Michigan Environmental Council seeks Operations Director

Position Title                                                                                                                                     

Operations Director

 

Job Description 

The OD will have a strong hand in establishing the organizational budget and setting our operational practices, guiding the organization to be in the top tier for nonprofit management. 

About MEC:

Michiganders love our two peninsulas and the Great Lakes that define them. We share a pride in our state’s natural splendor and a devotion to protecting it as the cornerstone of Michigan’s long-term prosperity and our world-class quality of life. That ethos transcends political boundaries, and it’s stronger today than ever. You see it on T-shirts and bumper stickers. You feel it downtown, along the trail, at the farmers market, on the beach. There it is, this beautiful, precious place: Michigan. It is our job to protect it.

Michigan’s environmental movement depends on the Michigan Environmental Council (MEC) to keep it strong, vibrant and connected. Together we focus energy and attention on the policies and cultural systems that are essential to make Michigan a more sustainable and equitable place. We are a coalition of more than 70 organizations with offices in Lansing and Detroit. Created in 1980 to lead Michigan’s environmental movement, MEC combines deep environmental policy expertise, close connections to state and federal decisionmakers, and relationships with broad alliances to achieve positive public policy solutions to our most challenging environmental issues.

Our team—member organizations, board leadership and professional staff—are among the most passionate, visionary, and hard-working advocates you’ll ever work with. If you want to devote yourself to the most meaningful work protecting Michigan’s natural resources and public health, consider joining us at the Michigan Environmental Council.

Position:

Responsibilities:

• Partner with the COO in essential internal firm leadership activities (human resources, administration, and organizational planning).
• Work closely with the COO to keep him well informed of upcoming and emerging issues.
• Maintain up-to-date versions of corporate documents as required by law (such as board meeting minutes and non-profit bylaws) and communicate with the COO to ensure annual review of these documents and processes.
• Interpret MEC policies and administrative procedures in response to inquiries and initiate necessary action.
  
  

• Conduct or oversee all organizational financial management responsibilities and systems.
• Develop and monitor organizational, program, and project budgets.
• Upgrade and implement an appropriate system of policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures.
• Monitor, track, and deposit all organizational income.
•  Record expenditures and pay bills.
• Create accurate forecasts to ensure organizational sustainability.
• Reconcile bank and credit card statements.
• Oversee organizational investment accounts.
• Coordinate audits and proper filing of tax returns.
• Support the finance, audit, and investment committees of the Board in in the general financial management of the organization.
•  Improve administrative and operational accounting services such as auditing, 403(b) plan, payment processing, payroll, accounts payable, and purchasing.
• Represent the organization to financial partners, including financial institutions, investors and investment advisors, and foundation executives.

• Aid in the formation and implementation of standard operating procedures and personnel policies. 
• Maintain personnel job descriptions, employee handbooks, and employment policies. 
• Develop and maintain staff compensation packages and schedules. 
• Coordinate and track all staff benefits including insurance, retirement, and paid time off. 
• Design and coordinate staff training and development programs. 
• Manage the hiring and onboarding processes for new staff and the exit processes for departing teammates. 
• Coordinate all details related to the recruitment and engagement of interns.

• Manage the mail and answer phone calls, responding to requests related to events and information. 
• Procure and maintain office systems and inventory including organization equipment (e.g. copiers, computers, televisions, etc) and supplies. 
• Oversee, manage, and conduct facilities maintenance including-but not limited to- telephone and internet services, building maintenance (both interior and exterior), tenant/landlord matters, and lease equipment. 
• Manage and coordinate our contract and serve as staff liaison to information technology providers. 
• Ensure a warm and welcoming office environment for staff and visitors. 

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills. 
• Strong analytical and financial skills. 
• Experience working with diverse constituents, teams, and collogues. 
• Comfort level dealing with senior management, MEC's board of directors, and staff experts. 
• Ability to proactively identify opportunities to propose solutions, make decisions, and solve problems. 
• Strong attention to detail. 
• Patience and compassion. 
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team. 
• Passion for MEC's mission, members, and partners.

• Bachelor's degree in operations management, business administration or related field; advanced education for higher levels of compensation.
• Three or more years proven experience in an operations position.
• Must be proficient using Zoom, Adobe Acrobat, and Google Suite (Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides).
• Knowledge and experience working with CRM databases, Salesforce in particular.
•  Experience with accounting software (Sage Intacct or similar preferred).
• An aptitude for learning new applications.

• This position is based in Lansing and works daily in the office.
• This position requires rare work outside normal hours, including evenings and weekends.
• MEC has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, unless you qualify for a federal government approved accommodation.
  

MEC offers an industry-leading compensation package. The Director of Operations to the CEO position includes a salary of $43,000 - $72,000 commensurate with experience; full medical, dental and vision benefits; organizational matching to a
403(b) retirement program and a flexible schedule with unlimited paid time off.