Careers at EPI

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Providence, Rhode Island

OVERVIEW
The Economic Progress Institute (EPI) is seeking an experienced Director of Operations who is aligned with EPI’s commitment to advancing systemic change and policy solutions centered around racial and economic justice and informed by community members and partners. The Director will be a key member of the leadership team working closely with the Executive Director to implement the following areas: fundraising, accounting, financial planning and budgeting, human resources, and internal operations.  

EPI is a nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to improving the economic well-being of low- and modest-income Rhode Islanders. Over two decades, EPI has become the premier organization in Rhode Island highlighting the intersectionality and impact of state and federal tax and budget policies on public policy and engaged in extensive leadership through research, analysis, public education, advocacy, and coalition building to influence systemic long-lasting policy change in Rhode Island. Learn more about our work and impact.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Operations oversees the day-to-day internal operations at EPI. Working closely with the Executive Director and team, the Director raises revenue from a variety of sources, works towards long-range financial stability, and ensures that the internal scope of the organization is functioning effectively and equitably. The Director will also supervise the Office Manager and oversee financial, legal, operational, and other contractual relationships including a grant writer, auditor, human resources support, technology support, and bookkeeper.  

I.    Operations

• Strategically align development, communications, and operations functions in collaboration with the Communications Manager.
• Supervise the Office Manager, who is responsible for processing payroll, managing administrative human resources functions, managing the donor management system, and overseeing purchases, office space, equipment, supplies and more.
• Further develop and oversee EPI’s human resources, hiring, onboarding and offboarding of employees, employee benefits package, time-off policies, annual work planning and performance review processes, and administrative functions.
• Oversee vendor management with insurance providers, IT, cloud-based tools, and office equipment suppliers. Identify areas of potential savings and secure new vendors as needed.

II.    Finance

• Oversee annual budgeting and planning process, annual audits, and tax filings in conjunction with the Executive Director.
• Create and monitor financial plans and budgets, assist in preparing Board reports, and keep internal stakeholders abreast of the organization’s financial status.
• Conduct ongoing financial forecasting to inform the implementation of core operations and strategic initiatives-all in close coordination with the Executive Director, Bookkeeper, and Board Treasurer.
• Reconcile quarterly and annual financial statements in conjunction with the Bookkeeper and Office Manager.
• Manage state and federal lobbying compliance and reporting.
• Serve as a signatory on all EPI’s financial accounts.
• Review, update, and implement all necessary financial policies and procedures together with the Board Finance Committee and Office Manager to ensure best practices.
• Together with the Executive Director, serve as a staff liaison to the Board of Directors Finance Committee, collaborating with the Chair to ensure financial stability, sustainability, and compliance for the organization.

III.    Development

• Develop annual development plans that include funding core operations and partnership initiatives.
• Lead the strategy and implementation of all development functions, including annual campaign strategies and prospecting and stewardship of individual, organizational, and foundation donors.
• Conduct prospect and stewardship meetings with donors and funders as necessary.
• Oversee the maintenance of the organization’s internal fundraising and communication databases.
• Manage grant proposals, reports, and management systems.
• Serve as the lead staff liaison to the Board of Directors Fund Development Committee, overseeing the organization’s fund development plan and collaborating with the Chair to lead committee meetings and develop overall strategy for Board involvement.

RELEVANT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• A strong commitment to inclusivity, equity, transparency, racial and economic justice in alignment with EPI’s mission, vision, and core values.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, problem solving and project management skills, and collaborative management style.
• Ability to manage highly sensitive, confidential information using excellent judgement.
• Proven ability to manage projects and teams, get results, think strategically, pay attention to detail, and meet deadlines especially in a fast-paced legislative environment.
• Experience with accounting and/or financial management, employee benefit administration, and experience in the nonprofit sector highly preferred.
• Experience and comfort managing operations and development of a small-sized nonprofit organization.
• Familiarity with QuickBooks, Constant Contact, donor management systems such as Little Green Light, and Microsoft Office Suite specifically with proficiency in Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to communicate complex, technical information in an engaging and easy to understand manner.
• Excellent interpersonal, cultural competency, and demonstrated capacity to maintain inclusive and collaborative relationships with individuals from every background.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in public administration or business administration preferred. At least five years of professional experience in organizational, strategic, or nonprofit management.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 
This is a full-time, salaried position. The salary range is $80,000-$90,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. EPI currently offers a generous benefit package including matching retirement contributions, PTO, health and dental insurance, and an ongoing hybrid office schedule.

TO APPLY
Please send an email with the subject line “Economic Progress Institute Director of Operations” to jobs@economicprogressri.org. Please attach your cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and 2 references (with contact information), all provided in PDF format. This position will remain open until filled.

EPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, or any other basis. We are committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and open work environment where all staff are valued. We strongly encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.