Director of Operations

The Institute for Security and Technology (IST), a 501(c)(3) critical action think tank that unites technology and policy leaders to create solutions to emerging security challenges, is actively seeking a highly motivated practitioner to join our team as our Director of Operations. As a young and dynamic organization, IST is looking for an ideal Operations Director who will serve as an integral member of our team, reporting directly to the CEO. This role will involve maintaining and instituting the systems and processes necessary to help mature IST and position us for long-term impact. IST takes collaborative action to advance national security and global stability through trustworthy technology, guiding businesses and governments with hands-on expertise, in-depth analysis, and a global network. Since its foundation in 2020, IST has launched a vast array of impactful initiatives addressing challenges such as ransomware, the resilience of lifeline critical infrastructure, trust and safety, nuclear risk reduction, the role of artificial intelligence in national security, and more.

Position

As the Director of Operations, you will play a crucial role in streamlining our organizational processes, enhancing our operational efficiency, and supporting our mission to address complex security challenges. This position requires a strategic thinker with excellent leadership skills, who can effectively manage resources, implement best practices, and drive continuous improvement across the organization.

Description

Maintain and regularly evaluate the efficiency of organization-wide business procedures according to organization objectives and as necessary suggest improvements.
Support the creation, update, and maintenance of IST organizational operations and administrative policies and procedures, including operational strategy, planning and IT systems.
Work with leadership to inform tools, frameworks and concepts in financial management to align budgeting and resource allocation decisions.
Work with leadership and program leads to manage program specific budgets and expenses against time and use restricted grants.
Main contact with external bookkeeping firm; oversee all financial transactions and accuracy of data entry for Quickbooks, net asset classification, cash flow monitoring, vendor payment process, and credit card management.
Operates as one of IST’s internal stakeholders for external, independent annual financial audits.
Work with accountants to support monthly financial practices, including transaction coding
As appropriate, work with legal counsel and accountants for best practices.
Support the performance evaluation and feedback process, for goal setting, mid-year performance reviews, and end of year.
Champion strategies to encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organization, including but not limited to, hiring practices, advisory group development, and participation in public events.
Where appropriate, support HR functions, such as interviews and reference checks for hiring and onboarding practices.
Manage fringe benefits, including working with HR on health care plans, retirement options, and additional benefits, as IST continues to grow.
Work with the program leads to calendarizing and coordinating priority events.
Execute and manage record retention practices.
Manage IST’s physical office(s) by coordinating resources, events and staff access.
Support IST leadership with quarterly Board of Directors meetings.

Qualifications

Required:

5-7 years experience in operations, specifically for nonprofits, government, or industry focused on security, technology, or technology policy
Financial management experience and skills, to include basic accounting principals, budget development and maintenance, and forecasting
Ability to manage multiple projects in tandem and ensure efficient execution
Experience building and maintaining organizational policies and procedures
Strong analytic, written, and communications skills
Extensive project management skills, with ability to communicate effectively and build strong working relationships both internally and externally
As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), IST only employs persons legally eligible to work in the US. New employees must complete an I-9 Form and provide actual documents verifying their identity and eligibility to work in the US within three (3) business days of the date of hire
This position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check

Preferred:

Extraordinarily execution-oriented and have a bias towards action
Experience in 501(c)3 organizations
MSc/MA/MBA in relevant field
Are proactive, and can identify emerging opportunities and risks that merit IST’s leadership’s attention
Enjoy working cross-functionally with highly technical and specialized colleagues across the organization
Have high emotional intelligence, and are able to deftly navigate complex cross-team projects and help accelerate decisions in a fast-moving environment
Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics

Compensation and benefits

The expected annual base salary range for this role is $95k – $125k, with the potential for additional cash bonuses and other forms of compensation based on fundraising impact.

IST’s generous compensation package consists of three core elements: base salary, benefits, and the potential for bonuses. We are committed to pay fairness and aim for these three elements collectively to be highly competitive with market rates in the non-profit sector. Benefits we offer include:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and all your dependents.
401(k) plan with up to 4% matching.
12 weeks paid parental leave.
Unlimited PTO after the introductory period. Most staff take between 3-4 weeks each year, sometimes more!
Potential stipends for education, home office, commuting, and wellness.
Potential for partial relocation support for those moving to the Bay Area.

Compensation is dependent on experience and is based on IST’s good faith estimate for this position, in San Francisco, CA, as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. The level of pay, exact job title and role will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including where you place on our internal performance ladders, which is based on factors including past work experience, relevant education, and performance on our interviews or in a work trial.

Location

While we prefer candidates based in the San Francisco Bay Area, we embrace remote work and welcome applicants from across the United States. Whether you’re in the heart of Silicon Valley or working remotely from another part of the country, your passion and expertise are what truly matters to us. It is worth noting that due to our focus on convening stakeholders for in-person working groups, IST has established a physical office in downtown Washington, DC and may require any incumbent within the National Capital Region to work from that office part time. Similarly for incumbent’s residing in the Bay Area, IST may establish a physical office within the area and, if so established, may require any incumbent residing in the area to work from that office part time.

How to apply

Kindly utilize this link to submit your application and feel free to reach out to [email protected] if you have any inquiries.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and particularly encourage candidates from communities that are historically underrepresented in foreign affairs and national security. Read IST’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging statement.

For more information, visit www.securityandtechnology.org. If you’re ready to embark on an exhilarating journey at the forefront of AI security policy, then seize this opportunity to join us at IST. Apply now and become a driving force in shaping the future of AI security and national security policy!