About the position

The Operations Manager position offers a unique opportunity to join a groundbreaking grantmaking initiative supporting the rights of persons with disabilities. As a member of a small team, the Operations Manager will help shape the Fund as it matures and incorporates the best strategies in funding disability rights in the Global South and Eastern Europe/former Soviet Union.  The main objective of the position is to support the Director and other Fund staff by managing day-to-day operations of the Fund, in conjunction with the DRF fiscal sponsoring agency, Tides. Other administrative responsibilities related to both grantmaking and the general operations of the Fund are also foreseen.  The Fund is looking for a candidate who is able to work in a fast-paced environment, is flexible, takes initiative, and is independent, but team-oriented.

About the Disability Rights Fund

Launched in March of 2008 as a project of the Tides Center, the Disability Rights Fund is a grantmaking collaborative aimed at building community capacity to achieve the rights of all persons with disabilities. The Fund makes modest grants (USD $5000-70,000) to Disabled Persons’ Organizations in the Global South and in Eastern Europe/former Soviet Union for advancing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at country-level.

Operations Manager Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Improve operational systems, processes and policies (including grants administration)

• Manage and increase efficiency and effectiveness of support services (human resources, IT, finance)

• Support organizational strategic planning, especially in regard to operational planning

• Oversee overall financial management, planning, systems and controls

• Management of Fund budget, in coordination with Director

• Support Director with creation of budgets and financial reporting for donors

• Manage consultant and vendor contracting, including payment

• Support PR and communications of the Fund

• Support staff travel logistics, including communications with travel agency and insurance companies

• Office management, including responsibility for supplies

• Assist with other administrative needs of the Fund as requested by Director

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree, or equivalent with minimum 5 years of relevant experience; advanced degree desired

• At least 3 years experience in financial management and bookkeeping

• Budget development and oversight experience

• Grantmaking and/or grantseeking experience (or relevant nonprofit experience)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Commitment to the human rights of people with disabilities and the mission of DRF

• Knowledge and experience in organizational effectiveness and operational management best practices

• Knowledge of tax and other compliance implications of non-profit status

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Other language proficiencies a plus

• Strong administrative and organizational skills; the ability to manage time efficiently

• Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and financial software); willingness to learn additional applications (and accessible technology) as necessary

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach

• A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and comfort with a diverse workplace

Compensation

Salary and benefits negotiable, based on experience.

How to apply

The Disability Rights Fund, a project of Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, medical condition (cancer-related) or conditions such as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related conditions (ARC). People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Disability Rights Fund is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities upon request of the individual.  Individuals with disabilities requiring an accommodation should advise in writing at the time of application.

Please email or mail a cover letter, resume, three references (with contact information and relationship), writing sample (five page maximum) to:

Disability Rights Fund
Diana Samarasan, Director
Third Sector New England’s NonProfit Center
89 South Street, Suite 203
Boston, MA 02111-2670
dsamarasan@disabilityrightsfund.org (please no phone calls)
Fax: (215) 261-4593

Deadline: Applications must be received by November 1, 2009.