L. Norwood & Associates Strategic Development of Operations Director Remote · Part time

Apply for Strategic Development of Operations Director

Posting Date: 1/31/2023

Title: Strategic Development of Operations Director  

Part-time

Who We Are 

L. Norwood & Associates is a rapidly growing, Black womxn-led, boutique consulting firm specializing in strategy, communications, digital, and capacity building for nonprofits, and political issue campaigns. We are a lean and powerful team of skilled professionals committed to supporting organizations and initiatives that engage, center, and uplift opportunities to strengthen Black, Indigenous, Latine/x/o, AAPI, and People of Color (BILAPOC) communities. We are not your typical big-box consultants. Instead, our team consists of passionate and experienced storytellers, visual artists, digital experts, developers, organizers, and activists who use our talents to support organizations and initiatives that increase opportunity, access, belonging, justice, safety, and equity in Black, Indigenous, Latine/x/o, AAPI, and People of Color (BILAPOC) communities. 

We see our work as a vehicle to help advance social justice and we believe culturally responsive communications, content, strategies, and programs are critical to dismantling systemic racism. Therefore, our team is deeply invested in developing targeted strategies that win, contribute residual benefits for communities, and impact systems change. We are movement builders.

We have Southern California roots but serve clients nationwide. We are a stable and growing start-up founded in 2019 by marketer, strategist, and national organizer, Lanae Norwood. So if you are looking for a small but high-performing team that is committed to using our talents to impact positive social change, then in the words of our extraterrestrial friend E.T., “phone home!”

Who You Are

You are a self-starter that eagerly anticipates the next steps of operational needs. You don't wait for someone to give you all the answers; you seek and find the best solutions and implement them. You see yourself as not only an assistant but an extension of the executive and all they do for the organization. You can assist a high-performing, multi-functional team in a fast-paced environment all while performing your responsibilities timely and efficiently.  

About the Position

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operational duties. A bonus would be to have experience working for BIPOC communities and a progressive praxis in racial justice, criminal justice reform/ abolition, housing, and worker rights. The position will consist primarily of managing various operational tasks, staff members, and vendors who are in need of their questions being answered and solved. The Strategic Operations Director (SOD) will be a key partner to the CEO. Using the current strategic planning process and subsequent plans as a framework and guide, the SOD is charged with understanding, addressing, and coordinating the needs and activities identified in L. Norwood & Associates’ planning process. The SOD will work with the CEO to plan and manage priorities that deepen L. Norwood & Associates’ impact and that support the organizational growth, building and improving needed systems across the organization. The SOD will share in the organization’s work to advance racial equity and anti-oppression in its operations and practices and proactively identify opportunities to advance equitable practices. The SOD will also have the ability to work independently on projects, from conception to completion, and will share and solicit ongoing feedback and conversations to advance our work.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Operations

• Support the CEO in the translation of strategy into operational plans by helping to set and implement short-term and long-term milestones and goals.
• Provide strategic support, advice, and guidance to the CEO, including preparation of materials for internal and external meetings.
• Work with staff across initiatives to ensure consistency and integration.
• Understand trends in philanthropy, community economic development, and impact investing to ensure alignment between organizational strategic planning and broad organizational work.
• Partner to drive operational excellence across the organization, creating systems and processes to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, and a positive culture.
• Support learning and development objectives for the organization related to equity.

General

• Providing top-notch assistance, such as writing and editing emails, drafting memos, and preparing communications on the executive's behalf.
• Maintaining comprehensive and accurate records.
• Setup and maintain an internal CRM system.
• Manages the executive’s calendar and emails. Also, keep track of critical reporting deadlines.
• Provide client relations support for follow-up requests and customer appreciation (holidays, birthdays, etc.)
• Act as the primary point of contact for all inbound requests. 
• Performing accounting duties such as creating and reconciling budgets, running reports, processing payroll, paying expenses and invoices, etc.
• Arrange travel accommodations and process expense forms.
• Sourcing, procurement, and management of supplies, tools, and software needed to improve organizational efficiency.

