Senior Director of People & Operations - Center of Creative Arts

Position Summary:

The Senior Managing Director is a key leader, responsible for overseeing all operational and facility functions, human resources, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this role provides strategic direction and leadership to the Human Resources and Operations departments, while collaborating with COCA’s other departments on translating strategy into actionable goals for performance and growth. Additionally, this position is tasked with implementing diversity, equity, including and belonging (DEIB) strategies that align with COCA’s mission and goals.

Essential Functions:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Leadership & Strategy:

• Strategic partner to the President & CEO and leadership team to develop strategies and consistent outcomes across the organization to support COCA’s strategic direction.
• Support the senior leadership team in making steps toward operational and human capital consistency and sustainability. Ensure that compliance is integrated into the organization’s strategic planning and decision-making process.
• Champion of organizational development creating a nimble culture of talent that will reflect the organization’s strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Cultivate a culture that prioritizes the growth, success, and well-being of staff and maintain an inclusive environment where diverse staff can thrive.
• Create, review and implement policies to ensure they promote DEIB within the organization.
• Provide oversight of the company’s day-to-day operations with the goal of effectively serving the organization’s needs.
• Stay updated on changes in compliance regulation and best practices in non-profit management. Recommend and implement improvements to enhance compliance and operational efficiency.
• Develop, monitor and implement processes required to effectively manage COCA’s current activities and operations, as well as its plans for growth; ensure that effective processes are in place so that growth/change is achieved with minimal disruption of day-to-day activities and profit.
• Provide input on internal workflows and organization development; ensure communication and information flow throughout the organization is tailored to provide all employees and managers with current, pertinent, job-related information.

• Understand challenges, opportunities, and emerging issues faced by the organization.  Work with leadership team and staff to design and execute internal and external communications approaches to support them.
• Oversee the investigation and resolution of employee relations and compliance-related incidents or violations, ensuring appropriate actions are taken in accordance with organizational policies.
• Work collaboratively with Programming, Operations, Artistic and Development staff teams to devise appropriate communications and strategies to support new business development, patron participation, internal communications, institutional messaging, and revenue generation.

• Provides oversight and guidance to projects of high importance.
• Facilitate training sessions and workshops for staff and board members on DEIB topics.
• Translate strategy into a clear and shared vision for excellent operations and collaborate with leaders on their team to translate that vision into actionable plans for delivering/optimizing on all operations and human resource related priorities.
• Support data collection and analyzation of demographics, participation and feedback to assess the effectiveness of DEIB initiatives. Establish metrics to evaluate the impact of DEIB efforts and adjust as needed.
• Share updates and success stories related to DEIB initiatives with internal and external audiences to promote transparency and accountability.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to non-profit operations and human resources, including labor laws and safety regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, and conduct performance and compensation reviews.
• Hires, train, supervise, motivate and develop department directors; manage schedules and workflow.
• Assures staff conforms to organizational policies, procedures, and government regulations.
• Directly supervises two (2) employees within the Human Resources and Operations departments.
• Indirectly supervises 15 – 20 employees within the Human Resources and Operations departments.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with COCA’s policies and applicable laws.

• Oversee all employment and human relations matters, such as salaries, benefits, job assignments, job orientation, performance evaluation, retentions and dismissals, personnel records, employee handbooks, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and/ or Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field or equivalent required; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Five (5)+ years of senior management experience in operations, facilities and HR or related fields required.
• Five (5)+ years of employee management experience required.
• Experience managing staff with a wide range of relevant skills, needs, and lived experience preferred.
• Ability to earn trust, inspire support, and elevate voices from a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop earned revenue budgets and meet earned revenue goals.
• Understanding of HR best practices and procedures.
• Understanding of basic operation and facilities management.
• Experience in implementing DEIB initiatives.
• Passion for arts, arts education, and community-based work.
• A commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Competencies:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things. Fosters an environment of psychological safety amongst peers and reports?
• Initiative-taker (self-starter has some negative connotations now) & Team Player - Takes initiative, possesses a strong sense of ownership, and is dedicated to ensuring a quality brand presence at all times. Inspires the trust and confidence of others, for successful collaboration with daily tasks, occasional projects, and the attainment of knowledge necessary to ensure success in operational outcomes.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.
• Problem Solver – Proactively anticipates challenges and implements change to avoid issues. Able to manage complex issues to resolution.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach and manipulate objects.
• The position requires mobility. Duties involve moving materials weighing up to 10 pounds on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc., and may infrequently require moving materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and coordination are required while operating equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.
• This position may require nights and weekends working, as applicable.
• This position is eligible for remote and hybrid work, subject to the COCA Remote & Hybrid Work Policy.