Director of Operations

Mission of the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund

The Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund unlocks educational opportunities for talented Chicago-area students facing financial need. We partner with Scholars, families and schools through high school and beyond by providing scholarships, academic programs and personal support so that each Scholar can reach their potential.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Operations ensures that the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF) office operates smoothly and efficiently and plays a critical role in advancing the mission of the organization by building and sustaining strong internal systems that enable our team and programs to thrive. Through thoughtful leadership of operations, this role ensures we are working efficiently, collaboratively, and with a focus on delivering the greatest possible impact for our Scholars. The Director of Operations serves as a key partner to the CEO and may act as a proxy for the CEO when needed.

Primary Responsibilities

Office and Organizational Support

• Ensure efficient office operations and facilities and provide administrative support to staff and leadership.
• Collaborate with the CEO to sustain, promote, and grow DMSF programs and services.
• Support CEO with internal and external meeting scheduling and prep.
• Participate in strategic planning and attend meetings as needed.

Leadership Support and Representation

• Partner closely with the CEO to manage scheduling, meeting preparation, and day-to-day administrative priorities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate and prepare materials for meetings, including agendas, briefing documents, and follow-up actions to drive execution and accountability.
• Perform additional duties as requested to support the ongoing and evolving needs of DMSF.

Financial Oversight

• Collaborate with the CEO to develop annual program and organizational budgets and manage revisions as needed.
• Provide oversight of all financial procedures, including bill payment and payroll.
• Review expense coding and monthly financial reports for accuracy.
• Periodically review the general ledger to ensure accuracy and compliance with organizational policies.
• Collaborate with accountants and treasurer to ensure all approval processes and policies are followed and executed in a timely manner.

Data and Systems Management

• Work with DMSF staff, vendors and contractors to ensure accurate and timely data entry across all organizational systems, including internal tracking systems, Raiser’s Edge and QuickBooks.
• Develop systems to enhance efficiency and maintain records to ensure the organization is compliant, timely and proactive across all organizational operations.
• Support and coordinate pre-planning and execution for annual audit.

Contract, Privacy, and Compliance Management

• Provide contract management support for all office and vendor contracts.
• Ensure DMSF Privacy and Security Policies are fully implemented and assist in keeping them current.

Human Resources Management

• Support all human resource functions, including hiring, onboarding, offboarding, payroll coordination, and employee relations.
• Assist with the hiring, training, and performance management and disciplinary processes for staff.
• Assist with employee performance evaluations as needed.
• Review and make recommendations for the annual review process and other talent management tools.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

DMSF seeks candidates who bring a strong belief in our mission, leadership and passion, balanced by detail-orientation and the willingness to work as part of a team. Candidates must be self-motivated, innovative and flexible, have the ability to multitask, effectively communicate with a variety of stakeholders, and meet deadlines, and be solutions-oriented.

Professional experiences and the skill set of top candidates will include:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Work experience in the field of operations and/or nonprofits
• A passion for the mission of DMSF and for the population of students DMSF serves
• Excellent writing, organizational and communication skills; strong technology skills

Benefits:

Current benefits (which are subject to change) are outlined below:

• HMO & PPO Health Insurance options
• Dental/Vision
• Vacation: 10 days in Year 1 with an additional year added each year worked
• Four Personal and 10 Sick days
• Winter Holiday Office Closure
• Retirement match
• Flex spending
• Life insurance, short & long-term disability

Compensation: This is a full-time position with an annual salary range of $80,000-90,000 based on experience and credentials.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter outlining qualifications, and a brief statement of their passion for the mission to careers@dmsf.org. The subject line should read “Director of Operations.”

Current benefits (which are subject to change) are outlined below:

• HMO & PPO Health Insurance options
• Dental/Vision
• Vacation: 10 days in Year 1 with an additional year added each year worked
• Four Personal and 10 Sick days
• Winter Holiday Office Closure
• Retirement match
• Flex spending
• Life insurance, short & long-term disability