People Operations Co-Team Lead

About Work on Climate

Work on Climate (WoCl) is a leading non-profit focused on building the workforce to solve climate change equitably and justly. You probably know us for our online community that has helped thousands of people find jobs and start companies, highlighted in most major business press, from Fast Company to New York Times. However, our work goes even farther, seeking to mobilize the entire workforce as a force for system-wide change.

Being part of our volunteer team means more than just joining a community. It’s an invitation to create real-world impact by confronting urgent climate challenges with the skilled minds ready to solve them. Together, we’re bridging the talent gap to build the climate-focused economy we envision.

What We Need: We’re currently looking for a Co-Team Lead to join the People Operations team and work closely with the current Team Lead for a few months before transitioning into the primary Team Lead role. This co-lead model ensures a smooth handoff of responsibilities, shared decision-making, and long-term continuity. When the time comes for you to step away, you’ll follow the same model—bringing on a new co-lead and mentoring them into the role. If you’re energized by team leadership, people-centered systems, and building a strong, inclusive volunteer culture, we’d love to hear from you.

About the Team:

The People Operations team focuses on putting the volunteers first by humanizing impersonal systems and continuously improving volunteer engagement, recruitment, development, and retention. We are responsible for creating a culture and environment that makes volunteers feel happy and proud to contribute to our organization. We are passionate about climate and making a difference at Work on Climate! Today, the two teams are 11 total members geo-located in the USA and the UK. Our standard meeting schedule time is on Tuesdays at 11:30 am PST.

Role Summary: As the People Operations Team Lead, you’ll oversee the team’s strategic direction, coordinate your volunteer’s operations, and ensure smooth collaboration between People Ops (including Recruiting) and other teams. This role is ideal for someone passionate about fostering an inclusive, well-organized, and engaged volunteer community.

Time commitment

10 hours/week consistently for the next 12 months at least. We like our Team Leads to have a longer tenure to reduce disruptions in the team’s flow.

What’s in it for me?

In addition to playing a critical role in enabling the climate talent transition, you will be a part of an excellent, connected team focused on helping the Work on Climate volunteers and volunteer candidates, as well as joining a community of climate professionals.

• Be a key leader in the world’s largest climate-focused volunteer community.
• Help create a welcoming and engaging volunteer experience.
• Gain or develop experience in team leadership, operational strategy, and culture-building.
• Gain or develop valuable leadership and people management skills that translate across industries.
• Opportunity to work with a passionate team dedicated to addressing climate change
• Build a strong climate network in your area of interest
• Collaborate with top-notch teammates passionate about climate
• A great line on your resume! Employers know and respect us.

What will I do?

You will work collaboratively with the People Operations teams to create a positive and inclusive culture and provide support to the volunteer population at Work on Climate. Potential work could include:

• Lead and coordinate the People Operations teams to ensure an effective and engaging volunteer experience.
• Set and drive team priorities, ensuring alignment with WoCl’s broader goals.
• Facilitate the weekly team meeting and provide guidance on key initiatives.
• Present on behalf of the People Operations team during the quarterly All Hands meeting.
• Attend the Team Lead meetings, representing the People Operations team as well as aligning the team’s work with the needs of the organization.
• Support and mentor team members to help them succeed in their roles.
• Collaborate with other teams to ensure volunteer needs are met assigning roles to the recruiting team.
• Ensure smooth recruitment and onboarding of new volunteers for the People Operations teams.
• Advocate for a strong, inclusive team culture by supporting volunteer engagement efforts, recognition programs, and feedback loops.
• Refine and document key People Ops processes to improve efficiency and transparency.
• Identify and onboard your own Co-Team Lead when you’re ready to transition out of the role, ensuring leadership continuity for the People Operations team.

What skills and commitment do I need?

You will need to be highly organized and have basic management skills;

• Experience in people operations, HR, or team leadership.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to show up consistently and reliably for weekly calls to build relationships, carry project work forward, and brainstorm with the team required.
• Ability to foster an inclusive, positive team culture.
• A “founder mindset” – doing whatever it takes, and learning whatever skills are needed to accomplish the goals.
• Comfortable working autonomously and asynchronously while keeping projects moving.
• Strong collaboration skills to engage with multiple stakeholders.
• An interest in climate work and community building.

Common Challenges

• Ensuring engagement across a volunteer team where members have different levels of availability and commitment.
• Managing priorities in a fully remote, asynchronous environment while maintaining momentum.
• Creating a balance between structure and flexibility to accommodate volunteers with different needs.
• Working across multiple teams to ensure that People Ops effectively supports the broader WoCl organization.