Director, Operations & Special Projects

JOB SUMMARY & KEY PRIORITIES

The Director of Operations and Special Projects is responsible for leading and managing the internal operational functions that support the organization’s mission and strategic goals. This role oversees key business functions including administrative operations, National office management, and operational execution of organization-wide strategic initiatives. Reporting to the COO, the Director of Operations and Special Projects ensures the organization’s internal systems, policies, and workflows operate efficiently and effectively to support a staff of approximately 60 employees. The Director helps translate Operations’ strategic priorities into operational plans, strengthens communications and organizational infrastructure, and builds processes that support sustainable growth and impact. A fast‑paced, cross‑functional, visible role, the Director of Operations and Special Projects will be a key partner to the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, acting to enhance capacity, drive strategic alignment, and execute key organizational priorities, collaborating directly with the Director of People & Culture and Director of Technology to maintain the functioning of the overall Operations department.

ABOUT ACTIVE MINDS

Active Minds is the largest nonprofit in the United States mobilizing youth and young adults to transform mental health norms across society. For more than 20 years, we have equipped the next generation of peer mental health advocates through a variety of programs, including the Active Minds Chapter Network, A.S.K., and Send Silence Packing. Our advocacy, initiatives, and campaigns foster lasting change in how youth view and discuss mental health, encouraging them to use their voices to influence broader conversations and inform mental health supports within their communities. Together, we are building a diverse movement of champions committed to improving mental health for all. To learn more about Active Minds, visit activeminds.org.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Operations Team and lead strong internal communications across the team, collaborating with the Director of People & Culture and the Director of Technology to ensure the team functions efficiently.
• Support the COO in managing Operations Team meetings and communication, including the creation of Ops Team/Ops Leads meeting agendas and major talking points for internal and organization-wide meetings; and reporting to the Board of Directors.
• Collaborate with the COO, VP of Finance & Administration, Director of People & Culture, and Director of Technology to ensure the annual completion of Operations’ strategic plan goals and initiatives.
• Oversee the Washington, DC office, including supervising the Office Manager and office-related/general operations needs.
• Supervise overall management of the Office Manager on key tasks including Active Minds merchandise, general contact email and phone box, maintaining governance documents in good standing (insurance and tax documents, etc.).
• Strategically identify opportunities to deepen and expand the work of the Operations team in supporting cross-org initiatives and priorities and develop strategies to implement new workstreams and systems, supporting the COO in enhancing organizational capacity.
• Coordinate regular evaluation of internal policies, procedures, and documents to maintain and improve Active Minds’ work culture, including the annual review of the Employee Manual and Culture & Operations Handbook, as well as the development and implementation of new operational policies and procedures that support organizational goals, working collaboratively with the Director of People & Culture team as needed.
• Establish and ensure strong internal communications across the organization.
• Manage monthly staff meeting logistics, including the compiling of staff notes from submissions across teams and scheduling of presentations.
• Maintain the internal staff resources intranet and internal organizational calendar to ensure key documents and up-to-date information are shared with staff.
• Collaborate with the People & Culture team and VP of Equity and Inclusion to schedule organization-wide training sessions and culture gatherings.
• Organize in-person staff gatherings, partnering with the Director of People & Culture; source and secure hotel accommodations and meeting locations, coordinate with staff, and partner with the COO to develop the agenda.
• Serve as the lead/co‑lead of the annual Active Minds Mental Health Conference, co‑managing a cross‑team planning committee.
• Coordinate and manage project timeline and tasks as well as facilitate active engagement of staff in bringing this annual event to fruition.
• Source and secure conference loca