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Director of Operations
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Description
Director of Operations
The Director of Operations (DO) is a new senior leadership position at Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC). The DO oversees human resources, compliance, office administration, and organizational effectiveness to ensure SAHC operates efficiently, transparently, and in alignment with Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously improving cross-organizational systems, policies, and procedures that support staff, strengthen accountability, and advance SAHC’s mission.
Working closely with the management team, the Director of Operations will guide the evolution of SAHC’s operational framework as the organization grows and changes. The ideal candidate is an experienced, collaborative leader with a strong background in nonprofit operations and a passion for building systems that help people and programs thrive.
Position Details
Location: Based in Asheville, NC, with periodic travel throughout SAHC’s 10-county conservation area in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee
Supervision: Reports to the Associate Director
Work Environment: Hybrid or remote flexibility in accordance with organizational policy; flexible scheduling available as needed
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Operations & Administration
- Lead and maintain a cohesive operational infrastructure that supports all SAHC programs and organizational goals.
- Develop, implement, and regularly review organizational policies, procedures, and workflows to improve effectiveness and accountability.
- Oversee day-to-day internal operations, including office systems, vendor relationships, technology resources, and data security in collaboration with IT support.
- Coordinate cross-departmental operations to ensure alignment among conservation, stewardship, community engagement, and fundraising teams.
- Oversee IT and data management by implementing and modernizing hardware and software solutions that advance SAHC’s infrastructure, security, collaboration, and organizational efficiency, including cloud-based systems and workflow automation.
- Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to operational change that balances innovation with organizational needs.
Human Resources & Talent Management
- Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, performance management, and off boarding for staff and interns.
- Maintain HR policies, employee handbook, benefits administration, and personnel records.
- Support a positive, mission-aligned workplace culture emphasizing equity, wellness, and professional growth.
- Coordinate staff training, leadership development, wellness initiatives, and organization-wide meetings and retreats.
- Lead annual performance review processes and professional development planning.
- Assist with employee progressive disciplinary procedures.
- Support succession planning for key roles and advise leadership on workforce planning.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations, employment laws, insurance requirements, and Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices.
- Maintain organizational records, legal documentation, and required filings.
- Oversee risk management efforts, including safety protocols, liability reviews, and emergency preparedness.
- Lead accreditation renewal efforts with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.
Board Governance & Committee Support
- Serve as staff liaison to the Governance Committee, supporting board recruitment, onboarding, training, and evaluation.
- Prepare operational reports and materials for the Board of Directors and relevant committees.
- Support board and committee meeting logistics, recordkeeping, and annual retreats.
- Assist senior leadership with strategic planning and organizational capacity building.
Organizational Effectiveness & Special Projects
- Mentor and support managers across the organization by translating strategic vision into clear, actionable operational guidance.
- Provide coaching and development to managers on problem-solving, efficiency, people management, and leadership skills, strengthening organizational capacity and alignment.
- Lead or support internal initiatives that improve efficiency, equity, and mission impact.
- Oversee operational components of organization-wide systems such as Salesforce, volunteer management, or grant implementation, as needed.
- Strengthen internal communication and cross-team planning to enhance organizational performance.
Qualifications
SAHC recognizes that strong candidates bring diverse professional and lived experiences. We encourage individuals who are passionate about our mission and believe they can succeed in this role to apply.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, business administration, finance, HR, or a related field
- At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit operations or administration
- Strong knowledge of nonprofit financial management and HR best practices
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively across teams
- Commitment to land conservation, community stewardship, and equity
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with land trusts or environmental nonprofits
- Familiarity with Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices
- Experience with QuickBooks, Salesforce, HRIS platforms, MS, Adobe, or similar systems
- Project management training or certification
- Familiarity incorporating AI-driven strategies for efficiency, automation, and data-driven decision-making
Personal Attributes
- Strategic, systems-oriented thinker and effective problem solver
- High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and integrity
- Collaborative leadership style with the ability to make thoughtful, sometimes difficult decisions
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Detail-oriented, adaptable, and resilient in a dynamic environment
- Discretion in handling confidential information
- Sense of humor and commitment to continuous learning
Working Conditions
- Primarily office-based with occasional field visits, community events, and board meetings
- Ability to travel within the region; valid driver’s license and insurable driving record required
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and traverse uneven terrain during occasional site visits or events
- Some evening or weekend work required
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by people in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
About Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) is a nonprofit land trust serving a 10-county region in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. We have three overall strategic goals: Protect, Steward, and Connect:
Protect: Since 1974, we have conserved over 95,000 acres of the region’s most important lands, including places that offer opportunities to all people to enjoy outdoor recreation, protect scenic beauty, protect rivers and streams that serve the region’s water needs, connect places for wildlife and plants to ensure resilient landscapes in the mountains, and preserve working farmland that supply local foods.
Steward: We’ve also built one of the country’s premier stewardship programs, monitoring and upholding land and conservation easements to assure permanent protection for future generations.
Connect: We actively connect people with land in order to spark their sense of kinship with nature. We do this through guided public hikes, wildflower and birding walks, river trips, bike rides, overnight camping and cabin stays, and weddings and special events at SAHC properties.
SAHC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Benefits
- 100% of the employee premium for basic medical insurance and a portion of dependent coverage. Health savings account with employer match
- Dental, vision, and life insurance
- Retirement plan with employer match
- Generous leave policy and needs-accommodations including flex time
- Professional development support
Level of Language Proficiency
CEFR - C2 (Proficient): Near-native fluency; can understand virtually anything heard or read with ease.
Location
Associated Location
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Kristy Urquhart, Associate Director, at Kristy@appalachian.org. Include “Director of Operations” in the subject line. No phone calls, please. Position open until filled.
