Director of Operations
About The Position
A mission-driven organization tackling a neuroscience moonshot is seeking an experienced Head of Operations / Operations Lead to architect and lead its operational engine. This is a high-impact leadership role with ownership over building the systems, infrastructure, and processes that support ambitious scientific work. You will partner closely with scientific leadership to translate complex technical goals into coordinated, scalable execution—ensuring that research efforts are supported by strong operational rigor. This role is ideal for a systems-minded operator who thrives in high-intensity, mission-driven environments. This role sits at the center of the organization, overseeing operational strategy, leading a small but critical team, and ensuring the infrastructure and planning systems can support rapid growth and scientific advancement.
Requirements
- 8+ years of operational leadership experience in technical, scientific, or research-driven environments
- Proven experience managing and developing high-performing teams
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and contract oversight
- Experience building and scaling operational systems in growing organizations
- Strategic thinker with the ability to balance big-picture planning and hands-on execution
- Strong communicator with the ability to align senior stakeholders
- High level of judgment, discretion and problem-solving ability
- Comfortable working onsite in a highly collaborative environment
Nice To Haves
- Experience in neuroscience, biotech, or related scientific fields
- Background in research-driven nonprofits or startup environments
- Familiarity with lab operations or infrastructure scaling
- Experience supporting complex, multidisciplinary teams
Responsibilities
- Guide project planning processes to ensure clarity on priorities, timelines, and dependencies
- Track progress across initiatives, proactively identifying risks and improving cross-team communication
- Manage and mentor a small operations team, including lab, facilities, and administrative functions
- Build and scale operational systems and processes to support organizational growth
- Forecast resource needs, including capital planning and operational capacity
- Strengthen planning cadence and execution discipline across teams
- Oversee financial operations including budget review, forecasting, and vendor/contract management
- Partner with leadership to align operational strategy with scientific goals
- Drive accountability, follow-through, and operational excellence across the organization
Benefits
- Competitive base salary ($180,000–$200,000) + performance bonus (flexible)
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Parental leave and wellness allowance
- Daily meals and collaborative onsite environment
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
No Education Listed
