Director of Operations
Location: 350 Church Street, 10th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103
Salary Range: $120,000+ (commensurate with experience)
Website: readyCT.org
ReadyCT is seeking a dynamic, multi-talented director of operations to serve as a cornerstone of our leadership team. This is a critical role: you will be a “jack/jill of all trades” overseeing HR, administration, and board management, ensuring our mission-driven work is supported by an effective infrastructure. Additionally, you will provide the financial and governance oversight necessary for a growing nonprofit – from budgeting and board reporting to grant management and compliance. Finally, the successful candidate will be an operational leader capable of tackling any organization challenge that may arise.
Future Path: This role is envisioned as a key leadership pillar, with the potential to transition into a more senior function over time.
WHO WE ARE:
ReadyCT is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing academic excellence and career-connected learning for all Connecticut public school students. We design and deliver innovative career readiness programs that intentionally bridge the gap between K-12 education and the employers who will one day welcome graduates into the workforce. As an affiliate of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) — the state’s largest business organization — ReadyCT leverages a powerful network to amplify its mission and expand opportunity for every student.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
As a key member of ReadyCT’s leadership team, the director of operations will ensure ReadyCT’s financial integrity, operational efficiency, team vibrancy, and long-term sustainability. In this role, you’ll oversee all aspects of administration, budgeting, financial reporting, human resources, and board support, while driving a workplace culture that supports organizational growth. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and wants their work to contribute to statewide impact.
The director of operations will supervise a diverse team serving as a main point of contact for human resources, operations, finance, and administrative functions across the organization. You are not a siloed worker. You are energized by a multifaceted role and are willing to pivot from a budget spreadsheet to an HR issue or a systems workflow at a moment's notice.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE ROLE:
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Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field required; advanced degree and/or CPA preferred.
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10+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit operations leadership.
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Preferred experience in Connecticut-based nonprofits or organizations with heavy grant-funded structures.
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Commitment to ReadyCT’s mission and values.
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Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail and precision.
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Experience overseeing HR functions including recruitment, benefits, payroll, employee relations, and compliance.
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Proven success managing organization-wide budgets, grants, funder reporting, and audits.
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Demonstrated ability to develop systems and processes that improve efficiency and transparency.
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Excellent communication, interpersonal, and supervisory skills with a focus on collaboration and integrity.
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A strong ability to prepare and deliver slide presentations.
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Professional presence to report to the board of directors and the executive director, but the humility to chip in wherever the team needs help.
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Experience with the full spectrum of board management and administration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
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Ability to travel periodically across Connecticut for meetings and events.
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Proficiency in accounting and HR management systems, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office Suite.
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Strong ability to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day operational needs.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
Operations & Administrative Oversight
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Act as the primary bridge between finance, development, and program teams to ensure operational and fiscal alignment.
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Oversee day-to-day administration, including vendor relationships, contract repositories, and procurement workflows.
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Manage operational infrastructure, including technology, vendor relationships, and insurance/risk management.
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Step into various operational gaps as they arise — whether it’s a facility issue, a complex grant reporting challenge, or a new organizational initiative.
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Align financial and operational systems with ReadyCT’s strategic plan and KPIs.
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Provide regular updates and reports to the executive director, ReadyCT Board of Directors, and board finance committee.
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Manage board relations, inclusive of preparing board meeting materials and schedule board and committee meetings.
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Contribute to long-range financial planning, sustainability, and organizational improvement efforts.
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Manage all elements of organizational insurance, including the annual review of coverages.
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Provide expertise in insurance coverage to programs relative to risk assessment with vendors and grantees, as needed.
Financial Leadership & Oversight
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Lead all accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting in collaboration with the executive director and ReadyCT’s accounting partner, Accounting Resources, Inc.
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Manage audit preparation, ensure GAAP and nonprofit compliance, and maintain strong fiscal controls.
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Oversee grant and contract accounting, invoicing, and reporting to funders and other key stakeholders, including the ReadyCT Board of Directors.
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Provide financial analysis and insights to inform strategic and programmatic decisions.
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Oversee the integrity of accounting and HR systems and internal controls.
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Assist with development efforts, inclusive of (1) grant research and preparation, budgeting, and reporting, and (2) donor cultivation and relations, as appropriate.
People & Talent Management
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Supervise the talent & HR generalist, providing strategic direction for all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, retention, compensation, and performance management.
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Oversee benefits administration, policy development, compliance, and staff engagement initiatives.
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Partner with leadership to strengthen organizational culture and ensure a positive, inclusive workplace.
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Support professional development planning and HR systems optimization.
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Model the "roll up your sleeves" mindset that defines ReadyCT, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
This job description is intended to be a comprehensive overview of the director of operations. All ReadyCT team members are charged with other duties, as assigned.
ReadyCT offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, generous paid time off, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth. Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to make a lasting impact on youth-centric workforce development across Connecticut.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences who share our commitment to equity and to expanding career-connected learning opportunities for every student.
ReadyCT is an equal opportunity employer.
