Overview

Every Mother Counts (EMC), a nonprofit institution focused on making childbirth safe, respectful, and equitable for every mother, everywhere, is seeking a Vice President of Operations (VPO). The VPO will be a key leader in the organization’s next chapter, spearheading the development and formalization of its finance, operations, and HR functions.

the ideal candidate will be an entrepreneurial and strategic leader with a passion for strengthening systems and processes within a nonprofit environment. This role presents an prospect to contribute significantly to EMC’s mission by ensuring the organization’s operational and financial health.

Leadership Vision

The VPO will play a crucial role in strengthening EMC’s focus on financial and operational excellence. Collaborating with Founder and President Christy Turlington Burns and the senior leadership team,the VPO will ensure that EMC’s 18-person team has the necessary infrastructure,systems,and organizational capabilities to advance its mission.

The organization emphasizes the importance of a safe, respectful, and equitable maternal health journey, stating that the VPO will support this mission by developing and strengthening systems and processes at a small but mighty nonprofit.

key Responsibilities

The VPO’s responsibilities span organizational leadership, operations management, HR leadership, and financial management. key areas of focus include:

• Organizational Leadership: Driving the annual goal-setting process,managing organizational accountability,and serving as a thoght partner to the president and broader EMC team.
• Operations Management & Systems Building: Overseeing day-to-day operations, managing consultants, and designing/improving systems and internal communication protocols.
• HR Leadership: Developing and implementing HR strategies, overseeing recruitment and talent development, and championing EMC’s culture.
• Financial Management: Overseeing the finance function, developing strategies for long-term financial sustainability, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

Organizational Leadership: Steering EMC’s Strategic Course

The VPO will be at the helm of several critical organizational functions:

• Goal Setting and Accountability: The VPO will drive the annual organization-wide goal setting process and manage organizational accountability by facilitating conversations among the President and staff to account for progress and inform pivots throughout the year.
• Cross-Functional Management: Serving as a key cross-functional manager, the VPO will drive the execution of key initiatives and ensure efficient decision-making.
• Stakeholder Liaison: The VPO will serve as the primary point of contact with financial and legal stakeholders, including the organization’s leadership, board, external auditors, legal experts, and other consultants and advisors.
• Strategic advisor: Acting as a thought partner and advisor to the Founder and President and broader EMC team on finance, HR, and operations questions and issues, effectively navigating conflict and complexity as needed.
• Team development: Leading, mentoring, and developing the finance, operations, and HR teams, with a focus on building a best-in-class function, driving outcomes, and supporting professional growth.

Operations Management & Systems Building: Enhancing Efficiency and collaboration

Operational efficiency and effective systems are paramount. The VPO will:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
• Manage 5+ consultants and experts (e.g. accounting firm, legal advisors, etc.) and work to identify opportunities for streamlining and collaboration.
• Design and improve systems, processes, and internal communication protocols to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and efficiency, and to meet strategic objectives; guide decisions on key technology tools (e.g. Tableau, Salesforce, Fluxx).
• Collaborate with department heads to ensure all operational functions are aligned with strategic priorities and common goals; lead organizational change management efforts to support operational excellence.

HR Leadership: Cultivating a High-Performing Team

The VPO will champion EMC’s culture and ensure a supportive environment for its employees:

• Develop and implement HR strategies and initiatives that support the organization’s mission and goals; provide leadership on conflict resolution, employee relations, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Oversee recruitment, retention, talent development, and workforce planning to ensure a diverse, engaged, and high-performing team.
• Serve as a key champion for EMC’s culture, working with the President and Founder and staff to continue to improve and evolve its culture to meet current needs.
• Recruit a new director of HR to oversee HR systems and processes while partnering with external agencies.

Financial Management: Ensuring Sustainability and Compliance

Financial stewardship is a core responsibility. The VPO will:

• Oversee and work in partnership with the finance team to continue to build and support the finance function, ensuring adherence to budgetary guidelines and financial best practices.
• Develop strategies to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the organization, with a focus on maximizing revenue and minimizing expenses.
• In partnership with the Director of Finance and an outside accounting firm, oversee accounting practices/processes and reporting systems, ensuring timely and accurate financial and tax reporting.
• Ensure all legal and regulatory documents are filed, reported, audited and in compliance with laws and regulations for the organization.

Reporting Structure and Collaboration

The VPO will report directly to Christy Turlington Burns, the Founder and president of Every Mother Counts.Direct reports include the Director of Finance and an Associate, Office & Operations. The Director of Finance manages a Finance Associate. The VPO will also lead the hiring and management of a Director of HR.

Collaboration is key to the role. The VPO will work across the organization, frequently interacting with the Chief of Staff and the full senior leadership team, including the Vice President, Programs & Impact, Vice President, Philanthropy, and Vice President, Communications & Marketing.