Administration and Operations Director

Posted Date: 1/20/23
Position Closing Date: Open until filled
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Job Type: Full-time, exempt position
Salary Hiring Range: $70,000-$85,000

Position Summary

Palmer Land Conservancy seeks an Administration and Operations Director (AOD) who is responsible for management of the organization’s internal functions. The position’s responsibilities fall into three functional areas: human resources, operations and risk management, and internal organizational leadership. The AOD directs and manages the internal structure of Palmer based on its policies, goals, and objectives to ensure an efficient, outcomes-based working environment. Reporting to the President and CEO, this position plays a key leadership and management role by developing long-term operational strategies, efficient workflows, and optimizing productivity and performance to ensure high impact and mission-focused outcomes. The AOD is a strong, detail-oriented administrator who will manage the internal operations of the organization.

Benefits

Palmer offers full-time employees top tier benefits including: robust employer-sponsored health care package which includes medical, dental, and vision benefits; retirement plan with company contribution; short-term and long-term disability; generous paid parental leave; paid sabbatical leave; and an innovative open paid time off policy for senior staff.

Company Culture

Palmer was recently named one of the 2022 Best Workplaces in Colorado Springs by the Gazette! Palmer leadership values a culture of generosity, trust, and dedication to conservation. The work environment is goal-based, and work plans and performance are focused on identifying and achieving attainable, but ambitious objectives on a quarterly timeline. This is not a micro-managing environment, and instead, employees are trusted to get their work done with a high level of personal responsibility. 

Palmer’s employees are hardworking high performers and in exchange they are supported in pursuing work-life flexibility with policies such as open paid time off, sabbatical leave, and remote work. 

About Palmer Land Conservancy

Palmer Land Conservancy is one of the leading nonprofit land conservation organizations in Colorado. Since its incorporation in 1977, the organization has protected more than 137,000 acres including 20 public parks and open spaces, working farms and ranches, wildlife habitat, and scenic views. Palmer is one of the twenty largest local land trusts in the country based upon conserved acreage holdings (there are approximately 1,700 land trusts in the United States), and it is one of the country’s first 100 nationally accredited land trusts. Its main office is located in downtown Colorado Springs and has staff located throughout its service area. More info at palmerland.org.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

human resources management

• Manage all new employee onboarding and training, and ensure staff receive ongoing training, development, and support
• In close partnership with the Finance Director, manage all employee benefits including health insurance, short and long-term disability, retirement plan, paid personal leave, etc.
• Perform regular compensation and benefits reviews and benchmarking
• Ensure compliance with all HR policies
• Ensure appropriate annual reviews, exit interviews, performance and discipline issues, and termination processes with staff

Operations and Risk management

• With the leadership team, create an annual workplan and support staff in creating quarterly workplans rooted in the strategic plan and focused on outcomes
• Develop annual key performance indicators
• Oversee the organization’s policies, internal controls, operational functions, and procedures, and ensure all policies and systems remain up to date with best practices and industry standards
• Serve as staff lead regarding Palmer’s accreditation status and manage accreditation renewal process every seven years
• Oversee all IT services, including Palmer’s database, and ensure it meets all operational needs
• Oversee insurance policies for the organization and look for ways to improve costs and coverage; complete comprehensive, documented evaluation of insurance needs at least every five years
• Keep state certifications and registrations up to date
• Manage all internal aspects of a well-functioning office
• Ensure proper document retention and storage

internal organizational leadership

• Serve as the chief champion of staff culture, bridge staff and leadership operations, and support an open-door policy among all staff
• Implement and manage internal work systems ensuring efficient workflows, optimal performance, and high productivity of the team
• As chief of staff, manage staff meetings and retreats, and work behind the scenes to solve problems, mediate disputes, and generally deal with internal issues
• Serve as staff coordinator to the board, overseeing the management of all board logistics including term tracking, board portal, meeting calendar and agendas, meeting locations, and committee calendar and agendas
• Oversee new board member orientation and ongoing board training

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field
• Five years of demonstrated professional, relevant experience
• Ability to prioritize and manage a high volume of projects and tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office products and SAAS (software as a service) technology (e.g. email, Slack, Monday.com, databases, etc.)
• Demonstrated credibility working with internal teams
• Demonstrated credibility working with confidential information and/or managing sensitive issues
• Highly organized and efficient; hard-working with superb attention to detail and nuance
• A commitment to furthering Palmer Land Conservancy’s mission to protect land and water for the wellbeing of people and nature.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge, & Experience

• Completion of graduate degree in relevant field
• Strong aptitude for due diligence and compliance matters
• Demonstrated business management experience in the nonprofit or private sector
• Demonstrated mediation skills and ability to problem solve

Other Requirements

• Valid driver’s license
• Physical demands may involve:
  • Lifting materials and equipment – including, but not limited to, office supplies, event supplies, and boxes of swag – up to 25 pounds.
  • Working in variable weather conditions at remote locations on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances

How to Apply: Please apply through Indeed.