website CMS, and course and event platforms (Eventbrite, Zoom, YouTube, Vimeo, Canva, Canvas. )
   • Support cohesive messaging and timely promotion of events and publications.
   • Develop strategies for audience growth, digital engagement, and community presence.
   • Manage outreach and intake of volunteers; delegate responsibilities to staff and outside volunteers as needed.
3. Building Upkeep
   • Oversee the general upkeep, safety, and functionality of the organizational facilities.
   • Supervise or coordinate volunteers and staff assisting with facilities-related tasks
   • Ensure that physical spaces are welcoming, clean and prepared for programs, events, and visitors, including guests in residence. Oversee cleanliness, routine janitorial services, etc.
   • Coordinate basic maintenance and repairs with Building Manager.
   • In coordination with the Building Manager, develop and implement facility-use protocols related to room scheduling, access policies, and security procedures.
4. Finance & Administration
   • Coordinate budgeting, financial management, and bookkeeping in cooperation with financial personnel staff.
   • Oversee IT systems, phone system, and other shared digital resources
   • Oversee record-keeping, mail/shipping, and vendor management; arrange for hiring of contractors in these areas as needed.
5. People, Volunteers & Community
   • Supervise and support staff, interns, and volunteers.
   • Manage volunteer coordination, ensuring effective recruitment, onboarding, retention and review.
   • Foster a culture of collaboration, community, accountability, and inclusion.
   • Support community life through hospitality, event readiness, and facilities oversight.

Qualifications

• • Experience in nonprofit management or operations.
  • Strong background in program coordination, communications, and organizational development.
  • Financial literacy: budget management, bookkeeping oversight, and grants administration. Familiarity with IRS and local filing requirements for non-profits.
  • Excellent skills in communication, team leadership, and collaboration. Proficiency with digital platforms, as described above.
  • Experience managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.
  • Flexibility in hours.

Core Competencies

• • Ability to balance vision with practical execution.
  • Strong interpersonal and community-building skills.
  • Flexible and resourceful in dynamic environments.
  • Alignment with the mission and values of MRC and CCI.

Housing in a private room with bath in downtown Berkeley is available for the right candidate.

No specific language requirements. Knowledge of Spanish is a plus.