Interim Senior Operations Advisor (CONTRACT )
20 days ago
Short Hills
Job DescriptionDescription: Contract Type: Fixed-term independent consulting engagement (6 months, with possibility for extension) Classification: Non-employee, Independent Contractor or a Consulting Firm (1099 Contract Engagement). The engagement does not constitute employment with the organization. Compensation: $8,000 - $10,000 per month, based on experience, structured as a professional services fee under an independent contractor / consulting agreement (not as salary). The independent contractor or consulting firm will be responsible for their own taxes, insurances and benefits. Organization and Position Summary: The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. The Reeve Foundation is the only national organization of its kind with a dual focus: Today’s Care. Tomorrow’s Cure. A pioneer in the field of spinal cord injury (SCI) research, the Foundation has funded approximately $145 million in research, underscoring our commitment to bringing meaningful solutions to people with SCI. The Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) – the only federally funded entity dedicated to directly supporting the paralysis community -- provides the most comprehensive knowledge, tools, and personalized services for individuals impacted by paralysis through dedicated Information Specialists, a Quality-of-Life Grants Program, Peer & Family Support Program, Military and Veterans Program, and Public Policy. About the Role: We seek an engagement with an experienced and strategic Interim Senior Operations Advisor to support the National Paralysis Resource Center during a critical period of operational stabilization and organizational change. The Advisor will assess how we collect, integrate, govern, and report data, recommend a platform strategy, and establish an operational foundation that enables future AI-supported workflows. The engagement emphasizes quick wins, durable systems, and clear accountability. This fixed-term independent contractor / consulting engagement will focus on assessing internal operations, aligning systems, and implementing sustainable practices. This contract engagement will be offered to an independent contractor or consulting firm for a period of approximately 6 months with the possibility for extension. This is a senior-level, hands-on role ideal for someone with prior experience as a senior nonprofit operations or technology leader who thrives in complex, fast-moving environments. In addition to overseeing organizational infrastructure improvements, the Advisor will provide strategic input on current federal grant operations and support the development of future grant proposals. The Advisor will collaborate directly with the Chief Program and Policy Advisor to assess organizational operations and deliver actionable recommendations. Key Responsibilities: • Conduct a rapid yet thorough assessment of technology systems, databases and tools, identify opportunities for integration of systems and oversee implementation., • Identify high-risk vulnerabilities—particularly related to inconsistent processes, undocumented knowledge, and technology fragmentation—and propose and implement mitigation strategies., • Lead the integration or alignment of key databases and technology platforms to improve efficiency and data integrity across the organization., • Partner with program directors and staff to standardize policies, procedures, and workflows, ensuring clarity of roles and accountability across teams., • Oversee internal efforts to document core operational processes and training protocols, leveraging internal staff and existing subject matter experts., • Serve as a thought partner to the Chief Program & Policy Officer, providing guidance on organizational design, change management, and long-term sustainability; Present findings and recommendations to Sr. Leadership., • Support NPRC’s grant-related needs by streamlining operational reporting, improving systems that support compliance, and advising on the infrastructure needed for future grant submissions., • Ensure all process improvements are realistic, sustainable, and appropriate for a mission-driven nonprofit environment., • Outline a practical path to responsibly leverage AI (no AI build required now; establish prerequisites, data quality, permissions, guardrails)., • Communicate milestones, train staff on new standards, and draft policies as necessary. The Foundation will not control the means or methods of work; the contractor will determine how best to achieve agreed-upon deliverables. Requirements: • Senior-level experience in nonprofit operations, preferably as a COO, Executive Director, or senior advisor., • Demonstrated success leading complex organizational assessments and driving systems-level change., • Deep understanding of nonprofit program operations, including quality assurance, training design, database alignment, and cross-functional coordination., • Exceptional strategic thinking, project management, and communication skills., • Comfort with both high-level planning and hands-on implementation., • Ability to work independently and efficiently in a time-limited engagement while building systems for long-term success., • Familiarity with federally funded programs, grant compliance, dashboards, CRMs, and basic analytics strongly preferred., • Familiarity with safe, policy-compliant AI helpers strongly preferred. This Role Is Ideal For Someone Who: • Has led organizations through transformation, growth, or recovery., • Brings both executive presence and a willingness to roll up their sleeves and get things done., • Can quickly earn trust and unite diverse teams under a shared structure without sacrificing flexibility or innovation., • Is passionate about building the systems that enable mission-driven impact. Remote, Travel, and Physical Demands • Primarily remote, standard business hours in your time zone; occasional on-site time at Short Hills, NJ, for meetings/trainings., • Travel to select convenings (e.g., Reeve Summits and expos) 1–2 times per year; some overnights., • Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs on occasion., • Periodic in-office movement to liaise with staff, access files, and use office equipment. Equal Opportunity & Accessibility: The Foundation is committed to building an inclusive working environment, free of harassment and discrimination that supports individual dignity and respect. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Contractor Disclaimer This opportunity is offered strictly as an independent contractor or consulting engagement. Nothing in this posting or any subsequent agreement should be construed as creating an employer-employee relationship, partnership, or joint venture. The selected contractor or firm will not be eligible for Foundation-sponsored benefits and will maintain full responsibility for compliance with all applicable tax, insurance, and business regulations.