Operations Manager

Company Description

First & Gold Foundation is a mission-driven nonprofit that uses football as a platform to develop leaders, expand opportunities, and promote equity for youth and families. We provide student-athletes in Charlotte, NC, and Minneapolis, MN, with access to programs that support success on the field, in the classroom, and in life. As we scale, we are committed to building strong governance, sustainable operations, and financial stewardship to ensure our programs have lasting impact. Our volunteers and staff work together to create safe, inclusive, and high-quality experiences that empower young people to reach their full potential. At First & Gold Foundation, every volunteer and staff member plays a critical role in shaping the future of our student-athletes, helping them achieve their goals while fostering a culture of leadership, teamwork, and community engagement.

Role Description

The volunteer Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operational functions that keep First & Gold Foundation running effectively. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role focuses on systems, processes, logistics, and cross-functional coordination ensuring that programs, staff, volunteers, and leadership can do their best work. This is a foundational role for a mission-driven leader who thrives on building order out of complexity.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and improve day-to-day operational processes across programs and administrative functions
• Develop and manage operational systems, tools, and workflows for both Charlotte and Minneapolis locations
• Coordinate logistics for programming, events, team travel, and seasonal activities
• Serve as a central point of communication between program directors, leadership, and the board
• Support vendor management identify, onboard, and maintain relationships with key service providers
• Assist the Executive Director in tracking organizational priorities and action items
• Support the HR Manager with volunteer and staff coordination logistics
• Maintain organizational documents, shared drives, and operational records
• Help plan and execute the annual First & Gold Honors Gala and other Foundation events
• Identify operational gaps and recommend practical, cost-effective solutions
• Assist with compliance, risk management, and adherence to organizational policies
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for operational processes
• Maintain internal records and documentation in line with organizational reporting standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Nonprofit Management, or related field preferred
• Minimum 3 years of experience in operations, project management, or organizational administration
• Nonprofit or sports organization experience is a strong plus
• Exceptional organizational skills able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with project management and productivity tools (Google Workspace, Asana, Notion, or similar)
• Self-directed, resourceful, and comfortable in a fast-moving, early-stage environment
• Passion for youth development, football, and equitable access to opportunity

Why Volunteer with First & Gold Foundation

• Build and own the operational infrastructure of a growing, high-impact nonprofit
• Work closely with the Executive Director and a mission-aligned leadership team
• Fully remote with flexible scheduling approximately 8-10 hours per week
• Direct impact on student-athletes across two cities