Managing Director Of Operations

Position Overview

Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a member of WNC's Executive and Management Teams, the Managing Director of Operations provides strategic and operational leadership across Wolfe's Neck Center's core functions, including people and culture (human resources), information technology, administrative systems, farm operations, and stewardship operations (property and facilities management). This role ensures that the organization's people, systems, land, and infrastructure effectively support its mission, programs, and long-term sustainability while adhering to WNC's core values.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Operations & Administration

• Provide executive leadership for the day-to-day operational functions of the organization, ensuring alignment with Wolfe's Neck Center's mission, values, and strategic priorities
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve organizational policies, procedures, and systems that support efficient, consistent, and compliant operations across all departments
• Oversee administrative infrastructure, including office operations, internal controls related to operations, recordkeeping, and cross-departmental workflows
• Partner with the Executive Director, Executive Team and Board of Directors to translate strategic initiatives into operational plans, timelines, and accountability structures

People, Culture & Human Resources

• Lead the annual planning process, integrating strategy with budgeting and connectivity to long-range strategic goals
• Provide executive oversight of all human resources functions, including talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, professional development, compensation, and benefits
• Ensure a strong, consistent, and mission-aligned employee experience across the organization
• Oversee the development and implementation of equitable HR policies and practices that comply with all applicable employment laws and regulations
• Support managers in building strong teams through coaching, leadership development, and performance feedback
• Provide final operational approval for staffing changes, organizational design updates, and workforce planning initiatives, in coordination with the Executive Team
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and values-driven workplace culture
• Develop and implement approval processes for contracts, external partnerships, and organizational commitments

Farm Operations

• Oversee operational aspects of Wolfe's Neck Center's farm operations in close partnership with the Farm Operations Team, the Managing Director of Programs and applicable members of the Programs Team
• Ensure farm operations are supported by effective systems, staffing structures, safety practices, and compliance protocols
• Support coordination between farm operations and other organizational functions to ensure seamless integration with programs and other administrative functions
• Contribute to long-term operational planning for farm infrastructure, land management, staffing needs, and resource allocation

Property & Facilities Management

• Provide strategic oversight of property, facilities, and grounds management across Wolfe's Neck Center's campus
• Ensure facilities, buildings, and grounds are maintained in a safe, functional, and mission-aligned manner
• Oversee systems related to maintenance planning, capital improvements, safety protocols, and vendor relationships
• Partner with organizational leadership to plan for future facility and infrastructure needs in support of organizational growth

Risk Management & Compliance

• Oversee operational compliance across the organization, including employment law, farm-related regulations, safety requirements, licensing, and insurance coverage
• Ensure effective risk management practices are in place across people, property, and operational systems
• Manage the organization's insurance portfolio across all functional areas

Information Technology & Systems

• Provide strategic oversight of information technology systems, tools, and vendors to ensure secure, reliable, and scalable technology infrastructure
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external vendors to align IT systems with organizational needs, including HRIS, operational software, data management, and cybersecurity practices
• Lead technology planning and system improvements that enhance efficiency, data integrity, and cross-functional collaboration

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. If you do not fit this description perfectly but believe that you would be a good fit for this position, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• 10-12 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, human resources, administration, or related fields, preferably within nonprofit, agricultural, environmental, or mission-driven organizations
• Demonstrated success leading complex operations across multiple functional areas
• Strong people leadership skills, with experience building, managing, and developing teams
• Proven ability to design and implement scalable systems, processes, and policies in a growing organization
• Experience overseeing facilities, property management, or farm-related operations strongly preferred
• Technologically savvy, with experience overseeing IT systems and vendor relationships
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term planning and day-to-day operational execution
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and organizational culture

Additional Requirements

• Legally authorized to work in the United States (VISA sponsorship not available)
• Ability to work primarily from the Wolfe's Neck Center campus in Freeport, ME, with some flexibility to accommodate a hybrid work schedule

Compensation and Benefits:

The Managing Director of Operations is a full-time position based at Wolfe's Neck Center in Freeport, ME. As a full-time employee of Wolfe's Neck Center, this position is eligible for benefits including employer-paid health insurance premiums, dental insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and our retirement savings plan. Compensation commensurate with experience with a range of $110,000 to $120,000, annually.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the appropriate candidate has been selected. Application materials received by February 27 will be given preference.

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. If you do not fit this description perfectly but believe that you would be a good fit for this position, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment welcomes a diverse pool of candidates. In accordance with federal Equal Opportunity laws, Wolfe's Neck Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, sexual orientation including gender identity or expression, veteran status, or physical or mental disability in the hiring of its employees. Applicants are selected based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job, prior work experience, and references from previous employers.