Sr. Director of Operations
16 days ago
Lansing
Job Description Robert Half is partnering with Michigan College Access Network on their search for a Sr. Director of Operations. The Senior Director of Operations will play a critical leadership role at MCAN, working closely with the Executive Director to shape the organization’s efforts, drive operational excellence, and ensure the alignment of internal systems with mission-driven goals. The role will oversee and manage four core functions of the organization: Finance, Strategic Engagement (communications), Human Resources and Administration, and Network Engagement and Convenings. This role requires a highly organized, mission focused, and collaborative leader who can build and optimize internal systems, foster a culture of transparency, excellency and accountability, and help position MCAN for long-term growth and sustainability. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Financial Oversight • Supervise the Director of Finance and provide oversight of all accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting activities., • Collaborate with the Executive Director and Director of Finance on annual budget planning and long-term financial strategy., • Oversee the management of incoming grants, including compliance, reporting and invoicing processes to ensure timely and accurate financial tracking and accountability. Strategic Engagement Communication and External Affairs • Supervise the Director of the Strategic Engagement department, including communications and network and stakeholder engagement., • Build and maintain positive reputation with key external stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofit partners, community organizations, and funders. Human Resources • Supervise the Director of the Human Resources and Administration department, including recruitment, onboarding, compensation and benefits, professional development, and performance management., • Foster collaboration and teamwork across departments to achieve organizational goals. Administration • Oversee facilities operations and space planning to ensure a safe and functional work environment; manage vendor contracts and facility related budgets., • Provide strategic oversight of information technology systems, cybersecurity; align IT initiatives with organizational goals and ensure reliable technical support services. Network Engagement and Convenings • Supervise the Director of Network Engagement and Convenings and provide oversight on MCAN hosted events., • Build and maintain, in coordination with programmatic staff, a portfolio of gatherings that build capacity, foster collaboration, and advance the movement toward Sixty by 30. Organizational Leadership & Strategic Planning • Oversee the day-to-day internal operations of the organization, ensuring alignment with MCAN’s strategic priorities., • Promote a culture of equity, inclusion, innovation, and accountability throughout the organization., • Create and implement policies and practices that foster a healthy, engaged, and high-performing team Required Skills/Abilities: • Demonstrated success in senior operational or executive leadership roles, with the ability to develop and execute implementation plans across departments., • Strong financial acumen, including experience with nonprofit budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and financial reporting., • Deep understanding of nonprofit management best practices, including internal controls, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance., • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate strategies, priorities, and outcomes to diverse audiences., • Experience leading communications, public policy, or stakeholder engagement functions that advance organizational visibility and impact., • Skilled in supervising and developing high-performing teams across functions, including finance, human resources, and strategic engagement., • Proven ability to cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture aligned with organizational values., • Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize, delegate, and manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously., • Relationship-building expertise with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, community partners, funders, and staff., • Flexibility and adaptability to navigate a dynamic nonprofit and educational environment, while maintaining long-term strategic focus., • Willingness and ability for periodic in-state and national travel, including overnight stays as necessary. Education and Experience: • Master’s degree required in public administration, nonprofit management, business administration, education, human resources, accounting or a related field., • Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including significant experience in operations, finance, or administration within a nonprofit, philanthropic, educational, or mission-driven organization., • Demonstrated experience supervising senior-level staff across multiple departments and functions., • Experience with nonprofit financial oversight, including law, budget development and financial reporting., • Experience leading or working closely with teams responsible for communications, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, or public policy is preferred., • Human resources leadership experience, including developing systems for recruitment, performance management, and employee engagement, is highly desirable., • Familiarity with the higher education, K-12, or college access and success landscape is helpful.