Programs & Operations Manager (paystand.org)

Paystand•Santa Cruz, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Paystand.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing financial inclusion through Bitcoin and blockchain technology. The organization operates a global grant portfolio supporting over 40 organizations across more than 20 countries, with key programs focused on Bitcoin circular economies, Women in Bitcoin, mining education, and technical support for NGOs. The team is small, the mission is significant, and the organization is experiencing growing momentum. This role is crucial for executing the foundation's mission, requiring a semi-senior operator with high ownership and trust, capable of managing nonprofit governance, mission-driven programs, financial discipline, and fluency in the Bitcoin ecosystem. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing the operational playbook.

Requirements

5–8 years of experience in program management, nonprofit operations, or a related field with demonstrated budget and people ownership.
Genuine fluency in the Bitcoin ecosystem — understanding of circular economies, Lightning Network, and the rationale for financial inclusion through Bitcoin.
Experience managing budgets, grant cycles, and compliance in a nonprofit or philanthropic context.
People leadership experience — managing direct reports and holding accountability with empathy.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated ability to write board-facing and donor-facing materials.
Comfort with financial reporting and translating numbers into clear narratives.

Nice To Haves

Spanish language skills (significant plus given LATAM program depth).
Background in Bitcoin circular economy programs.
Familiarity with 501(c)(3) governance, IRS compliance, and nonprofit financial reporting.
Experience supporting board governance or serving in a chief of staff equivalent capacity.
Experience working in or alongside Latin America.

Responsibilities

Own the full program lifecycle, including grant disbursements, partner communications, impact reporting, and grantee accountability.
Manage relationships with NGO partners, grantees, and field teams across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and beyond.
Define KPIs and track measurable impact across all active programs: Grants, Women in Bitcoin, Circular Economies, Internship, NGO Technical Support.
Identify program improvements, scaling opportunities, and new funding angles based on field data and partner feedback.
Drive the development of the annual impact report and board-facing program summaries.
Represent the foundation at key external engagements, conferences, and partner meetings.
Own and manage the foundation's program budgets end-to-end, aligned with board-approved ceilings and strategic priorities.
Monitor spending; flag variances, risks, and reallocation opportunities proactively.
Partner with the CPA and ED to prepare accurate, transparent financial reports for the board monthly and quarterly.
Oversee contract lifecycle management (grant agreements, MOUs, vendor contracts), ensuring compliance and timely execution.
Support annual budget planning and multi-year grant modeling.
Design, implement, and improve the AI, operational systems, and workflows that enable the foundation to scale.
Ensure strong nonprofit governance, IRS compliance readiness, and documented internal controls.
Support board meeting preparation materials, reporting packets, action trackers, and follow-through.
Oversee the full grant administration cycle: application review, approval, disbursement, compliance check-ins, and close-out.
Manage direct reports: Rebeca (Ops & Admin) and Cristian (Program Coordinator).
Partner with the Marketing team and support the foundation's marketing strategy, ensuring consistency, mission alignment, and compelling storytelling.
Lead production of external communications: donor updates, partner newsletters, social content, and the annual impact report.
Work with the ED to position the foundation credibly in the Bitcoin and global development ecosystems.
Identify storytelling opportunities that amplify our work with grantees and the communities we serve.
Maintain working fluency in Bitcoin ecosystems and connect the foundation's programs to the broader Bitcoin and circular economy ecosystems.
Represent the foundation at Bitcoin-aligned events relevant to our mission.
Act as the primary operational interface between programs, finance, partners, and the Executive Director.
Deliver clear, data-driven reporting to the ED and board on program performance, budget status, and risks.
Prepare and own board meeting materials — financial summaries, program updates, governance action items.