Operations Manager

SOAR • Pikeville, KY

41d • Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Manager plays a central role in advancing SOAR’s mission by ensuring strong internal alignment, operational excellence, and data-informed decision-making across the organization.

This position provides direct operational oversight for two core divisions, the EKY Talent Network and SOAR Innovation, while supporting organization-wide systems, workflows, and special initiatives. The Operations Manager serves as a strategic partner to the COO, helping translate organizational priorities into clear processes, consistent execution, and measurable outcomes.

The EKY Talent Network includes team members dedicated to client-facing support for job seekers as well as employer outreach and engagement. This role ensures that both functions operate in alignment to build a strong pipeline of Job-Ready, credentialed talent and connect that talent to local and regional employers.

This role is ideal for a mission-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building and refining systems, and is committed to expanding economic opportunity for people and communities across Eastern Kentucky.

This is an in-office position reporting to one of SOAR's main or satellite offices within the region. Significant travel throughout Eastern Kentucky is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Communications, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Experience in operations, workforce development, project management, CRM administration, or program coordination
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to inform decisions and improve processes
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with experience managing multiple priorities
• Strong collaboration and leadership skills with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
• Comfort with technology, including workflow automation, CRM systems, and reporting platforms
• Embody SOAR's mission and core values in all aspects of work
• Take initiative to identify improvements, strengthen partnerships, and lead projects proactively
• Adapt quickly and remain solution-focused in a fast-paced environment
• Attend and actively participate in required meetings including daily standups, weekly 1:1 meetings, and monthly all team convenings
• Be coachable and open to feedback
• Attend regional meetings, employer engagements, and education partner gatherings as required
• Ability to travel throughout the region as needed
• Regular and reliable attendance required
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
• Must be able to handle prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or standing at an event
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time when necessary

Responsibilities

• Provide direct operational oversight of EKY Talent Network workflows, client engagement processes, employer outreach activities, and data standards
• Ensure consistent execution of lead intake, client categorization, engagement workflows, credential tracking, employer engagement, and outcome reporting within HubSpot
• Strengthen and coordinate outreach to colleges, universities, and Area Technology Centers to build a robust pipeline of credentialed and Job-Ready talent
• Collaborate with education partners and employer outreach staff to align training pathways with local and regional workforce demand.
• Support systems that connect Job-Ready talent to employers and track placement outcomes
• Monitor performance across both job seeker and employer engagement functions, identify gaps, and implement improvements to increase successful matches and placements
• Support operational execution and alignment of SOAR Innovation programming, including founder support, business development services, and entrepreneurial ecosystem partnerships
• Coordinate workflows across Innovation team members to ensure timely documentation, reporting, and follow-through
• Maintain visibility into program timelines, deliverables, and outcomes
• Partner with the COO to design, implement, and refine systems that improve organizational performance, efficiency, and communication
• Develop and maintain standardized processes for project tracking, internal documentation, cross-unit coordination, and accountability
• Support performance management processes, strategic plan implementation, and operational troubleshooting
• Lead or support special projects that advance SOAR’s mission, organizational strategy, or operational capacity
• Ensure clear, timely, and consistent communication across all SOAR departments, including EKY Talent Network, Innovation, Marketing, Development, and Operations.
• Facilitate smooth workflow handoffs between teams and maintain visibility into progress against deliverables.
• Coordinate with the Director of Marketing and Communications to support outreach, collateral, and reporting needs related to EKY Talent Network and SOAR Innovation initiatives.
• Represent the COO in meetings, working groups, and partner discussions as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level