Director of Innovation Operations

 
Operation HOPE is dedicated to financial dignity and inclusion. We equip young people and adults with the financial tools and education to secure a better future—coaching them through their personal aspirations and life’s challenges and facilitating their journey to financial independence.  

The DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION OPERATIONS will play a pivotal role in supporting the Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) by ensuring seamless collaboration across multiple functions and departments. This role will oversee the operational strategy and execution across IT, Learning & Development, Product, and Data & Reporting. Additionally, the Director will liaise with departments outside of the CIO’s team to drive alignment, optimize processes, and deliver on organizational goals. 

Key Responsibilities 

Operational Coordination 

• Develop and implement operational frameworks and processes that enhance collaboration and efficiency across IT, Learning & Development, Product Management, and Data & Reporting
• Identify and address bottlenecks and inefficiencies within and across teams
• Create standardized workflows and ensure consistent reporting mechanisms for all functions reporting to the CIO
• Support CIO in aligning financial end to end processes from budgeting, forecasting and monthly reporting of grants and goals

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Act as a liaison between the CIO’s team and other departments to align strategies, priorities, and timelines
• Facilitate communication and partnership between technical and non-technical teams to ensure shared goals are achieved
• Promote and manage organizational change initiatives to align with innovation goals

Planning and Execution 

• Work closely with the CIO to translate strategic objectives into operational plans and actionable initiatives
• Monitor and report on the performance of operational initiatives, providing recommendations for improvement
• Collaborate with the Data & Reporting teams to develop metrics and KPIs to measure success across all operational areas
• Collaborate and resolve issues as needed with critical internal stakeholders across Program Operations, Partnership, Executive Committee, Human Resources, Office of the Chairman and Operations teams

Resource Management 

• Collaborate with CIO and department heads to identify resource needs and allocate budgets efficiently
• Drive cost-efficiency initiatives while maintaining high standards of delivery
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, and development of team members across the Innovation Departments
• Make budget and grant recommendations that align with project and program initiatives
• Assist CIO and Department heads with the contracts and communication with vendors and contractors

Project Oversight 

• Oversee cross-departmental projects, ensuring timely completion and alignment with goals
• Collaborate with Department leads to manage ad hoc requests as they come in to insure completion
• Act as a project manager for critical initiatives as needed, balancing priorities and delivering results

Technology and Innovation 

• Work with the head of IT and Product to ensure the adoption and optimization of technology solutions
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across operational practices, leveraging data-driven insights

Skills and Qualifications 

Educational Background 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field -- Master’s degree, Project Management Certification (PMP), Lean Six Sigma Certification or similar is preferred

Experience 

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in operations or project management, preferably in a technology-driven or multi-functional environment
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and support organizational change.
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams and delivering measurable results
• Worked on or with teams responsible for change management for an organization or department

Technical Skills 

• Proficient in project management methodologies and tools including a working knowledge of SCRUM and agile product development methodology
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on process improvement
• Experience with the Microsoft tech stack including Dynamics is highly desirable
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Work Style and Attributes 

• High aspirations for all people to be successful and empowered financially
• Have solid understanding of the target population’s culture
• High emotional intelligence (EQ) with strong ability to influence and build relationships at all organizational levels
• Effective in working with teams across various geographic locations
• A propensity to ask a lot of questions for clarification and understanding and takes initiative without hesitation
• Natural curiosity to understand how things work and why -- our data, our processes, and our reports, our products
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, think critically, and adapt with minimal direction
• Adept at managing competing priorities in a multi-dimensional environment
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively in diverse settings

DEPARTMENT: Innovation 

ACCOUNTABILITY: Chief Innovation Officer 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Light physical effort equal to frequent lifting or moving of lightweight materials.
• Regularly required to sit or stand, bend and reach. Generally, works in an office environment but may occasionally be required to perform job duties outside of the typical office setting.

EEO STATEMENT  

Operation HOPE is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.