Operations Manager, Rowe Sanctuary

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Rowe Sanctuary Center Director, the Operations Manager will provide high-level support for the operational needs of Rowe Sanctuary and the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center in Gibbon, Nebraska.  This position is responsible for the daily management of administration and operation of the center, aligning with National Audubon Society (NAS) operations.

In partnership with the Center Director, the Operations Manager will develop and implement efficient office and organizational management that supports team success. They will provide general business guidance and support center staff on issues of facility management, financial management and reporting, contracting, , and government and foundation grants.

This position is on-site located at Audubon Iain Nicolson Center at Rowe Sanctuary, Gibbon NE.

Essential Functions

• Oversee operational activities to enhance administrative systems that allow for efficient functioning of operations at the center, ensuring compliance with NAS policies and procedures.
• Obtain revenue and pay invoices by verifying and completing payable and receivable transactions; establish and maintain effective and accurate financial controls and accounting systems and ensure compliance with NAS financial policies and procedures.
• Work closely with Rowe program staff to ensure bills are paid on a timely basis and invoices are coded correctly. Ensure receipts for purchasing card activity are organized, received and approved for all items.
• Manage all office contracts in compliance with Audubon policy.  Serve as primary contact for vendors, independent contractors, and building management; help finalize agreements in accordance with NAS policies.
• Work closely with the Center Director and national finance staff to manage office budget and support monthly close requirements.
• Manage gift receipt and processing functions to ensure excellent service to Audubon’s donors. Assist the Center Director with donor communications and event planning.
• Support Center Director with development activities reminders and list maintenance; and ensure timely donor acknowledgement, stewardship, and public recognition.
• Works closely with the Center Director with grant reporting calendar and assist with proposal submissions, reports, and funder correspondence as needed.
• Oversee maintenance of Visitor Center, grounds, exhibits and related infrastructure including building systems and securing permits.
• Manage the facility rental process, including inquiries and contracts.
• Oversee center’s gift shop and online gift shop. Maintain inventory, identify new items for inventory, and coordinate with other staff and volunteers for assistance.
• Manage staff office & facility calendar, meetings, rentals and events. Coordinate scheduling of staff or volunteers for front desk duties.  Provide programmatic support as requested.
• Manage IT tools and needs, such as shared cloud-based information systems, phone systems, equipment replacement, staff training, etc.
• Assist with communications including the Rowe e-newsletter, brochures, maps, signage, and social media as needed. Assist in maintaining the Rowe website.
• Provide clerical support, sort incoming and prepare outgoing mail; answer the office phone.
• Inventory and order office supplies
• Work closely with the Center Director to support all HR processes, such as onboarding new staff and transitions with departing staff.
• Support Rowe and AGP events and program activities with facility logistics, food arrangements, invitations, name tags, signage, and follow-up activities. 
• Support Director and staff with board activities.  Coordinate logistics for board and committee meetings. Communicate meeting details, assemble and edit meeting agendas and packets. Maintain
• board meeting minutes.
• Assist in planning and executing crane season activities and logistics.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
• Other duties as requested.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and at least five years’ experience in operations, logistics, program management, or similar setting. A combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Working knowledge and experience of center or similar facility management.
• Exceptional organizational ability, attention to detail and a can-do attitude are essential.
• Proven ability to track and move tasks and projects to completion in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision, as well as part of a small team.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Critical thinking skills and a problem-solving attitude.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word and Excel; experience with donor management systems and specifically Salesforce a plus.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Experience working with donors and development processes a plus.
• Bookkeeping and contract preparation experience a plus.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as job responsibilities demand.

This position is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA).

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies. 

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment. 

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving. 

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation. 

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process. 

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity.