Bridgemakers Director of Operations Minneapolis, MN · Full time

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Bridgemakers envisions a Minnesota where public systems cultivate the purpose, prosperity and power of all young people. Our mission is to develop the capacity of young leaders to transform these systems collaboratively across generations and other lines of difference. By bridging the gap between systems leaders and young voices, we are strengthening the fabric of our democracy, society, and economy. We are the youth we serve; the thought leaders on our staff are young leaders, organizers, and entrepreneurs.

Bridgemakers is a new organization, formed in 2020 in response to the COVID pandemic, George Floyd’s murder, and the lack of youth power and representation in the legislative response to these crises. We run two programs: Bridge 2 Success, an entrepreneurship investment and mentorship cohort for 18-25 year-olds, and Changemakers, a research and civic advocacy skill building program for young people interested in systems change. 

Role Responsibilities:

Operational Excellence: 

• Develop and implement strategies to improve organizational and operational effectiveness across departments 
• Streamline existing processes, systems, and workflows to ensure resources are utilized effectively 
• Bolster organizational operations to support the strategic direction of the organization
• Manage communication and the flow of data across the organization
• Ensure values and mission alignment for new policies and systems 
• Approach development from a youth-centered, sustainability-focused lens

Financial Management 

• Support the accounting team and Executive Director in managing Bridgemakers’ financial health
• Support the management of org-wide and programmatic budgets, cash-flow analysis, and financial projections 
• Identify areas for improvement in Bridgemakers’ financial procedures

Grant management 

• Support the Development Team as needed by overseeing and tracking metrics related to donor stewardship 
• Manage grant reporting requirements and develop high-quality grant reports alongside relevant program leadership
• Ensure compliance with relevant state and federal regulations 

Program Management and Evaluation

• Develop and implement systems to measure program impact and effectiveness alongside the Director of Impact
• Use data and analysis to make informed proposals pertaining to programmatic improvements alongside the Director of Impact
• Manage project and program tracking/management software (Asana + Clockwise)

Administrative Support

• Support the Director of People and Partnerships by tracking key staff performance metrics
• Handle travel logistics for the team
• Perform administrative tasks that support the leadership of the Executive Director 

Qualifications

We are seeking a values-aligned individual with experience in operations, preferably in nonprofits, who is passionate about our mission and invested in building Bridgemakers with us. Bridgemakers does not require any particular educational background and encourages candidates to highlight their relevant lived experience that has prepared them for success in this role. We also recognize that qualifications extend beyond a checklist, and we encourage candidates who believe they could be a good fit to apply, even if they do not meet every qualification.

Further qualifications and characteristics for success include:

• Proven experience in management and operations, preferably including experience in a leadership role
• Strong financial management skills, with the ability to develop and manage budgets
• Proven experience managing projects, preferably in high-impact social or public sector organizations
• Experience implementing successful tactics to improve organizational efficiency 
• Writing skills and experience with spreadsheet and presentation software
• Proficiency in HR practices
• An ability to think strategically and anticipate future opportunities and challenges
• An ability to navigate ambiguity comfortably and meet frequent deadlines
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency with Google Suite and project management tools (Asana or similar)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to work in a youth-centered, intergenerational environment 
• (Preferred but not required) Experience with grant tracking and reporting
• (Preferred but not required) Knowledge of the Twin Cities and Minnesota nonprofit landscapes 

Our employees have hybrid work schedules. Bridgemakers has office space in downtown St. Paul and Dinky Town (Minneapolis), but employees are able to work remotely as much as they wish as long as they coordinate with their manager.

Bridgemakers is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Application Process:

The start date for this role is December 1st, but applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the role is filled. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references.