Operations Lead

Organization: Empowerment Avenue Society

Location: Remote (U.S.-based), Bay Area preferred

Contract Term: 6-month contract, with possibility of transition to a staff role. A formal contract check-in will be conducted after three months to ensure mutual fit between the contractor and Empowerment Avenue.

Engagement: Estimated 25 hours per week, flexible schedule

Compensation: $38.46/hour, not to exceed $25,000 total for the contract period

Reports to: Leadership Team

Contract Start Date: September 1, 2025

About Empowerment Avenue

Empowerment Avenue Society works to normalize the inclusion of currently and formerly incarcerated writers, filmmakers and artists in mainstream creative spaces. We bridge the gap between incarcerated creators and the outside world through direct support, institutional partnership, and narrative shift. Our programs center creative proximity as a strategy for decarceration and public safety.

Contract Overview

Empowerment Avenue is seeking an experienced Operations Lead to build and strengthen our internal systems over a 6-month contract. This is a remote contractor role ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and is skilled at bringing clarity, structure, and care-centered policies to mission-driven teams.

The ideal candidate combines a deep desire to serve system-impacted communities with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through. You will evaluate, plan, implement, and maintain operational best practices, balancing short-term execution with long-term organizational needs. You will partner closely with the Leadership Team to stabilize core administrative functions, implement HR and compliance systems, streamline internal workflows, and ensure strong internal communication and coordination.

This role is about rolling up your sleeves and executing—someone who can bring order to complexity and help us build a strong operational foundation for growth. Adaptability, flexibility, and a positive mindset are key to navigating complex circumstances in this dynamic role.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Systems & Compliance (Approx. 40%)

• Finalize and maintain employee and volunteer handbooks
• Lead policy documentation and organize key resources in a centralized repository (contracts, templates, values statements, organizational accounts etc.)
• Maintain legal registrations and nonprofit compliance across multiple states
• Track and file annual state filings, renewals, and business licenses
• Manage and renew organizational insurance policies (D&O, general liability, etc.)
• Maintain master organizational calendar and track key internal and external commitments
• Support board operations: schedule meetings, prepare agendas and minutes, maintain official records
• Ensure all IT/software tools (Google Drive, Gusto, Asana, etc.) are well-functioning and easily accessible

Finance & Administration (Approx. 30%)

• Collaborate with the Leadership Team and accounting firm on budgeting, financial tracking, and reporting
• Support grant compliance by tracking deliverables and submitting required documentation
• Process reimbursements, invoices, and product subscriptions; ensure accurate documentation and timely payments
• Maintain updated vendor directory and contracts database
• Manage contracts and track renewal dates for consultants, platforms, and service providers
• Collect and file W-9s, contracts, and vendor forms for independent contractors
• Contribute to grant proposals and reports by providing accurate operations data
• Monitor budget adherence and assist in financial forecasting

People Operations & Internal Support (20%)

• Support healthy internal communication by managing meeting agendas, rotating facilitation, and clarifying decision-making processes
• Maintain HR systems, including onboarding, benefits administration, time-off tracking, and personnel documentation
• Ensure team has the tools, workspace setup, and systems needed to collaborate effectively
• Coordinate annual benefits renewal and open enrollment
• Facilitate offboarding and exit interviews
• Manage coworking space rentals, virtual office services, or PO box as needed
• Deliver and support systems for team performance reflection in collaboration with the Leadership Team

You Might Be a Strong Fit for This Contract Role If You…

• Bring 5+ years of experience in nonprofit operations, administration, or internal systems-building
• Are highly organized, systems-oriented, and energized by improving how teams collaborate
• Have a strong grasp of nonprofit budgeting, grant compliance, and financial processes
• Communicate clearly and are comfortable coordinating across remote teams and time zones
• Understand the dynamics and barriers faced by incarcerated or system-impacted people
• Align with abolitionist values and are committed to care-centered, equitable operations
• Can work independently, meet deadlines, and stay adaptable in a growing organization
• Pay close attention to detail and are proactive about documentation and follow-through
• Are familiar with tools like Google Drive, Gusto, and Asana—or quick to learn new systems

Bonus Qualifications (Nice-to-Haves, Not Required):

• Experience supporting nonprofit compliance (e.g., insurance, business filings, HR policies)
• Familiarity with healthcare benefits administration or payroll systems
• Lived experience with incarceration or direct experience working with system-impacted communities
• Comfort providing light grant administration or support (e.g., tracking deliverables, submitting vendor forms)

Compensation & Benefits

• This role is structured as a 1099 independent contractor under California law.
• The contractor will provide their own equipment, workspace, and manage their tax obligations.
• Empowerment Avenue will not provide benefits, insurance, or tax withholding.
• The contractor is not subject to EA’s day-to-day control and may provide services to other clients, so long as it does not create a conflict of interest.
• Deliverables and timelines will be agreed upon in a formal Independent Contractor Agreement.
• This is a time-limited, independent contractor role. There may be an opportunity to explore a transition to a staff role after the contract period, depending on organizational needs and mutual fit.

How to Apply

By our initial review date of August 15, 2025, please submit:

• A resume
• A brief cover letter that speaks to your editorial values and movement alignment

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with an initial application review date on August 15, 2025.

EEO Statement:

Empowerment Avenue is committed to creating a workplace rooted in equity, dignity, and inclusion. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of our activities or operations. This includes hiring, selecting volunteers or vendors, and providing services.

We value the diverse strengths, lived experiences, and perspectives that each person brings to our work. Individuals from traditionally marginalized communities, including those who are system impacted, are especially encouraged to apply.

Learn more about us @ empowermentave.org.

If you have any access needs or accommodations for the interview process, please don't hesitate to email us at hello@empowermentave.org. Requests will have no impact on the selection process.