WV Land Trust - Director of Operations

Generation West Virginia•Morgantown, WV

8d•$70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The West Virginia Land Trust (WVLT), a statewide non-profit land and water conservation organization, is seeking a full-time Director of Operations (DOO) to work from its Morgantown office. Reporting to the Executive Director, this critical role oversees internal operations, including Finance, HR, IT, and general administration. The Director is part of the senior management team and involved in strategic decision-making, joining a creative and committed team of professionals who focus on conserving West Virginia's special places and on supporting a growing state conservation movement. The Director of Operations leads and supports WVLT staff, currently based in three locations. The Director’s responsibilities are both strategic and operational. The DOO oversees and optimizes processes in functional areas including general administration, organizational finance, Board of Directors relations, fundraising and communication systems support, and operational aspects of land protection and stewardship. Strong leadership and management experience, a strategic mindset, and the ability to implement best practices across the organization are priorities. The position requires excellent problem-solving skills, a commitment to operational excellence, and the ability to foster a positive and collaborative work environment while responding effectively to the organization’s diverse needs. This is a new role at a dynamic time for WVLT. The successful candidate will demonstrate flexibility in adapting the position to the needs of the organization, which has recently completed an ambitious Strategic Plan that envisions growth and expansion. The position may be structured as a hybrid role, with some remote work possible.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in relevant field
5+ years of experience in operations management
Strong leadership, team management, and team participation skills
Collaborative and results-oriented
Strong proficiency in financial management, budgeting, and accounting software
Experience with strategic planning and implementation
Knowledge of HR practices and employment law
Experience with oversight of IT systems and continuous monitoring of IT security
Excellent communication skills
Ability to travel to WVLT preserves, offices, Board meetings and other related events

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in relevant field
Experience with nonprofit organizations, specifically land conservation focused
Familiarity with West Virginia's conservation landscape
Experience with non-profit organizational fundraising

Responsibilities

Work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and staff on development and implementation of the Strategic Plan
Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with WVLT's mission and goals
Optimize internal processes and systems
Lead and manage the administrative team
Ensure legal, regulatory, grant and national accreditation compliance
Prepare and review partnership agreements, contracts, and other legal documents
Lead risk management efforts, ensuring sufficient insurance coverage
Lead development and management of annual budgets and work plans that are aligned with the Strategic Plan
Implement financial management policies and processes, including review of financials, approval of invoices, and monitoring of budget
Participate in transition planning for accounting software systems and procedures
Ensure that Board of Directors and staff receive timely financial reports
Implement and maintain contracts management and reporting system
Provide financial analysis and recommendations to Executive Director and Board of Directors
Serve as staff lead for WVLT Board’s Finance and Investment Committee
Oversee and coordinate internal and external finance and accounting support
Develop, update, and implement HR policies and procedures in consultation with external support as necessary
Oversee and direct a competitive suite of employee benefits and compensation standards
Implement a rigorous performance management program
Lead assessment of staff capacity needs, recruitment, and onboarding of new staff
Oversee trainings and professional development opportunities
Lead organizational culture initiatives
Develop and implement IT strategies, including those that support outreach and communications
Manage IT vendors, licenses, and services
Ensure data security
Oversee/manage key software systems, including implementation of artificial intelligence-assisted note taking for meetings
Coordinate tracking of key events including Board of Directors and committee meetings, deadlines for grant submissions, grant reporting, and government/regulatory compliance
Lead onboarding of new members of the Board of Directors
Oversee timely preparation of information packets for Board meetings
Attend Board meetings to present financial reports, respond to questions, and undertake necessary follow-up for implementation
Ensure implementation of Board meeting decisions