Operations Manager

 Operations Manager

Location: Remote (US-based), with occasional travel
Type: Full-time
Reports to: Program Director, with dotted line to CEO

About Constructive

Constructive is an independent non-profit organization working to reshape how the energy and climate ecosystem collaborates. We design and lead cross-sector platforms, convenings, and long-term initiatives that build trust, align priorities, and accelerate progress toward energy abundance and a thriving planet. Our work blends expert facilitation, strategic design, and rigorous production to create environments where leaders from government, industry, philanthropy, academia, and civil society can work together toward shared outcomes.

We are an entrepreneurial and fast-moving team looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is energized by building systems from the ground up.
 

Role Overview

Constructive is seeking an Operations Manager to build and run the organization’s operational backbone. You will be the central point person for our core systems—finance, HR, contracting, compliance, and administration—in the US, UK, and EU. Your work will enable the team to focus on delivering high-impact programs while ensuring our internal operations are clear, efficient, and well-managed.

This is a hands-on role for someone who loves creating structure, enjoys improving processes, and is comfortable operating in a rapidly growing start-up-like non-profit. The Operations Manager will work closely with the CEO and program leaders and will play a key role in shaping Constructive’s long-term operating model.

You might be a good fit if you:

• Love creating order out of complexity
• Like being the “go-to” person who keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes
• Take pride in making others’ work easier, clearer, and more efficient
• Are motivated by supporting a mission-driven non-profit working to accelerate progress on energy and climate challenges

Key Responsibilities

Core Operations & Systems

• Oversee day-to-day internal operations across the US, UK, and EU to keep the organization running smoothly.
• Set up and maintain core tools and systems (finance, HR, IT subscriptions, file management, collaboration platforms).
• Develop and document standard operating procedures, checklists, and workflows for recurring activities (onboarding, vendor setup, reimbursements, travel, etc.). 
• Manage relationships with operational partners such as fiscal sponsors, payroll/benefits providers, accountants, and IT support.

Finance, Budgeting & Reporting

• Support development and management of the annual operating budget.
• Maintain accurate budget vs. actuals tracking and create simple financial dashboards.
• Oversee financial operations including invoice processing, reimbursements, and coordination with fiscal sponsor or accounting vendors.
• Support program teams in building and managing project budgets.

HR, People Operations & Culture

• Manage HR operations including hiring workflows, onboarding, and benefits coordination.
• Maintain employee records, org charts, and role descriptions.
• Support performance reviews and internal goal-setting processes.
• Help cultivate a healthy, inclusive, and high-performing team culture, including team meetings and internal communications.

Legal, Compliance & Organizational Foundation

• Coordinate with legal counsel and fiscal sponsor to ensure compliance with policies, contracts, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain organizational documents, policies, and records.
• Track and renew registrations, licenses, and insurance policies.
• Provide support for board operations, including meeting logistics and materials.
• Lead the process of establishing Constructive as an independent 501(c)(3) organization, including coordinating legal, operational, and financial steps required for the transition.

Information security, data protection & IT governance

• Lead Constructive’s information security and data-protection efforts, including secure device provisioning, access controls, and compliance frameworks.
• Engage IT/security vendors to implement technical guardrails, monitor systems, and ensure secure collaboration environments across the organisation.

Contracts, Vendors & Procurement

• Draft, process, and track vendor agreements, SOWs, and independent contractor contracts.
• Manage a central contract tracker covering deliverables, renewals, and payment schedules.
• Lead procurement for major vendors and maintain vendor relationships.

Fundraising & Grant Operations Support

• Maintain systems to track pledges, grants, gifts, and sponsorships.
• Support preparation of grant budgets and financial reporting requirements.
• Ensure revenue tracking, restrictions, and reporting obligations are accurately reflected internally.

Qualifications

Required

• 5–8+ years of experience in operations, finance, business management, or a related field—preferably in a start-up, non-profit, or consulting environment.
• Experience building or managing core operations functions such as finance, HR, and administration, across multiple geographies
• Comfort owning budgeting processes and basic financial operations.
• Hands-on HR or people operations experience (or close partnership with HR functions).
• Strong process-design mindset and ability to streamline and improve internal systems.
• Excellent project management, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment with evolving priorities.
• Proficiency with tools such as Google Workspace, project management platforms, and basic financial/HR systems.
• Authorized to work in the United States and able to travel occasionally within the U.S.

Preferred

• Experience working with or within fiscal sponsorship structures
• Prior experience in a small or early-stage organization where you built systems from the ground up
• Familiarity with clean energy, climate, infrastructure, or adjacent sectors 

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this role is $90,000–$120,000 per year, with final compensation competitive with peer organizations and aligned with experience. Benefits include healthcare stipends, paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth. Specific details will be shared with candidates during the interview process.

Application process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early applications are encouraged.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives who are excited about Constructive’s mission.