Director of Operations

About Airlink 
Airlink is a Washington, DC-based global humanitarian organization that connects vetted nonprofits with aviation and logistics resources to deliver critical aid and emergency responders/relief workers to communities in crisis worldwide. Through strategic partnerships and rapid response capabilities, Airlink ensures that relief reaches those who need it most — efficiently and safely. To date, Airlink and its partners have deployed over 15,000 passengers and 8,100 tons of aid cargo to over 75 million people in need. Airlink has also saved its partner organizations more than $56,000,000 in humanitarian logistics and transportation costs over the past 15 years.  

As Airlink continues to grow, the organization is seeking a strategic and collaborative Director of Operations to ensure that Airlink’s operational infrastructure is as effective as the emergency and disaster response it enables.

Position Summary
Airlink’s Director of Operations is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization’s internal operations. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires both strategic vision and operational precision. Reporting directly to the VP of Operations and Finance, the Director of Operations focuses on building the organizational capacity, culture, and systems that position staff and programs to thrive. The role oversees a broad portfolio that includes operational strategy and systems, compliance and risk management, facilities, and organizational events.

Primary Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership

• Lead day-to-day organizational operations, administrative functions, and office management to maintain a safe, efficient, and productive work environment

• Develop and implement Airlink’s operational strategies, systems, workflows, and infrastructure to improve efficiency, accountability, and scalability

• Oversee vendor relationships, procurement, facilities, and administrative spending processes

• Contribute to organizational planning, growth initiatives, and execution of strategic priorities in partnership with the Senior Leadership Team and department leaders

• Serve as a key member of the Management Team, advancing organizational goals and program operations across departments

• Directly supervise and develop the Operations & Events Associate, fostering a culture of collaboration, responsiveness, accountability, and respect

Compliance and Risk Management

• Oversee Airlink’s registrations, filings, and regulatory reporting to maintain good standing and operational compliance

• Manage annual state charity registration process and compliance service provider

• Work with Human Resources to maintain organizational policies and employee handbook and ensure staff compliance

• Manage relationship with insurance brokers and oversee organizational insurance policies to ensure appropriate coverage, risk management, and compliance with operational requirements

• Establish and maintain organization-wide records management and retention systems, and grans tracking including contract templates, executed agreements, and reporting compliance requirements

• Assist with operational risk management and continuity planning

Event Planning:

• Oversee logistics for international trainings, team retreat(s), board meeting(s), holiday reception, and Global Partner Forum, including:

• Produce and manage staff adherence to event timelines

• Identify, secure, and manage contracts with venues, caterers, audiovisual vendors, and event partners

• Develop and track event budgets, invoices, and expense reconciliation

• Provide onsite event management: oversee set-up, manage vendors/staff/volunteers, troubleshoot

• Conduct post-event follow-up, evaluations, and reporting

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive operations experience in nonprofit or humanitarian organizations, including at least 4 years in a management role

• Strong knowledge of nonprofit operations, administration, and compliance practices

• Excellent project management, organizational, and prioritization skills, with strong attention to detail

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and stakeholders

• Proficiency with office productivity and operational systems, including Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and Salesforce preferred

• Service-oriented mindset with a proactive, collaborative approach and enthusiasm for supporting teams and new initiatives

Location: 
Airlink is headquartered in downtown Washington, D.C. and operates a hybrid work schedule with the team in-office three days a week. Given the collaborative nature of this position, we are only considering candidates who are in or willing to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area. 

Compensation & Benefits: 
The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $140,000. Additionally, Airlink provides a comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to:

• 75% company-paid health benefits, including dental and vision for employees 

• Competitive 401(k) matching 

• Three weeks of paid vacation per year, sick leave, and paid parental leave 

• Company-paid life, short-and-long-term disability insurance 

• EAP Program  

EEO Statement: 
Airlink is an equal opportunity employer.  The organization provides equal employment opportunities to qualified persons without regard to race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information or make-up, or any other protected category enumerated by applicable local ordinance, state law, or federal law. 

Salary : $140,000