Director of Operations & Administration (Des Moines)

COMPANY DESCRIPTIONStarts Right Here (SRH) serves young people who have been overlooked or disconnected from traditional systems, many of whom have experienced trauma, homelessness, and instability. We provide more than academics, offering a structured, family-centered environment grounded in accountability, belonging, and high expectations. Students are supported by consistent, caring adults who provide mentorship and guidance. Our mission is to help young people rebuild confidence, rediscover purpose, and create a path toward graduation, employment, and long-term self-sufficiency.POSITION SUMMARYThe Director of Operations & Administration serves as the senior operational leader for Starts Right Here and functions as the primary internal partner to the CEO. This role is responsible for overseeing the dayto-day administrative, financial, compliance, and internal operations of the organization, ensuring systems, processes, and staff are aligned to support the organization's mission and strategic priorities.Working closely with the CEO, the Director of Operations & Administration translates leadershipdirection into effective operational execution. While the position provides operational leadership across internal functions and supports organizational decision-making, the CEO retains final authority on strategic, financial, and organizational decisions.This role oversees internal systems, staff management, financial reporting, compliance, and boardsupport to ensure operational excellence, financial integrity, and organizational consistency. While theposition may have limited, high-level involvement in program coordination and oversight, it does notcarry responsibility for direct program delivery.CULTURAL ALIGNMENTMust embrace and thrive within a founder-led, relaLonship-driven organizaLonal culture that focuses on community trust, youth-centered impact, and mission-first leadership.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESOrganizational Operations & LeadershipServe as the internal operational leader and primary support to the CEOTranslate strategic priorities into operational plans and timelinesOversee day-to-day operations to ensure organizational efficiency and alignment with missionAct as a decision-maker in the CEO's absence, as appropriateFinancial Management & ReportingOversee financial operations in partnership with the CEO and external accountantsAssist external accountants prepare and review:o Monthly financial statementso Budget vs. actual reportso Cash flow projectionsManage organizational budgets and internal financial controlsEnsure timely and accurate reporting for:o Board of Directorso Funderso Audits and financial reviewsCoordinate with accounting firms, payroll providers, and financial vendorsCompliance & Risk ManagementEnsure compliance with all:o Nonprofit regulationso State and federal reporting requirementso Grant and funder compliance obligationsOversee policies, procedures, and internal controlsMaintain organizational documentation, contracts, and recordsSupport audits, filings, and required reporting deadlinesStaff Management & Internal SystemsSupervise administrative and operational staffSupport hiring, onboarding, performance management, and staff developmentEstablish and maintain clear internal workflows, systems, and accountabilityFoster a healthy, efficient internal culture that supports mission deliveryBoard Support & GovernancePrepare board materials, dashboards, and reports in collaboration with the CEOAttend board meetings and committee meetings as appropriateRecord and maintain accurate board meeting minutes (or oversee this function)Serve as an administrative liaison between staff, leadership, and the Board of DirectorsProgram Oversight (Limited)Provide high-level oversight of programming to ensure alignment with organizational goals, alongwith the CEOSupport program leaders with systems, reporting, and complianceMonitor program performance metrics and outcomesThis role does not manage day-to-day program deliveryVendor & Partner ManagementManage relationships with:o Accountantso Legal counselo Insurance providerso IT and operational vendorsOversee contracts, renewals, and vendor performanceQUALIFICAQTIONS & EXPERIENCERequired5+ years of experience in nonprofit or mission-driven organizational leadershipStrong background in:o Operationso Financial reportingo Compliance – with a strong focus on State and Federal complianceo Staff managementExperience working directly with a CEO and Board of DirectorsProven ability to manage complex systems and multiple prioritiesExceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skillsPreferredExperience in youth-serving or community-based organizationsFamiliarity with nonprofit accounting and funder reportingExperience serving as a second-in-command or senior leadership roleExperience with multi-entity nonprofit structures, education systems, housing compliance orcomplex regulatory environmentsCORE COMPETENCIESOperational leadershipFinancial acumenStrategic thinking with tactical executionIntegrity and accountabilityCalm, solutions-oriented leadership styleStrong judgment and discretionWHY THIS ROLE MATTERSThis position is critical to Starts Right Here's sustainability and growth. By owning internal operations,financial oversight, and compliance, the Director of Operations & Administration enables the CEO tofocus on what only the CEO can do: fundraising, relationships, vision, and long-term impact.