Vice President Operations

We are seeking an experienced operational leader to manage the organizational infrastructure for a deep-tech research institute.This person will architect and build a scaleable internal operations infrastructure that will serve as a shared resource for Division Teams composed of scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, policy experts, and others who speed development of innovative solutions to complex challenges.Experience quickly and successfully scaling organizations from inception is critical. Individuals with high intelligence, curiosity, and EQ will thrive in this fast paced environment.Responsibilities include:Financial Leadership & ControlsLead budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and organization-wide financial planning.Oversee accounting, treasury, cash management, and financial systems as the organization scales.Manage tax filings, audits, compliance, and all financial relationships with vendors and partners.Partner with Founders and Strategic Investments to deploy capital efficiently using creative instruments (recoverable grants, structured incentives, equity-like positions, etc.).Provide timely, accurate financial insights to Founders and Division Leads.People & HR OperationsDevelop and maintain People Plan aligned with Founder and Division Lead needs.Oversee full HR lifecycle: recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and off-boarding.Manage HR systems (HRIS, payroll, ATS), benefits programs, compensation structures, and employee documentation.Deliver training, organizational development, and compliance with labor laws.Facilities & InfrastructureLead planning, leasing, purchasing, and buildout of office, lab, event, and vivarium spaces.Ensure facilities meet safety, compliance, and future scalability requirements.Oversee physical security, environmental standards, renovations, and expansion.Information TechnologyImplement secure, scalable internal and external IT systems that meet diverse user needs.Manage IT vendors, contracts, cybersecurity practices, and intellectual property protections.Legal, Tax & Compliance OversightCoordinate with external counsel to manage organizational legal, tax, and regulatory matters.Ensure operational and investment activities comply with relevant laws, nonprofit rules, and reporting requirements.Marketing, Communications & Community EngagementShape brand, messaging, digital presence, and external communications.Produce events, convenings, webinars, and ecosystem-building engagements that extend our impact.Support community and partner relations, ensuring visibility and adoption of our concepts.Qualifications:Proven experience overseeing multi-functional operations, including finance, HR, legal, IT, and facilities.Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, modeling, accounting systems, audits, and compliance.Ability to deploy capital creatively (grants, loans, equity-like structures) in mission-driven environments.Experience leading recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and culture-building in fast-growing start-up organizations.Skilled in building HR systems, compensation frameworks, benefits programs, and training infrastructure.Demonstrated experience planning and executing facility buildouts (office, lab, or technical environments).Comfortable designing scalable operational systems for rapidly growing teams with diverse functional needs.Familiarity with implementing secure, scalable IT systems and managing external vendors.Ability to balance usability, cost-efficiency, and security across internal and public-facing systems.Experience managing nonprofit, corporate, or research organization compliance and navigating complex regulatory landscapes.Comfortable partnering with legal counsel on contracts, tax matters, and organizational governance.Skilled at shaping organizational messaging, brand identity, and external communications.Experience producing events and community engagement initiatives that build visibility and influence.High-EQ, collaborative leader able to work across scientific, entrepreneurial, and policy environments.Thrives in ambiguity with a bias toward action, transparency, and rapid iteration.Strong service orientation toward internal teams; comfortable balancing strategic and hands-on execution.