Director of Operations

Cultivate Initiatives • Portland, OR

27d • Onsite

About The Position

Cultivate Initiatives is a group of people who work alongside those on the margins to empower individuals and communities through an inclusive range of initiatives and support. We build communities from the inside out through workforce development, housing and homemaking, and supportive sheltering. Cultivate Initiatives values diversity, professional growth, teamwork, and an equitable and inclusive workplace. Employees are expected to apply a lens of equity and inclusion in planning and directing their work and to contribute to a multicultural approach to support a culture of Cherished Belonging.

The Director of Operations is a key member of Cultivate Initiatives’ executive leadership and serves as the organization’s senior operational leader. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Operations provides leadership for the organization’s three program areas—Workforce Development, Housing & Homemaking, and Supportive Sheltering—as well as facilities. The Director of Operations works closely with the Executive Director and Director of Finance to translate organizational strategy into effective operations, strengthen performance and sustainability, and align resources with organizational priorities. The Director of Operations establishes clear goals and meaningful metrics, fosters accountability and collaboration, and drives continuous improvement across the organization. At the heart of the role is ensuring that Cultivate Initiatives has the people, resources, and infrastructure needed to effectively serve people and communities on the margins. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic perspective and a willingness to step into the work, solve problems, and lead through challenges and change. The Director of Operations provides executive leadership for the organization when the Executive Director is unavailable.

Requirements

• Ability to work in environments with varying noise levels, from quiet offices to louder, industrial settings.
• Work requires the ability to perform repetitive movements of the wrist, hands, or fingers due to continuous use of computer keyboards and other office equipment.
• Must be able to provide proof of Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

• Significant leadership experience, including leadership of programs, operations, or multiple functional areas.
• Demonstrated ability to think both strategically and tactically, with an emphasis on long-term sustainability and organizational growth.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to understand and analyze the financial impact of organizational decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and manage meaningful metrics, use data to assess performance, and translate strategy into measurable results.
• Proven ability to identify root causes of systemic problems, develop creative solutions, and effectively lead through change and complex situations.
• Highly effective communicator and collaborator with strong judgment, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build trust and accountability across an organization.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion, with the ability to lead effectively in a diverse, multicultural workplace.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Executive Director and director team to develop and implement organizational strategy, priorities, and operating plans.
• Translate strategy into clear goals, metrics, accountability, and execution across programs and operations.
• Keep the organization’s mission and the needs of the people it serves at the center of operational and strategic decision-making.
• Identify organizational challenges and opportunities and develop creative, sustainable solutions.
• Provide leadership and oversight to the Directors of Workforce Development, Housing & Homemaking, and Supportive Sheltering, ensuring strong performance, quality, accountability, and alignment with organizational strategy.
• Monitor program funding, deliverables, and performance, ensuring commitments are met and programs remain aligned with organizational and contractual requirements.
• Lead continuous improvement and strengthen coordination across programs and operations.
• Ensure programs have the operational support, resources, and infrastructure needed to effectively serve participants and communities.
• Build a consistent culture across the organization that fosters collaboration, accountability, communication, and inclusion.
• Coach and support directors in achieving organizational goals, developing their teams, and building strong, accountable, collaborative functions.
• Work with Human Resources and organizational leadership to support effective hiring, development, performance management, and retention.
• Partner with the Director of Finance and program directors to develop and monitor budgets and ensure effective use of organizational resources.
• Ensure financial sustainability through understanding the financial impact of operational and programmatic decisions.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen efficiency, resource allocation, and sustainable growth, including through diversifying revenue streams.
• Provide oversight of Cultivate Initiatives’ facilities and site operations, including the organization’s building and on-site village.
• Ensure the safety, security, functionality, and effective day-to-day operation of organizational facilities and grounds.
• Partner with staff and external vendors as needed to address facility maintenance, repairs, improvements, and other site-related needs.
• Represent Cultivate Initiatives with community, governmental, private, nonprofit, and other external organizations as appropriate.
• Build relationships that strengthen the organization’s programs, partnerships, and community impact.
• Provide effective organizational representation and leadership when the Executive Director is unavailable.
• Establish and maintain regular and clear communications with Board members on operational and program issues.
• Attend board meetings and report on operational and program metrics.
• Lead and/or participate in board and staff committees to advance the mission.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental and retirement plans.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact by contributing to the success of a non-profit organization.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and professional growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed