Director of Operations

Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust; Lakewood (CO); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Flexible Schedule

Professional Development

Job summary

Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) seeks a Director of Operations to lead the Operations Department, including finance, human resources, information technology, grants, data, and risk management. This role blends strategic leadership with hands‑on execution to implement organizational plans and build capacity for CCALT's growth.

The successful candidate will drive cross‑department collaboration, translate strategic plans into actionable priorities, and ensure efficient,

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and staff development experience.
• Ability to translate strategy into actionable priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead CCALT's Operations Department and align priorities with strategy.
• Improve systems, processes, and cross‑department coordination.
• Oversee finance, HR, IT, grants, data, and risk management.
• Develop staff, set accountability, and coach teams.
• Monitor performance with an organizational scorecard and reports.
• Partner with CEO on workforce planning and organizational structure.

Skills

Leadership

Systems thinking

Hands‑on execution

Data‑driven decision making

Cross‑functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to serving agricultural landowners and conserving Colorado’s western heritage and working landscapes for the benefit of all Coloradans.

Since 1995, CCALT has partnered with landowners to conserve more than 860,000 acres of farmland, ranchland, open space, and wildlife habitat through voluntary conservation easements. Our work is rooted in serving the families, producers, and communities who make Colorado agriculture possible.

The Opportunity

CCALT is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as our Director of Operations, overseeing the people, systems, and infrastructure that support our mission and long-term success.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director will lead CCALT's Operations Department, including finance, human resources, information technology, grants, data, and risk management. This position plays a central role in implementing organizational strategy, improving systems and processes, strengthening cross-department coordination, and building capacity as CCALT grows.

This is both a strategic leadership position and a hands-on operational role. The successful candidate will set direction, develop staff, lead initiatives, solve problems, and take direct responsibility for operational work. This is an opportunity to shape how CCALT operates and turn organizational priorities into action.

• Title: Director of Operations
• Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
• Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
• Direct Reports: Controller, Operations and Human Resources Manager, and Grants Manager
• Location: Lakewood, Colorado — Hybrid (minimum 3 days per week in office)
• Anticipated Start Date: Early 2027 (flexible)
• Compensation: $100,000–$115,000 annually, based on experience

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• Lead CCALT's Operations Department, establish priorities, develop staff, and ensure operational functions effectively support the organization.
• Translate CCALT's Strategic Plan and Implementation Plan into actionable priorities, responsibilities, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
• Strengthen coordination across departments, resolve competing priorities, and advance organization-wide initiatives.
• Lead planning related to organizational growth, staffing, capacity, systems, and infrastructure.
• Coordinate Senior Leadership Team meetings, workflow tracking, priorities, and follow-through.

Systems & Organizational Performance

• Evaluate existing systems and processes and personally lead improvements that increase efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain CCALT's organizational scorecard, monitor performance, and report results to leadership, staff, and the Board.
• Implement practical tools for project management, reporting, accountability, and cross-department collaboration.
• Directly supervise and develop the Controller, Operations and Human Resources Manager, and Grants Manager.
• Establish clear expectations, promote accountability, and support employee development.
• Strengthen management practices through coaching, training, and practical tools.
• Partner with the CEO and Operations and Human Resources Manager on workforce planning, organizational structure, succession planning, and complex employee-management matters.
• Model CCALT's RISE principles: Responsibility, Integrity, Synergy, and Empowerment.
• Develop and implement CCALT's technology strategy, including opportunities for automation, system integration, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.
• Oversee day-to-day technology administration, including user accounts, software, hardware, licensing, purchasing, budgeting, and system access.
• Provide hands‑on technical support, including employee technology onboarding, equipment setup, and routine troubleshooting.
• Coordinate with external IT providers and vendors on cybersecurity, data governance, backups, business continuity, and major technology initiatives.

Finance & Grants

• Provide leadership and coordination for financial operations in partnership with the Controller, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, payroll, financial reporting, audits, and grant financial management.
• Ensure the CEO maintains direct visibility into CCALT's financial condition and significant financial developments.
• Supervise the Grants Manager and ensure grant deadlines, deliverables, reporting, restrictions, and compliance requirements are met.
• Align financial and grant management with CCALT's strategic priorities, implementation plans, and organizational budget.

Risk Management, Compliance & General Operations

• Lead organizational risk management, including cyber, employment, field, and operational risks.
• Manage liability insurance renewals, certificates of insurance, and coordination with brokers and advisors.
• Develop and maintain operational policies and procedures and coordinate review of significant contracts and agreements.
• Support compliance with nonprofit regulations, employment requirements, and Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices.
• Oversee office leases, facilities, organizational vehicles, and other operational infrastructure.
• Manage recurring administrative requirements and maintain communication with the CEO regarding significant operational developments.

Who We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a strong leader, systems thinker, and hands‑on problem solver who enjoys developing people, improving processes, and helping organizations succeed.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Systems Thinking: Understand how finance, HR, technology, grants, data, and organizational priorities connect.
• Strong Leadership: Set expectations, develop staff, and build accountable teams.
• Hands‑On Execution: Balance strategic leadership with direct responsibility for day‑to‑day operational work.
• Ownership & Follow‑Through: Turn priorities into action and lead projects through completion.
• Data‑Informed Decision‑Making: Use metrics, analysis, and sound judgment to evaluate performance.
• Adaptability: Manage competing priorities, solve problems, and navigate complexity.
• Collaboration: Communicate effectively, support colleagues, and work across departments.
• Mission Alignment: Demonstrate CCALT's RISE principles and commitment to organizational success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience leading teams, developing staff, and managing multiple operational functions.
• Strong organizational, analytical, project management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic priorities into action and successfully implement organizational initiatives.
• Experience across operational functions such as finance, human resources, technology, grants, data, risk management, or administration.
• Experience with insurance, contracts, risk assessment, or similar organizational responsibilities.
• Strong technology skills and ability to learn and administer organizational systems.
• Ability to balance leadership and management responsibilities with hands‑on operational work.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel by vehicle as required.
• Ability to pass a standard background check.
• Annual Bonus: Eligibility for CCALT's annual bonus program, subject to plan terms.
• Medical & Accident Insurance: CCALT pays 100% of employee‑only premiums; dependent coverage available at employee expense.
• Dental Insurance: CCALT pays 40% of employee‑only premiums; dependent coverage available at employee expense.
• Vision Insurance: Available at employee expense.
• Retirement: 403(b) plan available upon hire, with an employer match currently up to 4% after one year of service.
• Paid Vacation: 15 days during the first year, after one year of continuous employment, increasing to a maximum of 25 days annually.
• Paid Sick Leave: Up to 10 days annually.
• Paid Holidays: 16 annually, including week‑long office closures around the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving.
• Flexible Work Schedule: Within the position's requirements and hybrid work expectations.
• Professional Development: Annual budget for training, conferences, and professional growth.

Why Join CCALT?

At CCALT, you'll join a collaborative, mission‑driven team committed to conserving Colorado's agricultural lands, natural resources, and western heritage.

We value initiative, innovation, accountability, and the belief that good ideas can come from anyone. You'll have opportunities to improve organizational systems, implement new ideas, develop people, and see the results of your work.

You’ll also have opportunities to visit conserved properties, meet the agricultural families we serve, and experience firsthand the landscapes your work helps protect.

This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on CCALT's organizational success and the future of Colorado’s working lands.

CCALT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants are considered without discrimination based on protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.