Operations Manager, Governance Center

Job Summary

The Operation Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of operations and administrative processes of the Governance Center.

This position is remote due to Covid-19, but you will be based at WRI’s office in Washington, DC once restrictions have lifted.

Job Responsibilities

Budgeting and Financial Management (25%):

• Manage the Center’s general account, as well as project-based budgets as needed
• Lead the Center’s quarterly and annual budget review process
• Work closely with other Program, Center, and International Office Project Coordinators to ensure successful collaboration
• Comply with all internal WRI budgeting and contract processes and deadlines
• Develop and implement new systems and approaches to more efficiently manage the Center’s finances and development
• Represent the Center in all finance and operations-related meetings
• Update budgets monthly and oversee other Governance Project Coordinators to ensure that budgets are updated monthly
• Prepare monthly budget reports for the Global Director

Operations and Administration (20%):

• Serve as head of Center administration and operations: manage workspace allocations for staff and interns; approve timesheets, expense reports, and cash advance requests; coordinate annual performance review
• Oversee and coordinate project and center level reporting, both internally and externally
• Provide strategic operations advice to Center Director in resolving operational issues and mitigating against operational risks

Fundraising and Business Development (20%):

• Manage donor pipeline in Salesforce
• Liaise with Development and Project Coordinators to stay informed on fundraising in the Center
• Prepare quarterly fundraising reports for the Center
• Oversee Salesforce utilization by Project Coordinators, ensuring that opportunities are up-to-date

Program Planning and Performance (20%):

• Coordinate with Global Director in strategic planning for the Centers.
• Work closely with program teams to develop strategies which support the achievement of project goals
• Actively identify opportunities to highlight Center programs within the institute
• Develop and roll-out a standardized project management and reporting systems
• Create and update a dashboard for reviewing key performance indicators within the Centers
• Monitor and manage project deliverables to ensure they align with the objectives of the Annual and 5-year plan

Grants & Contracts Management (15%):

• Ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of grants and contracts
• Lead grants and finance training for new Project Coordinators
• Lead project budget and grant management as needed
• Monitor life-of-grant reporting requirements and ensure that financial and progress reports are submitted in a timely manner
• Oversee Project Coordinators to ensure that partners to ensure the timely and accurate submission of progress and financial reports

Job Qualifications

• Master’s degree required or two a Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of experience
• At least 3-5 years full time work experience in financial management and administration, preferably in a non-profit setting
• Assertive, detail-oriented, and highly organized individual with a strong interest in program operations/coordination, budgets, and administrative work
• Candidate must be self-motivated with an ability to juggle multiple priorities, handle assignments independently, and work under tight deadlines
• Demonstrated capacity to work well under pressure with competing demands
• Patience and perseverance in understanding and explaining issues to partners and contractors, particularly with regard to grant compliance and monitoring
• Strong process orientation with sensitivity to quality
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Familiarity with database software and management (such as Salesforce, Concur, Cognos, TM1, etc.) preferred
• US work authorization required for this position

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with cover letter. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. 

Potential Salary: $59,000 – $77,000. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

Program Overview

WRI’s Governance Center works to empower people and strengthen governments to build a resilient, just and sustainable future for all. The Governance Center works with governments, the private sector, civil society and the public to address issues that matter most to poor, vulnerable communities: adapting to climate change; affordable, reliable access to clean energy; environmental rights; water and air pollution; social equity; and open, responsive government.

WRI Overview 

World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. 

We are passionate. We value our diversity of interests, skills and backgrounds. We have a flexible work environment. And we share a common goal to catalyze change that will improve the lives of people. Our shared ideals are at the core of our approach. They include: integrity, innovation, urgency, independence and respect. 

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges, and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.  

We have been growing rapidly: our staff has doubled in size over the past 5 years and our operating budget is now $150 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of 1,000+ people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.   

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.