Operations Manager, National Advocacy Programs

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state and territorial affiliates and more than seven million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and stripes.

The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world.

We advance this mission through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, advancing environmental justice, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.

This position provides budget management support for programs within the National Advocacy Center (NAC) and is responsible for managing activities conducted at the NAC.

• Major areas of responsibility include : (1) leading all aspects of designated programs’ financial systems and operation, including making timely and supported recommendations on final budget decisions to NAC Leadership, assisting program staff with financial / administrative procedures, and providing fundraising and grant support;
• 2) supporting and inspiring a team environment and culture that advances NWF core values and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice;

and (3) oversight of NAC operations and internal communications.

This position reports to the Senior Director of Operations and will serve as part of a high functioning, highly integrated seven-person Operations team.

Principle Duties (major areas of responsibility) :

Financial Management

• Ensure sound financial management including tracking expenses and revenues; manages the development and monitoring of NAC’s budget reporting systems (responsible for managing annual budgets of approximately $8-10 million);
• Develop and implement budgets through projections, cost classifications, transfers and year-end carryovers; prepares and monitors NAC budgets consistent with NWF’s financial reporting system;
• Oversee and approve all expenses, including salary allocations, travel, office operations and special events.
• In tandem with other NAC Ops staff, track all relevant contracts and grant agreements
• In tandem with Philanthropy and Finance staff, assist program staff in grant applications and reports, including tracking grant reporting requirements and ensure that all requirements are met.

Internal Relations

• Work closely with Program Operations Leadership Team and other Operations Managers on best practices, policies and procedures to ensure sound management of NAC operations;
• Nurture strong, working relationships with the relevant VPs and program staff to support their needs and expand the Center's relationship and collaboration with other internal departments and staff;
• Promote a productive, interactive, collaborative and fun work environment;
• Assist staff in comprehension and administration of organizational policies
• Assist the NAC in operationalizing and embedding equity and justice and environmental justice into their organizational policies, practices, and programs;
• Communicate policies and procedures to office staff.

Operational Management

• Maintain and promote a safe, efficient and productive office environment;
• Ensure systems and procedures are current and functional

Qualifications :

• College degree required
• Formal training in financial administration and budgeting required
• Minimum 5 years relevant experience in a budget preparation and / or management, operations, or administration capacity, preferably in a nonprofit setting
• Proven skills in financial management and budgeting are essential, including grant management
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive matters
• Must have demonstrated budget and personnel management experience, and demonstrated problem solving abilities
• Must be a strategic thinker, well organized, positive communicator; relationship builder and have a demonstrated ability to set goals and priorities, and meet deadlines
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, spreadsheet, and database management

NWF Values :

Your actions are expected to reflect the staff values of the National Wildlife Federation : collaboration, mindfulness, empowerment, inclusivity, and mission focus.

Your competencies should include :

• Being motivated by values of equity and responsibility to those most marginalized;
• Consistently bringing a high level of empathy and social skills to work and interpersonal interactions;
• Being committed to deepening an environmental justice approach in policy priorities, program development and partner engagement;
• Actively seeks feedback, direction, and guidance from all team members and keeps staff informed of decisions that impact them;
• Being dedicated to advancing NWF’s internal equity transformation and compelling partners and allies to incorporate equity into their work; and
• Passion for and commitment to NWF's mission

Physical Requirements of the Job :

• Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s);
• dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example, using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word;

ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about the workspace. The position requires mobility, including moving materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note :

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.

Unless they begin with the word may, the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are essential functions of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Travel Requirements :

Approximately 2-3 times per year; 2-4 nights.

Location and Work Mode :

This position is based out of our National Advocacy Center in Washington, DC. The National Wildlife Federation is committed to a flexible and empowered work environment with an authentic community of care for all staff.

In this position, the employee may work in the office, in a hybrid manner, or fully remote, to be decided jointly with their supervisor in the final stages of the interview process.

Compensation and Benefits :

The salary range for this position is $72,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience.

We are proud of our designation by Mogul as a Top 100 Workplace with the Best Benefits! We value work-life balance and a family-friendly atmosphere with flexible scheduling.

We want you to be able to integrate work and personal life with attention to your self-care, so that your work schedule is not depleting.

We offer benefits so you feel restored and fueled through the day and week.

We offer these supports to help manage your mental, emotional, and physical health :

• Paid time off : Vacation that starts off at three weeks accrual, unlimited wellbeing (this time can be used for physical, spiritual, emotional, cultural, religious or financial wellbeing for yourself, a partner, or family member including pets), and 10 holidays.
• We close down for a paid winter break between December 25 to January 1 to recognize end of-year stress, and time for reflection, rejuvenation, and spending time with family.
• Up to 16 weeks of fully paid Family and Medical Leave
• Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance options all outpatient mental health is covered at in-network rates
• Therapist available at no cost
• Pet insurance and discount perk program
• Annual wellbeing allowance

In addition to your salary, we offer the following supports to your personal finances :

• Retirement plan with immediate match and vesting
• Annual year end retirement contribution
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Adoption and Surrogacy assistance
• Pet adoption stipend
• Student Loan management

Application :

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume.

We strive to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) in all elements of our work and with our partners to support the interdependent needs of wildlife and people in a rapidly changing world.

We recruit, employ, train compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.