Operations Manager, Office of Chief Scientist

Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 1,000 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

This is a part-time position requiring 75% time commitment. 

The Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) is the nexus of science at EDF, ensuring that all EDF positions are based on the best available natural and social science. OCS leads EDF’s exploration of emerging issues, pioneers new projects, provides programmatic support for all scientists at EDF and fosters relationships with scientists outside the organization.

Locations

This position can be based out of any of our EDF offices (Austin, Boston, Boulder, New York, Raleigh, San Francisco,  and Washington, D.C.) or remotely anywhere within the contiguous United States.

Overall Function 

The Operations Manager, Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS), is a key partner working with the Science team to ensure smooth and efficient operations, including effective hiring processes, fostering communication both within OCS and EDF-wide, and working with the Mission Finance team to develop and manage the budget. While directly contributing to the overall goals and mission of the team, the Manager will lead tasks ranging from designing and implementing systems to planning and managing meetings and program-wide events. This person uses experience and knowledge to independently guide and manage processes critical to project success. The Manager will report to the Senior Director, OCS Operations and work closely with the OCS Operations team and Mission Finance team. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Collaborate with staff across programs and departments to manage and ensure sound operations. Serve as an OCS contact with finance, development, human resources and budget managers in other departments across EDF to identify and implement best practices for operations.

• Identify, plan, and manage operational projects that add value to the program’s goals and objectives; develop innovative solutions to operational challenges. 

• With the Senior Director and Mission Finance Manager, develop annual operating budget for OCS, including potential program growth scenarios.  

• Manage and work with mission finance to development grant financial reports and proposals including communicating with EDF staff in other departments and co-developing robust proposal budgets that are aligned with the proposed work. 

• Serve as the program’s primary contact for designated workstreams with the finance, accounting and development staff to insure coordination of financial management efforts and timely resolution of issues. 

• Oversee development of consultant contract deliverables, recruiting consultants and tracking progress toward meeting those deliverables. Identify potential issues with consultants and propose solutions. Act as a liaison within the team and with consultants. 

• Lead and oversee the organization of team events and meetings to ensure they meet their desired objectives, e.g. site research & selection, contract negotiation, travel arrangements, meeting content input, attendee needs, catering & activity coordination, post meeting review, productivity assessment, and participant communications. 

• Manage OCS Program Coordinators to ensure the highest level of administrative service including processing of expense reports, AMEX reimbursements and invoices, contracts for consultants, scheduling and executive support, pass through grants, etc.; providing feedback, professional growth opportunities and guidance.  

• Participates in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

• Identify and develop relationships with key stakeholders across EDF including Finance, Operations, HR, Development, and MarComm with the goal of fostering trust, gathering information, developing project ideas, and recruiting partners. 

• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values. 

• Provide a program perspective for key organization-wide operational initiatives about new policies, procedures and systems. 

• Track recruitment and progress for open positions by working with hiring managers to draft job descriptions, connecting with HR to develop and execute an interview plan, and collating interviewer’s feedback and recommendations. 

• Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least six years administrative or operational experience, or advanced degree with at least four years of direct experience (the degree requirement may be waived altogether for a candidate who can successfully demonstrate commensurate professional experience along with excellence in their past roles) 

• Demonstrated experience managing staff, complex projects and developing strong working relationships with diverse staff

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work with colleagues and partners of varied backgrounds and experience

• Flexibility to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic, and entrepreneurial environment

• Demonstrated ability to independently recommend and determine approaches to completing projects and managing processes where precedents are not always available

• Advanced financial management skills including knowledge of nonprofit accounting and fundraising practices.  Experience with budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting

• Self-motivated, exceptional personal organization and attention to detail

• Independent judgment and ability to plan, prioritize, and organize a diverse workload

• Experience balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders

• Strong ability to work on multiple projects concurrently, both independently and as a member of multi-disciplinary teams in a dynamic, fast-paced and creative environment; 

• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and background

• Strong analytical skills and experience performing rigorous analysis in support of highly visible work

• Ability to identify challenges and work proactively to address them

• Experience building relationships and working with partners of varying disciplines

• Ability and willingness to work as a strong team player

• Technical knowledge of team management platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Concur, Salesforce, and NetSuite a plus

• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds