Program Operations Director

SUMMARY

Well-being & Equity (WE) in the World is seeking a Program Opertions Diretor to lead and oversee the day-to-day operational management of the organization's key strategic programs. This role will ensure that programs run efficiently, on schedule, and within budget. The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and skilled in program management, operations logistics, and cross-functional coordination.

This experienced-level position offers an excellent opportunity to help advance an innovative health equity program with a diverse, agile, passionate creative, and exceptionally committed team. This is a virtual home-based remote position with limited travel.

About Well-being & Equity (WE) in the World

WE in the World is made up of a diverse team of change agents who are passionate about igniting transformation for well-being and equity in the world. We bring decades of experience and trusted relationships working with hundreds of organizations and communities around the world. We believe that expertise and the potential to create change lies among those with lived experience, not just with academics and high-ranking professionals. Our team aims to boost localized, community-led change and assist leading organizations by developing frameworks and tools, building strategic networks, and scaling solutions that improve well-being and equity over generations. We’ve helped projects all around the world, ranging from transforming systems to better support people with mental health and addictions in Delaware to prison reform in Guyana, from youth empowerment in the Gambia to generational poverty in Texas. We recently served as a lead author for the Springboard for Equitable Recovery and Resilience for the Centers for Disease Control and FEMA.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Program Operations Management: Lead the daily operations of a national program, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with organizational goals. Develop and implement operational plans and detailed timelines for program activities. Monitor task completion, resolve issues promptly, and ensure program milestones are achieved. Manage internal and program communications to provide clear visibility into project progress and upcoming activities.
• Activity and Resource Implementation and Coordination: Oversee all aspects of program operations and implementation, including detailed activity scheduling, resource allocation, and coordination of logistical needs. Track deliverables, troubleshoot scheduling conflicts, and ensure timely completion of program components. Develop contingency plans for any operational challenges.
• Staff Supervision: Provide day-to-day leadership and direction to program managers, operational support staff, and contractors, with proactive operations to create a smooth flow. Establish performance goals, provide regular feedback, and facilitate staff development through mentoring and training. Ensure program staff are equipped with the resources, tools, and knowledge needed for successful program implementation.
• Relationship Coordination and Communication: Collaborate closely with program managers, facilitators, external partners, and other departments to ensure operational effectiveness. Act as the primary point of contact for addressing day-to-day operational concerns. Facilitate regular status meetings, coordinate cross-functional communication, and ensure stakeholders are aligned on program goals and timelines.
• Process Improvement: Continuously assess program operations by identifying inefficiencies and recommending improvements. Implement standardized processes, develop checklists, and document best practices to ensure consistency across programs. Establish feedback mechanisms to gather input from staff and stakeholders for continuous operational enhancement.
• Budget Oversight: Collaborate with the finance team to manage and track program budgets. Ensure resource optimization and adherence to budget constraints.
• Data Management: Establish data collection and reporting processes to track program performance. Produce regular reports and analyses to inform decision-making.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all program operations comply with legal, financial, and organizational policies. Implement risk management protocols as needed.
• Vendor and Partner Management: Manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and service providers. Ensure timely and cost-effective service delivery.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

• Proven experience managing complex and emerging program operations with multiple stakeholders
• Strong organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools and systems.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Experience in budgeting and financial management.
• Excellence in relationship management

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in operational process development and improvement.
• Strong understanding of data management and reporting tools.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills and technological capabilities, including skills in tracking tools/project management software (e.g., Asana, etc.) preferred.
• Project leadership and management skills, including being detail-focused and managing towards aggressive timelines and outcomes.
• Able to maneuver through complex political situations to achieve desired outcomes.
• Ability and skill to drive and achieve quality results within complex, time constrained goals.
• Ability to lead in an emergent change environment in start-up mode.
• Ability to grow staff in skills and approach.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

• Ability to be agile, analytical, efficient and resourceful while maintaining close attention to detail.
• Strong emotional quotient skills to build meaningful and productive professional relationships with colleagues and stakeholders of all levels.
• Ability to effectively facilitate meetings, build consensus, and work collaboratively.
• People management experience
• Exceptional verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet, Zoom, etc.
• Familiarity with vendor management and contract negotiation.
• Able to think about whole systems, rather than optimize for one part.
• Ability to focus and produce in a remote environment.
• Commitment to WE Values

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Non-Profit Management, Operations Management, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• At least 5 years of experience leading operations management, program management, or a related role, in a non-profit setting and community setting working to address structural racism.
• 3-5 years of supervisory and/or management experience.

CORE EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL TEAM MEMBERS:

• A willingness to lean into our touchstones for collaboration
• A willingness to advance along a racial justice and equity journey and apply this in the work
• Acting as a servant leader and accompanier, prioritizing the needs of the organizations and communities we serve and where they are as we walk with them on their journey
• Teamwork, generosity, and a willingness to support the good of the whole, not just of their projects
• Humility and a willingness to learn and grow, to acknowledge mistakes and blind spots, and to change
• Lives and models WE in the World values of Servant leadership, Teamwork, Generosity, Equity, Courage, and Integrity

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice based upon business necessity.

Work environment: Remote home office.

Physical demands: Minimal physical effort is normally required.

Travel required: Up to 25% of annual time.

EEO statement

It is the policy of WE in the World to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This policy relates to all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, reduction of workforce and termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, the use of all resources, and participation in all WE in the World-sponsored employee activities. Provisions in applicable laws providing for bona fide occupational qualifications, business necessity or age limitations will be adhered to by the organization where appropriate.