Website Liberation Ventures
About the Opportunity
Working closely with the Co-Founder & CEO, the LV team, and external consultants, LV is seeking its first-ever Vice President of Operations. In this inaugural role, the VPO will be responsible for building operational infrastructure from the inside out – including spearheading the transition of the organization into an independent 501c3 and leading critical Human Resources functions.
This role is designed for a seasoned leader with experience in Human Resources, IT, Finance, Legal, Accounting and Contract management, who is capable of rolling up their sleeves while also holding the big picture. They have a proven track record of developing and implementing operational systems while also leading operations in small to mid-sized organizations. This candidate should be well-prepared to identify and address problems as they emerge. Exceptional candidates will possess strong communication skills, enabling them to effectively convey complex information to various audiences. Moreover, they should be enthusiastic about collaborating with both internal and external stakeholders, serving as a valuable partner in all of LV’s endeavors.
The VPO will report directly to the Co-founder & CEO and will directly manage relationships with external partners, including consultants and contractors to support HR, IT, Finance and Accounting processes.
Areas of Leadership
Mission and Values Alignment: Contribute to an entrepreneurial, mission-driven environment with a desire to build operational infrastructure that operates in the liminal space between the present and the future (see Liberation Ventures organizational belief #3), is aligned with the organization’s mission and values, and promotes equity, accountability, wellbeing, and repair.
Key qualifications: Deep belief in Liberation Ventures’ mission
Demonstrated commitment to LV’s beliefs in practice
Strong understanding of LV’s field of work — racial, economic, and gender justice and their intersections, and the systems and structures that cause ongoing harm in these areas
Able to hold multiple truths at the same time related to running a liberatory organization within a capitalist system, and able to take decisive action from that position
Understands complexity as it relates to identity; able to hold and understand parts of ones identity that are historically marginalized as well as parts of ones identity that are historically powerful
Able to see, name, and navigate power and privilege dynamics in a group and contribute to a working environment where all people are equally valued, feel cared for, and are accountable to each other
Planning and Implementation: Plan and implement LV’s transition to independent 501c3 status. Oversee development of short- and long-term financial, HR, IT and Accounting strategies in collaboration with team members and external consultants at all levels, including designing, building infrastructure, conducting analyses, communicating forecasts, and presentations to inform and drive decisions by staff and leadership. Ensure legal compliance with the evolution of LV, as well as internal controls and financial procedures.
Key qualifications: Track record of managing a department(s) with multiple functions/programs, providing “balcony-level” insights on trends, challenges, and progress
Ability to anticipate and collectively plan for the future, providing experience-driven and data-driven recommendations; history of building out and implementing systems in a scaling organization
Experience managing operational systems for organizations at a $10-20 million budget size
Relevant experience with managing a 501c3 process and knowledge of technical and legal ownership of that transition
Accountable and Compassionate Management: Experience managing a team (internal and contractors) infused with collaboration, growth, and equity.
Key qualifications: Proven track record of senior leadership in a mission driven organization
Able to manage multiple contractors to deliver high-quality, timely, aligned services to Liberation Ventures
Exceptional project management skills; strong attention to detail and equitable, streamlined processes; highly organized and able to manage multiple streams of work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Track record of building “high EQ” teams dedicated to personal and professional growth
Track record of serving as a thought partner and strategic advisor to executive leaders as well as reporting to and managing a board of directors
Track record of building strong partnerships with team members at all levels of an organization; relational, collaborative approach to management and leadership
Work Environment
This position is open to people in any location in the US. Liberation Ventures has a flexible, remote working environment. The Liberation Ventures team has quarterly in-person retreats, usually in New York City. This position requires some travel; approximately 1-2 trips per quarter.
Position Type
The Liberation Ventures Vice President of Movement Building is a full-time (100% FTE) position. Liberation Ventures is a fiscally sponsored organization of PolicyLink, a 501c3 nonprofit headquartered in Oakland, California. PolicyLink’s 501c3 number is 94-3297479.