Human Resource Related

• Advises the development and administration of plans and policies for human resource activities.
• Develops, revises, and implements HR policies and procedures.
• Ensures the company complies with established policies and procedures and relevant federal, state, or local legislation.
• Co-designs, develops, and drafts job descriptions, RFPs, and other human capital-related roles.
• Provides candidate screening, scheduling, and coordination. 
• Organizes and maintains personnel records.
• Updates internal databases (e.g., record sick or maternity leave.)
• Prepares HR documents, like employment contracts and new hire guides. 
• Liaise with external partners, like insurance vendors, and ensure legal compliance. 
• Create regular reports and presentations on HR metrics. (e.g., turnover rates.)
• Answer employees' queries about HR-related issues.
• Assist payroll department by providing relevant employee information. (e.g., leaves of absence, sick days, and work schedules)
• Develop and implement employee and vendor evaluation methods.
• Help define and refine company culture and internal ecosystem. 
• Participate in HR projects. (e.g., help organize a job fair event)
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Proven commitment to equity-based initiatives and a passion for racial justice
• A track record of working with underrepresented communities is required, particularly in BIPOC communities, with demonstrable cultural competency
• Communications, journalism, social media, writing, design, or other relevant experience
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Be comfortable working with colleagues remotely - we maintain office space in the Los Angeles area, but are often on the move!
• Be a detail-oriented writer who can work across a variety of mediums for a variety of audiences
• Passion for addressing economic injustices.

Required Skills 

• Experience with HR software.
• Thorough knowledge of labor laws and EEOC laws.
• Proven understanding of social justice and community-centered work.
• Experience and comfort working on bold racial justice campaigns that center and unapologetically support Black, Indigenous, and communities of color.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, along with diplomacy, tact, and humor.
• Experience working on remote teams, ideally in a geographically dispersed context with a high standard of excellence and accountability.
• Entrepreneurial style, with an enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional strategic thinking skills around operationalization and execution in complex and ambiguous environments.
• Proven track record of success in organizational management, strategic planning, and implementation.
• Experienced in process development and project management.
• Internal team meeting management and facilitation experience.
• Ability to manage up, across, and down without formal reporting relationships.
• Ability to make meaning out of different datasets and communicate to various stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.
• Proficient with Asana, Monday, or other similar project management software.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suites, or related software.
• Note: relevant volunteer, grassroots, and short-term experience is acceptable - share it!

Compensation 

We are looking to build a long-term relationship with the right candidate. The SOD position is remote, preferred to be southern CA-based, but is not required. If not CA-based must be willing to travel. Compensation range is up to $60,000 per year for part-time, hourly associates, working 29 hours per week. After the completion of a successful 90-day provisional period, the candidate may be eligible for full-time hours. Employees become eligible after 6 months of service for an annual performance bonus of up to 6% of salary.  We offer one of the most generous and competitive benefits packages with several perks for eligible employees: 

• A $50 p/ month cell phone benefit,
• A $40 p/ month internet benefit,
• A $125 p/ month home office benefit,
• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage,  
• Employer paid-Life insurance benefit of $25,000, 
• Voluntary Long-term and Short-Term Disability, 
• And investment options through a 401k with up to 6% company matching.
• Company provided equipment: macBook, printer, and accessories

Aligned with our core values and commitment to supporting healthy lifestyles for all, all team members also receive a wellness stipend of up to $45 per month that can be applied to acupuncture, a gym membership, therapeutic massage, or another wellness-related activity. In addition, all employees qualify for generous vacation and sick time and paid federal holidays, including a floating birthday holiday.

If you are interested, please email your cover letter, resume, and three references to [email protected] Please no phone calls. 

L. Norwood & Associates is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where contributions are valued and celebrated, and our employees thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do the best work of their lives.

We seek applicants of all backgrounds and identities, across race, color, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or parental status, or disability.

Applicants will not be discriminated against based on these or other protected categories or social identities. L. Norwood & Associates will consider employment for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with applicable laws. Justice impacted applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

L. Norwood & Associates is committed to the full inclusion of all applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please let our recruiting team know or email katie@lanaenorwood.com.