Director, National Operations

Year Up, Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare options

Dental coverage

401(k) match

Paid vacation

Job summary

Year Up United seeks a Director of National Operations to lead and optimize operations across multiple sites, driving efficiency, student engagement, and standardized processes. This role reports to the Senior Director of Program Strategy and Operations and supervises regional operations teams and vendor partners.

The position focuses on strategic planning, budget oversight, site selection, and continuous improvement to deliver a high‑quality in-person and hybrid experience for students and

Qualifications

• 5+ years real-estate and facilities management experience.
• 6-7 years of experience in operational and strategic roles within high-performing organisations.
• 2-3 years of management experience.
• Strong decision-making skills with orientation to flawless execution in dynamic environments.
• Excellent project management and budget management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Customer service mindset with strong relationship skills to engage stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Collaborative leadership style with strong problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead standards for exceptional management of the national portfolio of sites.
• Lead facilities operations across multiple states.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that improve efficiency, service quality and cost performance.
• Manage operating budgets and capital improvement programs.
• Direct regional operations teams, building facilities managers and vendor partners.
• Oversee preventive maintenance, compliance, safety and risk management.
• Negotiate and manage national service contracts.
• Drive workplace experience, sustainability and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Establish KPIs, performance dashboards and operational reporting for executive leadership.
• Lead real‑estate planning and execution to support national operations, including site selection, office moves, lease renewals and transitions.
• Partner with Finance, Legal and other cross‑functional teams to advance plans for new locations, relocations and lease renewals.

Skills

Facilities management

Operations leadership

Budget management

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

CRM tools

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

The Director of National Operations is a strategic leader responsible for leading and managing operational plans across Year Up United’s regions. Reporting to the Senior Director of Program Strategy and Operations, the role oversees Operations leaders who manage day‑to‑day hybrid and in‑office operations at multiple locations in direct support of Year Up United programming. The director designs and implements strategies to enhance in‑person student engagement, drive process standardization, and ensure operational excellence across geographies, focusing on delivering a high‑quality, consistent experience for students, staff, and strategic partners while continually streamlining operations to improve efficiency, effectiveness and reduce cost to serve.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead standards for exceptional management of the national portfolio of sites.
• Lead facilities operations across multiple states.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that improve efficiency, service quality and cost performance.
• Manage operating budgets and capital improvement programs.
• Direct regional operations teams, building facilities managers and vendor partners.
• Oversee preventive maintenance, compliance, safety and risk management.
• Negotiate and manage national service contracts.
• Drive workplace experience, sustainability and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Establish KPIs, performance dashboards and operational reporting for executive leadership.
• Lead real‑estate planning and execution to support national operations, including site selection, office moves, lease renewals and transitions.
• Partner with Finance, Legal and other cross‑functional teams to advance plans for new locations, relocations and lease renewals.
• Develop transition planning and operational readiness for new sites.
• Establish project timelines, governance and performance metrics to ensure on‑time, on‑budget delivery of new locations.
• Drive portfolio optimization by analysing utilisation, capacity, operating costs and strategic needs.
• Develop and maintain long‑term real‑estate strategies supporting operational efficiency and workforce requirements.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive operational framework and strategic plan across geographies.
• Lead the Student Centralised Asset Management Program (CAM) across all geographies.
• Lead initiatives within Enterprise Health and Safety (EHS) needs of the organization.
• Manage and mentor a multi‑geography team to deliver high‑quality hybrid and in‑person operations.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with external partners and vendors.
• Evaluate and report operational performance, identifying opportunities to improve resource utilisation and meet organisational objectives.
• Manage the annual budget, implementing effective tracking systems for financial accountability.
• Lead special projects focused on increasing operational effectiveness and efficiency.
• Collaborate with leaders across the organisation to shape and execute a vision for in‑person student engagement that maximises success.
• Coordinate and execute high‑impact volunteer and partner programming.
• Build and maintain strong relationships between internal and external stakeholders.
• Conduct post‑program reviews and provide metric reports to improve in‑person programming outcomes.
• Lead initiatives to align operational practices across offerings, enhancing capability and consistency.
• Focus on improving customer experience and staff productivity through technology and process innovations.
• Identify and lead special projects to increase effectiveness and efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of real‑estate and facilities management experience.
• 6‑7 years of experience in operational and strategic roles within high‑performing organisations.
• 2‑3 years of management experience.
• Strong decision‑making skills with orientation to flawless execution in dynamic environments.
• Excellent project management and budget management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Customer service mindset with strong relationship skills to engage stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Collaborative leadership style with strong problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Salesforce preferred.
• A passion for working with young adults and a commitment to the mission of Year Up United.
• Understanding of the Opportunity Divide and its drivers.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Working at Year Up United

Starting January 5, 2026, employees are expected to work on‑site at least two days per week (Monday through Thursday) depending on job requirements. Candidates must live and work in a state (or an approved proximate state) where Year Up United operates.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $120,000 - $145,000.
• Comprehensive healthcare options and dental coverage.
• 401(k) match for eligible participants.
• Earn three weeks paid vacation in the first year of employment; four weeks after the initial year.
• Exempt role (paid on a salaried basis).

EEO Statement

Year Up United embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discharge, or discipline, are based on meritocracy. We do not permit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws. Year Up United is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let our hiring team know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process. Information received regarding accommodation will be addressed confidentially.