Business Operations Lead

The Agency Fund; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first culture

Global collaboration

Travel opportunities with the team

Job summary

The Agency Fund is a nonprofit innovation lab focused on expanding human agency through technology, AI, and social science. We are a globally distributed team seeking a Business Operations Lead to own internal operating systems, drive performance visibility, and align operations with strategic goals.

You will design frameworks, implement scalable processes, and work closely with the CEO to translate organizational strategy into actionable objectives across all teams.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in business operations or similar strategic execution role.
• Experience in fast-paced tech/start-up environments.
• Proven ability to design and implement operating models.
• Strong metrics: OKRs/KPIs development and tracking.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Comfortable working remotely across time zones, APAC availability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and roll out organization-wide scorecards aligned with OKRs.
• Own design and drive the OKRs and KPIs performance cycle.
• Partner with the CEO to translate strategy into actionable, measurable goals.
• Develop and embed repeatable decision-making principles and policies.
• Identify bottlenecks and design scalable solutions to improve efficiency.
• Manage and optimize the organizational technology stack.

Skills

Business operations

Strategic planning

OKRs / KPIs

Project management

Communication

Job description

The Agency Fund is a nonprofit innovation lab working to expand human agency — the capability for individuals to navigate toward the future that they want. We combine the agility of a startup with the reach of a global network, building projects at the intersection of technology, AI, and social science. Our small, distributed team brings together engineers, designers, researchers, and strategists who care deeply about using technology for human good. We’ve partnered with 200+ organizations worldwide, reaching millions annually through digital tools, behavioral insights, and scalable interventions. We value curiosity, autonomy, and collaboration — and we operate more like a mission-driven startup than a traditional NGO. We’re looking for a Business Operations Lead to join our Business Operations Team. In this role, you’ll be the primary owner and integrator of our internal operating systems, ensuring that every function runs seamlessly, measurably, and in alignment with our strategic goals. You’ll design operational frameworks—such as new structures, processes, and systems—and move them rapidly from concept to fully adopted reality. If you are energized by the full lifecycle of an operational improvement, from strategic design to implementation and training, this role is for you.

What you'll do:

• Performance Leadership (90-Day Priority): Lead and execute the rollout of individual scorecards across the organization, influenced by the established organizational OKRs. This is the critical first initiative to establish performance visibility and accountability.
• OKRs & KPIs: Own, design, and drive the organization’s performance management cycle, including the quarterly and annual process for Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Ensure consistent tracking, reporting, and review across all teams.
• Strategic Alignment: Partner with the CEO and translate the organizational strategy into actionable, measurable operational goals for all team members.
• Operational Frameworks: Develop, document, and embed clear, repeatable decision‑making principles and operational policies that increase organizational velocity and efficiency.
• Process Optimization: Identify key operational bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and risks across all departments and design and implement scalable solutions to streamline workflows and maximize efficiency.
• Technology Management: Manage and optimize the organizational technology stack, ensuring our core business tools are integrated, utilized effectively, and adopted consistently by the team.

Who you are:

• Experience: Bring 7+ of progressive experience in business operations, strategic planning, project management, or a similar strategic execution role, within a fast‑paced tech/start‑up environment.
• Strategic Execution: Proven ability to not just think strategically about an operating model, but to personally build the systems, write the documentation, and do the detailed execution work required for full, organization‑wide implementation.
• Accountability Driver: Expert‑level proficiency in developing, implementing, and managing performance metrics (OKRs/KPIs) and driving organizational accountability to those targets.
• Communication & Influence: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex systems and policies and influence adoption across a flat, non‑hierarchical team.
• Mindset: A curious, continuous learner who thrives in ambiguity, is comfortable operating at the CEO-level, and embraces a growth mindset and is eager to "Lever to Scale".
• Location: This is a fully remote role, but candidates must work in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) time zone (e.g., GMT+7 to GMT+12) to ensure effective collaboration with the core Business Ops team.
• Bonus points if you have: Experience working remotely and across time zones.

Why Join The Agency Fund

• True Flexibility and Remote-First Culture: We believe in results over rigid schedules. As a globally distributed team, we have built a culture that supports you doing your best work, wherever and whenever that is.
• Global Collaboration: Join a small, talented, and mission-driven team distributed across the globe.
• Collaborate with Bold Thinkers: Work alongside experts in software, AI, social psychology, and development economics who are solving complex global problems.
• Mission-Driven Impact: The Agency Fund is focused on expanding human agency. Your work will directly contribute to projects that improve health outcomes, social impact, and expand the capabilities of millions through AI and data-driven technology.
• Compensation & Growth: We offer salaries benchmarked to be internationally competitive, paying higher than local market rates in most regions to attract world‑class talent, while maintaining the sustainability of our non‑profit mission.
• Global Travel Opportunities: Opportunities for team meetups and project‑related travel, contingent on visa acquisition.