Senior Manager, Operations

Special Considerations

This is a Washington DC-based position. Applicants must be US citizens or be authorized to work in the US.

Profile of the Ideal Candidate

As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, we are on a transformative journey.  Operations is critical to our success, and we value precision and excellence in operational practices.

The Senior Manager of Operations has a high level of responsibility that must embody professionalism, collaboration, creativity, discretion, and integrity. This is a unique position that requires leadership and management of both organizational operations and operations for projects. The Senior Manager will work closely with the VP, Operations and Planning to achieve excellence in all operational areas.

Knowledge of excellence in administrative practices is needed, while expertise in grant and project management is essential, with a demonstrable record of working through the project management life cycle and managing project budgets, grant finances and reporting. The successful candidate will have some experience supporting international development programs. Proven capacity to present clear and concise analysis, keen attention to detail, and ability to evaluate operational options strategically.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent time management skills, strong organizational skills, be able to apply good judgment in a variety of situations, possess budgeting and financial reporting skills and be able to balance multiple priorities. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Position Purpose and Relationship to Our Work and Mission

Advancing CE International’s mission of “promoting innovative solutions to education challenges” requires careful managing and monitoring of all operational activities, processes and procedures to support efficient and smooth functioning of the organization and provide service to clients and constituents through the projects we deliver. This position is central to the success of CE International and the position will work cross-functionally in close coordination with both operations and technical project teams.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Organizational Operations

1.      Support general accounting procedures, including invoicing and accounts receivable/payable processes.

2.      Support Operations team in general administration, including but not limited to, coordinating project management platforms, timekeeping software, operations calendar, etc.

3.      Support the management and tracking of IT & Operations/Administration Budgets

4.      Support the identification of external consultants

Project Finance and Budgeting

1. Serve as the primary point of contact for project’s financial reporting.
2. Support tracking and forecasting of project spending and budget work closely with technical teams and project managers on addressing matters related to project’s financial performance.
3. Prepare and review payment requests and program expense reports.
4. Review monthly financial statements of activity and prepare invoicing specific to the project.

Grants Operations

1. Support program team with grants under contract administration including tracking and reviewing consultant agreements, award modifications, and other agreements.
2. Ensure compliance with US Government rules and regulations as well as the program’s award guidance; Renew/Update SAM, Guidestar, Charity Navigator, and support the acquisition of ISO Certification, Better Business Bureau accreditation or other organization wide awards and recognitions.
3. Develop and maintain systems and processes for tracking and monitoring a program’s spending and burn rate.
4. Ensure timely reporting is maintained for all grants and projects and support technical teams with other program related administrative tasks as necessary.
5. Provide technology and logistical support for programs and projects delivery, as needed.

Other Duties, as assigned. For example: Offering support for the development of the organization’s annual budget and cross training in essential administrative duties.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience working on international development programs or supporting NGO operations.
• Previous experience supporting grants administration on USAID or other donor-funded programs preferred
• Experience in preparing and reviewing financial reporting documentation
• Demonstrated understanding of financial, administrative, and compliance requirements of donor-funded projects
• Previous experience with finance and accounting preferred
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills
• Demonstrated communication, coordination, and client management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and within deadlines

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of the variety of grant funders (e.g. governments, multilateral institutions, and foundations), different contract types, and complex reporting requirements associated with grant funding.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; second language is a plus.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills.
• Understanding of international development, business terminology, and/or USG language a plus.
• Strong sense of team work.
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to determine work priorities and to juggle multiple tasks efficiently.
• Capacity to work and thrive in a growing, fast-paced entrepreneurial organization with a collaborative environment.
• Understanding of a global organization operating in multiple time zones

Preferred Skills and Experience:

·        Understanding of international institutions related to education

·        Ability to speak Spanish, French, and/or Arabic

·        Experience living or working in a nation outside of the U.S.

·        Ability to use project management software

• Ability to be trained in LMS use

Compensation:

Commensurate with education and years of experience

Work Environment:

This position is performed in an open office environment and requires the employee to come into the office at least once or twice per week. There is also a telework schedule available.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; use fingers and hands to type or write; reach with hands and arms; or talk or hear.  Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

To apply:

Please email a cover letter with resume to headquarters@ceinternational1892.org. No phone calls please.

CE International provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.