“We do not merely have a social responsibility to assure that our children and youth have decent life chances and prosper. We have a sacred obligation to do so.” Founder Hubie Jones
About Us
Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) is a non-profit organization committed to ensuring that every child, especially the most vulnerable, has equal access to educational opportunities and the support they need to succeed. Through systemic advocacy and direct support, we empower families to navigate the complexities of educational and social services. We work tirelessly to create a more just and inclusive environment for all children.
At MAC, our work is driven by a community-informed, ground-up advocacy model. We provide free legal representation to children with the greatest needs, focusing on those marginalized by the education system due to race, disability, language, immigration status, or poverty. Our multilingual helpline supports thousands of parents and caregivers each year, offering guidance, resources, and referrals to help them overcome educational barriers. We also engage in impact litigation and legislative advocacy, working to change policies and laws, secure funding, and improve oversight. Our issue-focused coalitions raise awareness and build strategic roadmaps for change, while our training and community engagement work empower parents to advocate for their children and become leaders in the movement for educational equity. Additionally, we partner with pro bono attorneys to extend our reach and impact.
Since 2016, MAC has been deeply committed to advancing racial equity within our organization and the educational systems we seek to reform. Our ongoing Racial Equity Initiative equips us to better identify, address, and respond to structural racism, ensuring that our work and organization reflect the values of justice and inclusivity.
Our recent achievements highlight the impact of our advocacy. We are honored to have received a $2 million gift from MacKenzie Scott through the Yield Giving Open Call and to be recognized by the Boston Bar Association with the 2023 John G. Brooks Legal Services Award. We continue to challenge discriminatory policies, such as those affecting immigrant students, and celebrate significant victories like the enactment of the first Inclusive Higher Education law in the country, a milestone achieved after a decade of persistent advocacy with fellow advocates. To learn more about our mission and work, please visit MAC’s website or view a video about who we are.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Operations is a key leadership position that plays a pivotal role in the success of the organization. This individual will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of MAC, ensuring that all activities are aligned with the organization's mission and strategic goals. The Director of Operations will need to be a dynamic and proactive leader with exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills to drive operational excellence across the organization.
In this role, the Director of Operations will manage the Office Manager, ensuring efficient administrative processes and a well-functioning office environment. Additionally, this position will involve close collaboration with the Director of Development and Communications, as well as other members of the leadership team, to ensure seamless coordination across all departments. The ideal candidate will be someone who can effectively balance strategic oversight with hands-on management, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Operations Leadership:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
- Develop and implement internal policies to streamline processes and enhance productivity.
- Collaboration and Communication:
- Work closely with the Executive Director and other senior leaders to align operational strategies with organizational goals.
- Facilitate clear and effective communication across all levels of the organization.
- Grant Management and Reporting:
- Serve as the project manager for grant reporting, ensuring compliance with all grant requirements and deadlines.
- Manage and oversee the administration of grants, including budgeting and financial reporting.
- Financial Management:
- Work with the outsourced accounting firm to support MAC’s finances.
- Build the organization’s budgets in collaboration with the Executive Director and the outsourced finance team.
- Work with the Board of Directors on finance updates, providing accurate and timely financial reports.
- IT and Office Management:
- Oversee IT functions, ensuring the organization’s technology infrastructure supports its operations.
- Manage office space and facilities, ensuring a safe and productive work environment.
- Supervise the Office Manager, providing guidance and support to ensure smooth office operations.
Qualifications + Experience
There are innumerable ways to learn, grow, and excel professionally. We review each application to better know you and the unique strengths you will bring to work. We are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below:
- 3-5 years progressive experience overseeing a variety of business operations functions in a fast-paced, innovative nonprofit environment.
- Financial acumen with experience in budgeting and financial reporting, as well as grant management and reporting skills.
- Exceptional organizational and project management abilities.
- Ability to think strategically, anticipate and address challenges, and roll up your sleeves to tackle problems with flexibility.
- Experience as a manager, leader, and team player.
- Dedication to managing and continuously improving operational systems for inter-departmental work.
- Strong communication skills with an ability to build relationships, communicate, and collaborate with a diverse set of stakeholders.
- Proficiency in IT management and office administration.
- Ability to work effectively with a diverse team and foster a positive work environment.
Location, Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time, exempt hybrid position requiring at least 2 days a week in our Boston office near South Station. The salary range is $76,000 - $83,000. The range has been established after a comprehensive analysis of market data, industry benchmarks, and our internal salary structures which have been adopted as part of our race equity commitment.
The company offers a comprehensive benefits package alongside the base salary. A standout feature is the pilot 4-day work week program, providing 100% pay for a Friday-off schedule to enhance work-life balance. The package includes health insurance with an 85% employer contribution, employer-paid life and short-term disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Employees receive generous paid time off, including vacation starting at 2 weeks per year, 15 sick days, 11 holidays plus 2 floating holidays, an office closure from December 26 to January 1, and 2 personal days annually. Additionally, employees are eligible for a sabbatical after 7 years of service.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to promptly submit their application through our online portal. All applicants will receive a response to their application. Please email mcoleman@positivelypartners.org with questions or for support submitting your application.
Candidates who advance should expect to have initial interviews with the recruitment team at Positively Partners beginning in September, followed by a virtual interview with the search committee, and then panel interviews with other MAC staff. The target start date is Winter 2024.
MAC strives to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We celebrate diversity and work to dismantle dominant cultural systems of workplace requirements and restrictive hiring practices. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Bilingual and/or Bicultural candidates, and LGBTQ2SIA candidates, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.
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