Operations Manager

Location: St. Paul, Minnesota 

Reports to: Executive Director 

Type: Full-time Contract

Compensation: $70,000 salary, generous benefits & paid time off. 

Start Date: Flexible, ideally mid-to-late Spring 2026

Position Summary

The Operations Manager will support the execution and scaling of Groundwork Institute’s mission and programs by managing all logistics, systems, and behind-the-scenes operations that make our work possible. This role is central to ensuring that programs run smoothly and that our internal systems are strong, organized, and aligned with the pace and ambition of our growth. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, tech-savvy, and excited to help build a training institute from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

Training Operations

• Coordinate scheduling, registration, venue booking, supplies, tech needs, and other logistics for all training sessions

• Manage training calendars and timelines in collaboration with the Program Manager

• Ensure high-quality experiences for participants, trainers, and partners at every training

Systems and Administration

• Build and maintain systems for data tracking, file storage, and internal documentation

• Manage contracts, invoices, reimbursements, and vendor relationships

• Support financial tracking and grant reporting by organizing program and expense data

• Serve as the primary liaison with finance and accounting contractors

• Coordinate and oversee maintenance and upkeep of the Groundwork Institute office, including cleaning and general maintenance, office supply coordination and office functioning

Communications and Coordination

• Maintain strong communication between trainers, staff, and partners to ensure smooth execution

• Manage email lists, implement and maximize a strong CRM tool, oversee the effective use of organizational calendars

• Manage the organizational file sharing system, ensure file maintenance practices are clear, and maintain an effective shared drive for efficient access to information and files 

• Help maintain Groundwork’s visual assets and materials library for events and trainings

Hiring and HR Support

• Coordinate onboarding and logistics for trainers and contractors

• Support staff coordination meetings and internal planning sessions

• Maintain organizational policies and support compliance with HR best practices

• Maintain and update orientation, onboarding and offboarding checklists for staff 

• Work closely with HR consultant(s) to ensure HR policies are up to date and support a mission aligned and purposeful culture 

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

• Regularly gather feedback from participants, contractors and staff to identify and address logistical issues

• With the Training Manager, support the design and implementation of evaluation tools to improve training operations

• Work with leadership to adjust systems as we grow

Executive Support

• Work closely with the Executive Director to advance day to day operations, address emergent operational issues, and balance multiple priorities and tasks

• Serve as an operational thought partner, proactively identifying opportunities for improvement and streamlining

Desired Qualifications

• A deep commitment to justice, equity, and movement-building work in Minnesota

• At least four years of experience in operations, logistics, program coordination, or a related role

• Strong organizational and project management skills

• Experience coordinating events or trainings preferred

• Comfort with digital tools like Google Suite, Canva, Zoom, EveryAction

• Ability to work independently and juggle multiple priorities at once

• Clear and professional communication skills

• Experience in nonprofit or movement work is a plus

To Apply

Please send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role to info@groundworkmn.org with the subject line Operations Manager Application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.