Arena Careers

We are seeking an experienced Director of Operations to join our team and help lead the organization through its foundational phase, including welcoming the first class of fellows in January 2025.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Operations will be responsible for overseeing and optimizing the organization's internal operations, including project management, strategic planning, and internal communications.

The right candidate will relish bringing order to complex and intersecting projects while ensuring a high-quality, positive experience for the program’s fellows.

This position is based in Washington, DC and will work in office 5 days a week while the program is in session (Jan - May and Aug - Sep). When the program is not in session, this position will work in office at least 2-3 days per week.

Some travel is required.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, implement, and optimize internal processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Ensure smooth day-to-day operations across the organization.
• Draft and maintain internal documentation and communication materials to ensure strong collaboration across the team.
• Serve as principal project manager for key fellowship elements including guest speaker program, business externships, and alumni engagement.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
• Assist the Executive Director in managing outsourced HR, Finance, Legal, and other administrative functions.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT MUST DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• A belief in and passion for LOFT’s vision, mission, and strategy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write internal communications, and draft decks and other collateral materials for leadership.
• A bias toward action - constantly pushing toward alignment, clarity and execution on tight timelines.
• Proven experience in a role overseeing internal operations in a business or nonprofit setting.
• A facility with numbers and spreadsheets - experience analyzing data, managing budgets, and project reporting.
• Solid understanding of HR practices, including recruitment, employee relations, and performance management
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, startup environment and adapt to changing priorities
• Desire to be part of a team building a program for the first time, from the ground up
• Embraces a mindset of curiosity, tenacity, adaptability and innovation

$130,000 - $140,000 a year

The annual salary for this position is between $130,000-$140,000, and is commensurate with experience.

LOFT provides the option of enrolling in medical, dental, and vision coverage plans for both the primary employee and applicable dependents. In addition, we provide a generous PTO policy, Tech Stipend and the ability to contribute to a 401k, with a match, after 6 months of employment.

At LOFT, we have fair compensation practices and prioritize equity, trust, and transparency in how we pay our employees. Relying on negotiation or past salaries can create unfair disparities. That's why we don't request salary history from applicants and don't engage in salary negotiations. Instead, we determine salary offers based on the candidate's relevant experience and their demonstration of the required skills and competencies during the hiring process. Our aim is to provide competitive salaries and benefits that reflect the value each employee brings to our organization.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Additional writing assignments, skills assessments, and references may be requested during the interview process. For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at careers@loftleaders.org.

LOFT believes in the value of each individual’s unique skills and perspectives, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to consider submitting an application.

All employees are required to receive a CDC-approved vaccination against COVID-19 (including any eligible boosters) unless a reasonable accommodation is approved. Employees not in compliance with this policy may be required to wear face coverings when in the office or otherwise interacting with employees or other stakeholders.

LOFT provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, hair texture, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws, and strongly encourages women, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC and all qualified candidates to apply. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.