Operations Manager, Center for Equitable Development

This is a hybrid position that requires 8 days/month in our Washington DC office. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.  

About the Program:  

WRI’s Centre for Equitable Development works with governments, the private sector, civil society and citizens to address issues that matter most to vulnerable communities. We focus on social and financial equity, poverty, adaptation to climate change, environmental rights, pollution and responsive government.  

Job Highlight:  

Reporting to Global Director for Centre for Equitable Development, you will be responsible for the financial and award management of the Equity Centre. You will manage the Centre’s Grants & Finance Specialists and provide close oversight of all project budgets and grant compliances. You will advise the Centre Director on fundraising, operational risks, and staffing/resource planning. You will be supported by the Centre Director and WRI’s core functions.  

What will you do:  

Budget and Financial Management (30%):  

• Manage the Centre’s general account, as well as project budgets as needed
• Lead the internal quarterly and annual budget review process
• Report to Centre and Practice directors on labour coverage and revenue projections

People Management (30%):  

• Attend Individual Philanthropy team meetings and provide updates on revenue raised, gift status, and acknowledgements
• Ensure strong departmental responsiveness to donors by collaborating with Individual Philanthropy Coordinator to regularly monitor and manage Development inbox and routing donor correspondence to relationship managers and other Development staff as necessary
• Provide ad hoc support to Individual Philanthropy team for mailings, events, and other special projects

Grants & Contracts Management (30%):  

• Develop or review all proposal budgets and financial reports
• Ensure award compliance, including for World Bank and US government awards
• Coordinate with GFSs to ensure Salesforce is kept up to date
• Create and manage subgrants and subcontracts

Operations and Program Planning (10%):  

• Support Centre Director with strategic planning and internal reporting
• Advise Centre Director on operational risk mitigation and resource planning
• Approve timesheets and expense reports and manage space assignments

What will you need:  

• Education: You have completed a bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• Experience: You have minimum of 5 year of full-time relevant work experience in financial management and administration, preferably in a non-profit setting
• Assertive, detail-oriented, and highly organized individual with a strong interest in program operations/coordination, budgets, and administrative work
• Demonstrated capacity to work well under pressure with competing demands
• Patience and perseverance in explaining and enforcing policies and grant compliance internally and with partners
• Languages: Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary: Salary range is between 84,000 and 92,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. WRI offers a competitive renumeration and benefits package.  

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with cover letter by the date of 16 April 2024. We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter.  

You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.  

What we offer:  

• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities 
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
• Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure

About Us:  

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.  

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.  

Our mission and values:  

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.  

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.  

Our culture:  

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment; we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.  

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.