Director of Conservancy Operations

Emerald Necklace; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Emerald Necklace Conservancy seeks a Director of Conservancy Operations to lead day-to-day administration, facilities, finance administration, HR coordination, and vendor management. The role reports to the President and coordinates internal systems to ensure staff can work efficiently and the organization operates smoothly.

The Director supervises the Finance Manager and liaises with outsourced controller and HR consultant, coordinating their work and maintaining strong internal practices.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of nonprofit operations experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field.
• Experience coordinating multiple operational functions including facilities, finance admin, HR or vendor management.
• Experience supervising staff or external consultants.
• Ability to manage budgets and partner with finance professionals.

Responsibilities

• Oversee key organizational vendor and service contracts with scope, cost efficiency, and accountability.
• Maintain centralized systems for contracts, leases, insurance docs, policies, and records.
• Coordinate insurance matters with brokers and leadership; renewals and claims.
• Support risk management and address operational risks.
• Develop emergency plans and business continuity procedures for offices.
• Identify improvements to administrative systems and internal controls.
• Monitor expenditures and vendor relationships to optimize resources.
• Collaborate with President and department leaders on planning.

Skills

Nonprofit ops

Facilities mgmt

Budgeting

Vendor management

Staff supervision

HR coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business

Tools

iSolved HRIS

MS Office

Job description

Director of Conservancy Operations

Position Overview

The Emerald Necklace Conservancy seeks a Director of Conservancy Operations to provide hands‑on leadership and coordination of the organization's day-to-day administrative and operational functions, including facilities, finance administration, human resources coordination, vendor and contract management, security, and organizational systems.

Reporting to the President, the Director serves as a key operational partner responsible for ensuring that the Conservancy has the systems, processes, facilities, and administrative support necessary for staff to work effectively and for the organization to operate efficiently.

The Director supervises the Finance Manager and serves as the primary internal liaison to the Conservancy's outsourced controller and human resources consultant. The position does not replace these specialized external functions but is responsible for coordinating their work, ensuring appropriate follow‑through, and maintaining strong internal operational practices.

The Director also oversees the day‑to‑day care and operation of the Conservancy's offices and properties, including the James Michael Curley House and Shattuck Visitor Center, and coordinates vendors, contractors, security systems, maintenance, building access, and facilities‑related projects.

The successful candidate will be a practical and highly organized problem‑solver who can move comfortably between strategic priorities and hands‑on operational needs. This individual must demonstrate sound judgment, strong follow‑through, clear communication, and the ability to identify challenges, coordinate appropriate resources, and ensure issues are resolved effectively.

Additional Operational Responsibilities

• Oversee key organizational vendor and service contracts, ensuring appropriate scope, performance, cost effectiveness, and accountability.
• Maintain centralized systems for organizational contracts, leases, insurance documentation, policies, and other key administrative records.
• Coordinate organizational insurance matters, including renewals, certificates of insurance, claims, and related documentation, in partnership with brokers and leadership.
• Support organizational risk management and ensure operational risks are identified, communicated, and appropriately addressed.
• Develop and maintain emergency preparedness and business continuity procedures for Conservancy offices and facilities.
• Identify opportunities to improve administrative systems, streamline processes, strengthen internal controls, and increase operational efficiency.
• Monitor operational expenditures and vendor relationships to ensure resources are being used effectively.
• Partner with the President and department leaders on operational planning and implementation of organizational priorities.

Required Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit operations, business administration, facilities management, office management, property management, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, nonprofit management, operations, facilities management, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Experience coordinating multiple operational functions, preferably including facilities, finance administration, human resources administration, contracts, or vendor management.
• Experience supervising staff and/or managing the work of outside consultants, contractors, and service providers.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, review financial information, monitor expenses, and work collaboratively with finance professionals.
• Experience developing, implementing, and maintaining administrative policies, procedures, and operational systems.
• Strong understanding of day‑to‑day facilities operations, including maintenance, repairs, security, vendor coordination, and issue resolution.
• Ability to assess operational and facilities‑related issues, evaluate options, prioritize needs, and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong project and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with staff, senior leadership, Board members, vendors, contractors, consultants, and external partners.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated commitment to maintaining safe, organized, professional, and effective working environments.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively to urgent operational issues and unexpected situations.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining appropriate communication and collaboration with leadership.
• Must be comfortable occasionally working outdoors and supporting Conservancy activities in the Emerald Necklace parks.
• Valid driver's license required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a nonprofit, cultural organization, educational institution, public‑facing property, environmental organization, or other mission‑driven environment.
• Experience supporting finance, accounting, audit, budgeting, or financial reporting processes.
• Experience coordinating outsourced HR, accounting, IT, or other professional service providers.
• Familiarity with HRIS/payroll systems such as iSolved.
• Familiarity with building systems, workplace safety, emergency preparedness, and facilities compliance requirements.
• Experience managing service contracts, work orders, insurance matters, or capital improvement projects.
• Experience supporting historic or publicly accessible buildings.
• Familiarity with environmental stewardship, public parks, or urban green spaces.

Key Attributes

• Practical problem‑solver
• Clear communicator
• Calm under pressure
• Organized and dependable
• Collaborative with staff and vendors
• Proactive about maintenance and risk prevention
• Able to balance immediate facilities needs with longer‑term planning

Hiring Practices

The Emerald Necklace Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, Veteran status, physical/mental disability, genetic information, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Salary

Salary Range: $95,000 - $110,000