Business Operations Manager

at  State of Washington Snohomish Conservation District

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

Minimum qualifications include:

• A Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, accounting, law, or natural resources.
• Three years of supervisory/program management experience (alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered).
• Experience with contracts and grants through different funding agencies.
• Proficiency with excel and word.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multi-task effectively.
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, public relations, negotiation, coordination, and diplomacy skills.
• Team player and collaborative approach to solving problems with staff and partners.
• Ability to see the needs of the District and pro-actively work to create or improve processes, procedures, and available resources.
• Demonstrated experience with project management tools and ability to implement and manage project management tools for the District.
• Experience with organizational financial management and budget development/tracking experience.
• Phenomenal attention to detail.
• A valid WA State driver’s license (or ability to acquire upon hire).

Preferred qualifications include:

• A Master’s degree in public administration, business administration, natural resources management, accounting, law, or a related field and a minimum of five years of supervisory/program management experience.
• A proven track record of awarded grant funding and project proposal development.
• A professional knowledge of policies and practices of conservation districts.
• A working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules and policies that directly affect natural resource conservation on private lands in Washington.
• Knowledge of and/or experience providing Human Resources support to staff.
• Experience with payroll, billing, BARS, general accounting principles, and audits.
• A working knowledge of Smartsheet and Springbrook Express software.
• A working knowledge of government procurement processes, ability to serve as subject matter expert.
• Experience with local, state, and federal contracts and grants through different funding agencies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is primarily office based. This position requires the ability to:

• Drive a vehicle when travel is needed. Must hold a valid, unrestricted Washington State driver’s license (or have the ability to acquire upon hire).
• Use finger dexterity and fine manipulation.
• Hear and speak to exchange information in person, on the telephone, and via video conference.
• Occasionally work beyond an 8:00 am – 5:00 pm schedule or on the weekend.

Human Resources:

• Supervise staff on the Business Operations team to include a Finance and Accounting Specialist, two Business Operations Coordinators, and two Grant and Contract Leads. Develop annual work plans, work closely with staff to implement work plans, and conduct annual performance evaluations of team.
• Coordinate hiring process for new positions to include consistency in job descriptions, review process, documentation, and onboarding.
• Assist Executive Director to maintain the District’s Employee Handbook and policies and procedures.
• Provide Human Resources support to staff

The primary job responsibilities of the Business Operations Manager include the following. Applicants with skills in many but not all these tasks will be considered as there is opportunity to tailor this position to the strengths of the applicant.

General Operations:

• As a member of the management team, assist in overall management of the District to include annual budgeting, strategic planning, and development.
• Support the Executive Director in the District’s strategic planning efforts including development of the 5-year Strategic Plan of work and the Annual Work plan.
• Review and provide input into updating policies and procedures as needed.
• Coordinate with Business Operations team on accounting, payroll, budget and financial responsibilities for District projects and grants.
• Ensure successful coordination of state and federal audits.

Human Resources:

• Supervise staff on the Business Operations team to include a Finance and Accounting Specialist, two Business Operations Coordinators, and two Grant and Contract Leads. Develop annual work plans, work closely with staff to implement work plans, and conduct annual performance evaluations of team.
• Coordinate hiring process for new positions to include consistency in job descriptions, review process, documentation, and onboarding.
• Assist Executive Director to maintain the District’s Employee Handbook and policies and procedures.
• Provide Human Resources support to staff.

Funding Development and Tracking:

• Together with the management team, secure funding to sustain and grow programs, consistent with the 5-year plan.
• Collaborate with the management team and grant managers to create content, deliverables, and budget for new grant opportunities.
• Consolidate and streamline grant tracking and reporting for the District’s 60+ funding sources. Communicate about grant timelines and budgets with grant managers.
• Oversee procurement processes.
• Support grant managers in grant management, reporting, and billing requirements