We’re Hiring: Director of Operations — Get Your Boots on the Ground

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Director of Operations who is ready to hold down the back-end while fueling the front lines. This is a role for a visionary systems-thinker who thrives in building and sustaining internal structures that keep a movement going. You’ll lead key areas of organizational strategy, finance, administration, Human Resources, and governance, while supporting our Shared Leadership Team and staff in doing the deep work of liberation.

This is not a traditional operations job. It’s for someone who sees spreadsheets and sees people, who understands that strong systems are how we sustain bold campaigns, build trust, and embody our values in how we work and organize, not just what we fight for.

What You’ll Do

Finance & Budgeting

• Co-coordinate the Finance Committee to lead budget planning, forecasting, and financial strategy, and financial oversight (alongside the SLT Treasurer)
• Manage financial reporting, cash flow, audits, and tax filings with ONE DC’s bookkeeper and accountants
• Maintain and improve internal controls, recordkeeping, and compliance

Administration

• Anchor the Administrative and Organizational Management Committee
• Ensure the use and maintenance of NationBuilder and other digital tools, ensuring accessibility and training
• Oversee external communications (newsletters, social, website)
• Lead and/or coordinate internal processes like evaluations, event planning, and report publishing
• Oversee member engagement in logistics, and intern and volunteer coordination
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Black Workers & Wellness Center

Human Resources & Staff Development

• Co-lead Human Resources and internal development with our Lead Organizer; be an ex officio member of ONE DC’s Personnel Committee
• Supervise a team of administrative staff and interns (in particular Finance & Communications organizer, Resource organizer, Black Workers & Wellness Center coordinator)
• Lead onboarding for staff, interns and apprentices, volunteers, and SLT apprentices
• Facilitate staff meetings, retreats, and trainings in line with ONE DC’s values
• Facilitate check-ins, performance reviews, and professional development
• Plan retreats and team trainings that align with our values and organizing culture

Organizational Strategy & Governance

• Co-lead strategic planning and development of SLT governance practices
• Help recruit and nurture new SLT apprentices and Directors
• Participate in member development, political education, and community outreach
• Model democratic leadership and movement-building from the inside out

What You Bring

As Director of Operations, you’ll be the backbone of our movement infrastructure, holding systems, strategy, and people together. Every hat you wear will help us work with more purpose, clarity, and care. Here’s how you’ll help sustain and grow our power:

Required:

• 5+ years of experience managing nonprofit finance, operations, or HR
• Strong leadership and people skills, especially in working-class and BIPOC communities
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, facilitate consensus, and move strategy
• Familiarity with grassroots organizing or movement work; at least 2 years of demonstrated direct organizing/base building experience and/or training/education that provides similar skills; and Willingness to learn about and commit to ONE DC’s organizing model
• High emotional intelligence and commitment to shared leadership
• Flexible availability (evenings/weekends as needed)

Preferred:

• DC resident (or strong DMV ties) – we prioritize local leaders!
• Familiarity with solidarity economy and cooperative governance models
• Language fluency in Spanish, Amharic, or Chinese
• A sense of humor, a heart for justice, and a willingness to grow

What We Offer

We take care of our people, period. You can’t build power on burnout. When you join ONE DC, you’re not just filling a role, you’re stepping into a community that values rest, health, growth, and joy.

• Full benefits: medical, dental, vision, and prescriptions
• Time to reset: 13 paid holidays, generous PTO, and paid maternity or paternity leave
• Growth and support: Paid sabbaticals, professional development, and leadership opportunities
• Culture of care: A team that gets it, lives it, and moves with purpose and unity

More details will be shared during the interview process but just know this, we pour into our people the way we want them to pour into the movement.

Logistics & Expectations

• In-person presence in DC required
• Evening and weekend availability for meetings, actions, and events
• Local travel within DC for organizing, outreach, and coalition work

EEO & Inclusion Statement

ONE DC is an equal opportunity employer that values the richness of our collective experiences. We strongly encourage applications from Black and Indigenous people, people of color, women, people of all gender identities and expressions, LGBTQ+ individuals, working-class and low-income individuals, and people with lived experience of systemic barriers.

We understand that traditional qualifications can sometimes overlook the strengths and wisdom that come from lived experience. If you meet many of the requirements but not all, we still encourage you to apply. We value a deep commitment to justice, the courage to grow, and a heart for building power in community.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, list of three (3) organizing references, and a cover letter (including salary expectations)