Director of Operations

About Project Drawdown

The World’s Leading Resource for Climate Solutions

Project Drawdown is a nonprofit organization that seeks to help the world reach “drawdown”— the future point in time when levels of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily decline. Since the 2017 publication of the New York Times bestseller Drawdown, the organization has emerged as a leading resource for information and insight about climate solutions. Cities, universities, corporations, philanthropies, policymakers, communities, educators, activists, and more turn to Project Drawdown, as they look to advance effective climate action. We aim to support the growing constellation of efforts to move climate solutions forward and move the world toward drawdown—as quickly, safely, and equitably as possible

Project Drawdown is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Project Drawdown does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by law, and we will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. We strongly encourage all qualified persons to apply for this position. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and the organization’s need.

Position Summary

Project Drawdown is hiring a full-time Director of Operations to lead and manage the back-office functions for our growing organization. This high impact role will be responsible for all administrative aspects of the organization, including finance, HR, recruiting, IT, operations, and stewarding our organizational culture. Ultimately this role will ensure that Project Drawdown operates in a manner that is compliant, efficient, impactful, and is a great place to work.

The Director of Operations will report to the Executive Director and is a member of the Leadership Team. This is a senior level role and requires a minimum of 10 years of experience leading and executing back-office functions. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader who can plan and direct these functions. They will act as a trusted thought partner to the Executive Director and other organizational leaders. They will simultaneously execute some of these functions efficiently on a day-to-day basis. The ideal candidate will have experience leading the back office in smaller growing non-profit organizations and have a passion for the climate work Project Drawdown does. The ideal candidate will bring deep domain experience in at least one of the two core areas of responsibility (finance and HR). You will have the opportunity to define and hire an additional back-office role to support the organization who compliments your specific background and skillset.

Project Drawdown welcomes people of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs to join us in helping the world reach drawdown quickly, safely, and equitably. We are a 100% remote organization based in the U.S.; candidates must possess U.S. work authorization. Candidates currently authorized to work in the United States (U.S. citizens, green card holders, and work visa holders), who reside anywhere within the U.S. may apply.

Essential Responsibilities

The Director of Operations will focus on the following responsibilities:

Finance: (40%)

• Lead annual budgeting process
• Oversee monthly financial close process
• Manage payroll process including expense reimbursements, and time off tracking
• Oversee A/P including vendor, contractor, and honoraria payments
• Oversee corporate credit card program
• Support Development efforts by drafting budgets for grant proposals, financial reports for funders, and working with funders and Lab’s corporate members to facilitate contributions
• Prepare financial reports for and attend board meetings
• Oversee annual audit process
• Manage external bookkeeper and CPA

HR: (40%)

• Lead recruiting efforts including defining and leveling roles and crafting job descriptions with hiring managers, overseeing job postings and targeted direct outreach, coordinating candidate interviews and communication, and extending offers and closing candidates
• Oversee employee onboarding and offboarding
• Oversee performance management program, including annual review process, professional development program, and employee recognition and rewards
• Oversee employee benefits program, and manage annual renewals, and employment policy / handbook update processes
• Ensure Project Drawdown is compliant with all state and federal employment laws and follows industry best practices, working with external employment counsel as necessary

Operations (15%)

• Draft, execute and manage vendor and contractor agreements, working with external IP counsel as necessary
• Create a strong organizational culture by leading team-wide retreats and team-building opportunities, and identifying other ways to effectively support our fully remote team
• Oversee emerging DEIJ initiatives
• Ensure Project Drawdown effectively tracks and can report the outcomes and impact of our work

IT (5%)

• Oversee asset management (standards, purchasing, provision & reclamation)
• Administer internal technology platforms (Google, box, Slack, Zoom, Jotform, etc)
• Provide or outsource minimal IT support to internal team

Education and/or Experience

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following education and/or equivalent experience: 

• Minimum 10+ years of experience leading finance, HR, and operations required
• Non-profit experience required
• Experience in smaller, growing organizations strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration or related field required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The qualifications listed here are necessary to perform this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Ability to operate effectively at the strategic level, and simultaneously execute administrative functions efficiently; to see both the forest and the trees
• Instills a high degree of trust from your colleagues through strong listening skills and consistent follow through
• Ability to work independently and prioritize and manage your work and the work of others
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Communicates concisely
• Strong attention to detail
• Accountable to deadlines and quality work product
• Ability to work effectively in a fully remote / virtual environment
• Solid understanding of accounting processes, and familiarity with QuickBooks
• Strong computer skills Google Suite, Microsoft office etc. Ability to act as administrator for internal technology platforms
• Background in or passion for climate change or sustainability is helpful but not required
• Understanding of and appreciation for DEIJ principles and experience fostering a welcoming team environment

Location

As with all positions at Project Drawdown, this will be 100% remote. Employees can work anywhere within the United States. Candidates currently authorized to work in the United States (US Citizens, green card holders, and work visa holders), who reside anywhere within the US may apply.

Compensation

This is a full-time position with a salary range of $160,000-185,000 / year. In addition, Project Drawdown provides exceptional benefits including 4 weeks PTO in your first year plus 6 sick days, 13 holidays, and a paid holiday closure December 26–30, health/dental/vision insurance (employee premium 100% paid), a 401k program with company match, a parental leave benefit, a professional development program, and a home-office connectivity stipend.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete our online application form here. 

All candidates will need to upload a cover letter, their most recent resume, as well as work samples as described below:

• Cover letter that communicates your background and fit for this role
• Resume detailing your professional and educational background
• Portfolio of 2-3 work samples that demonstrate your ability to design, implement, communicate, or lead effective back office programs

Applications will be reviewed beginning Monday September 26, 2022. The application process may be closed at any point after that date.

If you have questions, contact us at jobs@drawdown.org. Please, no phone calls.