Director of Operations

Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative•Ypsilanti, MI

2d•$136,000 - $172,000

About The Position

Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative (MEWI) is a hub for educator talent. MEWI adopts a “systems-adjacent” approach, working closely with K-12 districts, early learning centers, and higher education institutions to design and support innovative approaches to recruiting and developing teachers and school leaders. We are committed to hiring a team that represents the diversity our state offers. What We Do MEWI is an adaptive organization that plays the roles necessary to foster innovation and long-term, systematic capacity-building for Michigan’s educator workforce pipeline. Depending on the context, MEWI plays flexible roles: designing, implementing, funding, and supporting innovative programs to recruit, develop, retain, and elevate new and veteran teachers and school leaders. MEWI captures insights and learnings from our work to share with systems leaders, policy makers, parents, and community leaders, and convenes educators to share best practices, collaborate, and problem-solve. What You’ll Do As MEWI’s Director of Operations, you play a central role in ensuring MEWI operates with clarity, efficiency, and strong internal alignment. You will create cohesion across MEWI’s programs and internal workstreams by translating strategy into well-designed processes that support staff to deliver exceptional programmatic outcomes. Working closely with the organization’s executive leadership team, you will ensure smooth day-to-day operations while strengthening the structures needed for growth and sustainability. The Director of Operations will report to the Partner & Vice President of Programs, and collaborate with the Partner & CEO , across internal teams and with external stakeholders to create an operational foundation that enables high-impact programming and a supportive, inclusive workplace. Who You Are The ideal candidate for this role: Has an entrepreneurial spirit. This person enjoys working in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment and does not get easily overwhelmed by shifting priorities or new projects. Is a critical and analytical thinker. This person likes to get in the weeds and enjoys analyzing data and translating this data for different stakeholders. Is detail-oriented and a creative problem solver. This person anticipates challenges and proactively provides solutions to complex problems. Is adaptable. This person’s roles and responsibilities will pivot based on internal and external stakeholder needs. Is self-directed and independent. This person will work independently to build systems from the ground up, which requires discipline and focus. Values relationships. This person can build trusting and authentic relationships quickly with a variety of stakeholders who have diverse life and work experiences. Has excellent communication skills. This person is skilled in both written and verbal communication and can adapt their communication to different audiences. Is a strong manager of people and projects. This person has demonstrated success in investing and leading a team towards ambitious goals. Believes all students deserve to attend great schools. This person believes that, through innovation and partnership, schools can be places where all students can thrive.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; master's degree preferred
3-5 years of work in a similar role that includes operations, finance, and project management
Experience building systems and tools to drive organizational strategy and operations
Proficient with software and technology, including Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, and Zoom
Experience and comfort working directly with executive-level leaders

Nice To Haves

Experience and comfort working in a virtual environment
Experience with Salesforce Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Data 360 platforms

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and continuously improve operational systems, workflows, and documentation to increase clarity, efficiency, and scalability
Oversee relationships with MEWI’s vendors, ensuring coordination and efficiency within and across vendor services
Develop, maintain, and manage project plans, including providing regular status updates and appropriately elevating risks to timelines
Identify operational risks and improvement opportunities, translating insights into actionable systems and policies
Oversee finance and accounting operations, in partnership with executive leadership and external partners, including budgeting, audits, expense management, and financial reporting
Oversee day-to-day office and physical space management, including supply inventory, storage, mail, and vendor coordination
Collaborate with vendors to manage organizational technology, including procurement, maintenance, and system optimization
Ensure organizational readiness for safety, compliance, and risk management, including ADA accessibility, data security, emergency response, and continuity planning
Oversee employee record keeping, policies, and compliance with employment regulations; regularly update and maintain employee handbook and related policies
Manage MEWI employee benefits process, including liaising with benefits providers, managing open enrollment periods and benefit terminations, and serving as the first point of support for MEWI team members
Oversee end-to-end talent operations, including hiring processes, onboarding, offboarding, and role transitions
Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture through intentional routines, team meetings, retreats, professional learning opportunities, and internal communications
Establish and manage systems for grant and master services agreements, and participant management
Lead operational support for grantee, university, and participant management
Plan and execute organizational events and convenings, including budgeting, logistics, vendor coordination, and onsite management
Support executive leadership team on funder and board operations, including preparing reports, meeting preparation, and materials management
Maintain strong record-keeping for federal and state programs and grants
Provide excellent customer service to a number of stakeholders in a wide variety of roles
Other duties as determined with supervisor