Operations Manager (Part - Time)

Description

Title: Operations Manager

Employee Status: Exempt – Part Time

Salary: $25/hour

Reports to: Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer

Department: Enterprise Operations

Location: Detroit, Michigan  

Schedule: Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday - in Office | 22.5 hours/week

Department Function:

Enterprise Operations provides the operating backbone for the organization enabling organizational success by strengthening the infrastructure that supports execution without taking ownership away from the business units. The department comprises four domains: Strategy and Business Analytics; Risk, Compliance, and Legal; Core Operations and Infrastructure; and Enterprise   Process Support. 

The Organization

IFF is a mission-driven lender, real estate consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive. Key to our success has been a deep sense of purpose, a broad perspective, and a relentless focus on achieving positive results. Across the Midwest we help clients from every sector, including human service agencies, health centers, schools, affordable housing developers, and healthy food grocery operators. Staff contribute extensive business experience and an unrivaled connection to the mission of IFF to the clients we serve.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Partnering to create thriving communities is at the heart of everything we do. We leverage knowledge, capital, and resources to advance equitable and transformational outcomes in under-resourced communities, guided by our commitment to be an inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive institution that honors communities as asset-rich and as experts in their own stories.

Basic Job Function

The Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer (CoS COO) supports the effective functioning of the Enterprise Operations Department by managing priorities, initiatives, and project execution as delegated by the Chief Operating Officer (COO). The CoS COO focuses on the business of the Enterprise Operations department – how the work is planned, resourced, executed, and sustained rather than enterprise strategy. The CoS COO may also be delegated responsibility for specific projects and initiatives on behalf of the COO that may extend beyond the Enterprise Operations department.

IFF is looking for candidates with a commitment to the work we do who can demonstrate their creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, growth-mindset, thoughtfulness, and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and racial justice.

Requirements

Core Responsibilities: 

Departmental Priority and Initiative Management and Leadership

1. Translates COO direction into clear plans, timelines, and deliverables.
2. Manages departmental priorities, initiatives, and projects as delegated by the COO. Maintains visibility into status, risks, and work dependencies.
3. Supports consistent planning, tracking, and reporting across the department.
4. Leads or coordinates cross-functional projects and initiatives owned by or delegated to the department.

• Defines scopes, milestones, success measures, and delivery plans.
• Surfaces risks and blockers, with practical recommendations.
• Ensures follow-through on decisions and commitments.

COO-Delegated Projects and Initiatives

1. Assumes end-to-end responsibility for projects or initiatives delegated by the COO.
2. Serves as the primary point of coordination for COO-delegated work owned by or assigned to the department, even when it spans multiple domains.
3. Represents the COO’s intent, expectations, and decisions for assigned initiatives.
4. Manages timelines, dependencies, and delivery for COO-delegated work. Escalates risks, trade-offs, and decisions requiring COO input.

Departmental Process Design and Support 

1. Designs, documents, and improves departmental processes that support efficient execution. Identifies friction points and recommends practical improvements.
2. Evaluates and supports the adoption of tools, templates, and systems that improve coordination, visibility, and reporting.
3. Partners with domain leads to ensure processes enable, not hinder, work delivery.

Cross-Functional Coordination

1. Coordinates with internal partners to support smooth handoffs and alignment.
2. Reduces duplication of effort and improves information flow.
3. Fosters collaboration without relying on formal authority.
4. Represents the COO in meetings related to departmental operations or COO-delegated initiatives.

• Facilitates meetings, captures decisions, and drives follow-up.
• Communicates context and expectations with clarity and discretion.
• Maintains alignment with COO direction and escalates appropriately.

5. Supports the COO in understanding departmental capacity, resourcing needs, and workload distribution.

• Helps assess skill gaps, coverage risks, and resourcing constraints.
• Coordinates staff onboarding, role clarity, and work handoffs within the department.
• When applicable, supports professional development and succession planning in partnership with domain leaders and Talent Management.

6. Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promotes an environment of empathy and respect, ensures the inclusion of all team members, and will actively engage in EDI events and learning opportunities.

NOTE: No job description can be entirely comprehensive, and the jobholder will be expected to carry out such other duties as may be required from time to time and are broadly consistent with the job description and status of the position within the organization.

Performance Measures: 

1. Completes strategic initiatives on time and on budget.

2. Maintains high degree of success in meeting specific, interim goals for long-term projects.

3. Prepares clear, accurate, and actionable pre-reads, memos, presentations, and reports.

4. Achieves a high rate of successful adoption of departmental operating procedures.

5. Delivers clear, consistent messaging regarding operational strategy.

6. Cultivates a culture of openness in information sharing.  Encourages open communication, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge. 

7. Models personal accountability that promotes ownership and engagement.

8. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues, peers and team members.

9. Values and supports differences in others, contributing to an inclusive work environment.  Demonstrates the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring community.

10. High level of satisfaction with both internal colleagues and external contacts.

Position Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.

Previous Experience: 

· Five to eight years of experience in operations, program management, or similar roles

· Demonstrated experience managing, priorities, and initiatives within a department

· Experience designing or improving operational process and workflows

· Strong communication, facilitation, and follow-through

· High emotional intelligence and comfort navigating ambiguity

Additional Requirements: Regular travel throughout the Midwest region; occasional early start or extended hours and evening or weekend work. 

Standard Benefits:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution

Life Insurance

Short and long term disability

Work-Life Balance Benefits:

Hybrid workplace

Summer Fridays 

Employee Development Benefits:

Professional development stipend

Mentorship program

Miscellaneous:

Wellness programs

Employee assistance

Referral Bonuses

IFF does not offer the following:

• relocation package
• 100% remote 
• provide sponsorship to applicants who require or will require a work permit.

Check off only some boxes in the requirements listed above. Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. So, if you're excited about this role, we encourage you to apply. 

Application Instructions: Please visit the Careers section of our website to apply online.  

IFF values equity, diversity, and inclusion as part of its mission to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve. IFF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate