Director of Operations - Michigan Central

The Director of Operations is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for building and managing the operational systems that power a creative, community-centered network. This role ensures that our programs, partnerships, and spaces run efficiently, sustainably, and in alignment with our mission to advance creativity, entrepreneurship, and equitable community development.

Reporting to the VP of Entrepreneurship, the Director of Operations leads cross-functional operations: including people, membership systems, facilities, and franchise support, ensuring a seamless experience for staff, members, and partners. This position is ideal for a mission-driven operator who thrives at the intersection of arts, innovation, and community building, and who can translate big vision into operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Organizational Leadership

• Partner with the VP of Entrepreneurship and executive team to translate strategic goals into operational systems and outcomes.
• Develop organizational infrastructure that supports a growing network of creative and entrepreneurial programs.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, impact, and member satisfaction.
• Build cross-departmental alignment between program, membership, finance, and community engagement teams.

Network & Membership Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization’s membership and franchise network.
• Ensure that the Michigan Central site operates with consistency, accountability, and high-quality standards.
• Strengthen onboarding, communication, and reporting systems for network partners and members.
• Support data collection and storytelling that demonstrates the value and impact of the network.

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Collaborate with finance leadership to manage organizational budgets, forecasts, and reporting.
• Develop and monitor operational budgets across sites and initiatives.
• Oversee vendor contracts, lease agreements, and procurement processes.
• Ensure compliance with legal, financial, and funding requirements.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Supervise operations and administrative staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Partner with People & Culture to design systems that support employee engagement, equity, and professional development.
• Coach team members to strengthen operational discipline and mission alignment.
• Promote transparency and strong internal communication across all teams.

Systems, Data & Technology

• Lead implementation and optimization of systems for membership management, CRM, HRIS, and project management.
• Build dashboards and tools that track operational health and program performance.
• Ensure that technology supports creative collaboration and an excellent member experience.

Facilities & Space Management

• Oversee creative spaces, studios, or hubs to ensure they are safe, inspiring, and aligned with organizational values.
• Manage relationships with vendors, and maintenance providers.
• Develop systems for space utilization, event coordination, and member access.

Community Partnerships & Engagement

• Collaborate with community partners, artists, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders to ensure operations support inclusive participation.
• Align internal systems with the needs and rhythms of the creative community.
• Represent the organization in local and national networks to share best practices and strengthen partnerships.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required in business administration, nonprofit management, arts administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in operations, administration, or organizational leadership.
• Experience working in creative industries, nonprofit networks, membership-based organizations, or franchise-style models.
• Proven record of improving systems, managing budgets, and leading cross-functional teams.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic systems thinker with strong execution and follow-through.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building abilities.
• Comfortable balancing structure and creativity in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Data-driven decision maker who values collaboration and equity.
• Proficient in digital tools such as Google Workspace, Asana, Airtable, Salesforce, or similar platforms.