Vice President, Operations

GRID Alternatives; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading non-profit organization is seeking a Vice President of Operations to enhance operational efficiency across all affiliates. The role involves strategic leadership in solar project execution, budget management, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in operations, particularly in the solar or renewable energy sectors, and a commitment to equity and justice.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of leadership experience in operations, preferably in solar or renewable energy.
• Strong understanding of solar project lifecycles and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop operational strategies and systems to support organizational goals.
• Oversee operational processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Manage operations budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Lean

Six Sigma

Job description

Position: Vice President, Operations (Remote)

Location:

U.S. Remote/Location Flexible

Job Id: 2024020

# of Openings: 1

Vice President, Operations

GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. GRID is an entrepreneurial, high-growth non-profit organization that provides direct solar installation and project development; clean mobility options; workforce training and service learning opportunities; and low-income solar policy advocacy.

Our Vision: a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone.
to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.

What it's like at GRID…
At GRID, we care about each other and know that each employee has a whole self that includes life outside of work. Our culture supports learning, growth and well-being of all of our team members. Every member of GRID Alternatives must participate in the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work.

The Opportunity…
The Vice President of Operations plays a critical role in ensuring GRID Alternatives operates efficiently and effectively across all affiliates and departments. This role is responsible for overseeing the organization’s operational infrastructure and business process improvement strategies to support the organization’s mission. GRID’s main programs include solar and clean energy and transportation deployment, workforce development, and policy and program administration. The VP of Operations ensures alignment between headquarters and affiliates and leads initiatives to optimize operational systems, structures, and processes, enhance performance and client satisfaction, and support cross-functional collaboration.
Reporting to the Chief Operations and Affiliate Officer, the VP of Operations collaborates closely with the VP of Technology, Senior Vice President of Affiliates, CFO, Compliance Manager, and affiliate and HQ teams to ensure operational excellence and strong systems that support program delivery and organizational sustainability.
As a leader, the VP of Operations also contributes to shaping the strategic direction of the organization and is expected to visibly support and advance GRID’s equity, inclusion, and diversity work, grounded in a framework of social, economic, and environmental justice.

Responsibilities:

Operational Strategy & Business Process Improvement

• Develop operational strategies and systems that support organizational goals and growth plans.
• Oversee and continuously analyze and improve operational processes, logistics, and procurement to reduce costs, improve quality, and streamline operations to meet organizational goals, especially around solar project execution.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to gauge operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Implement quality control measures to maintain high standards in product or service delivery.
• Develop and implement contingency plans to handle unexpected disruptions such as natural disasters or supply chain failures.
• Collaborate with relevant subject matter experts to ensure staff are trained on operational policies and processes, especially when changes or new rollouts are implemented.
• Promote a continuous improvement culture across all levels of operations and actively support staff in adopting new tools and practices.

Supply Chain Oversight

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight to the Director of Supply Chain, who is responsible for procurement, logistics, warehouse management, fleet management, and other asset management.
• Collaborate with the Director of Supply Chain to ensure systems and processes are aligned with funder requirements, compliance needs, and operational best practices.

Technology & Infrastructure Collaboration

• Partner with the VP of Technology to ensure operational systems are integrated with technology tools and infrastructure to maximize efficiency and data visibility.
• Coordinate on rollouts of organization-wide technology solutions that impact operational workflows.

Budgeting & Financial Oversight

• Develop and manage operations budgets, control costs, and forecast future needs in alignment with organizational goals and growth plans.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies that drive financial performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Culture

• Serve as an operational thought partner to departments across GRID, identifying and removing barriers to operational success.
• Partner with the Compliance Manager, Finance team, HR team, and Philanthropy team to ensure adherence to relevant policies, standards, and funder requirements.
• Work with Sr VP, Affiliates and HQ Department heads to ensure adoption of new/updated processes and systems, including allocating appropriate resources such as personnel, budget, and technology.
• Work with the Sr VP, Affiliates and the COAO to ensure affiliate operations are well-supported and aligned with HQ operations teams on shared systems, expectations, and continuous learning.
• Work closely with operations leaders across departments and affiliates to coordinate and align operations efforts with organizational goals.
• Champion organizational efforts to align operations with GRID’s mission and equity commitments, including applying an equity lens to operational systems, decisions, and vendor relationships.

What you need to bring to this role...

• Minimum of 7 years of demonstrated leadership and experience in operations, preferably in the solar, renewable energy, or construction industries.
• Strong understanding of solar project lifecycles, permitting, installation, and utility interconnection.
• Expertise in business process improvement and developing operational strategies, particularly in the solar industry, that support scaling and sustainability
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage people and systems across a decentralized matrixed organization, including leading cross-functional operational teams in a complex, mission-driven organization.
• Proven ability to interpret and apply compliance standards, regulatory requirements, and operational policies.
• Excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple complex priorities, pivoting when needed.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to use data to drive decision-making.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally.
• Commitment to racial, economic, and environmental justice.

It would be great if you also had...

• Experience in solar operations
• Experience working in nonprofits or organizations with a social or environmental justice mission.
• Familiarity with federal procurement and compliance regulations such as 2 CFR 200, BABA, or prevailing wage standards.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience working in organizations with regional affiliates and/or an affiliate network.
• Experience developing disaster recovery or business continuity plans.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish) and/or experience working with diverse, multilingual teams.

*Hired CA candidates must be able to pass a screening for drugs that are illegal in the state of California, including: amphetamine, cocaine metabolite, opiates, and PCP.

Where you will sit & the places you may go…
This position may require 10%-25% out-of-town travel to regional offices and special projects. Availability to work nights and weekends may be required.
GRID Alternatives may provide vehicles for work travel and/or travel reimbursement for personal vehicle use. In this instance, applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and have a good driving record.