Director of Operations

Job Description: Director of Operations

Who We Are:  

• Eye Thrive is a locally recognized 501c3 nonprofit that empowers children to pursue their full potential by delivering essential eyecare across the St. Louis region.
• Each school year Eye Thrive provides 14,000+ vision screenings, 5,000+ comprehensive eye exams, 7,000+ prescription glasses, 2,000+ replacement glasses, and 200+ follow-up care referrals, all completely free of charge.
• Eye Thrive is positioned to double our capacity with a second Mobile Vision Clinic in 2025 allowing us to double our impact on the lives of kids in St. Louis.

Job Overview:

• The Director of Operations is a key member of the leadership team responsible for overseeing all aspects of Eye Thrive operations to ensure seamless delivery of high-quality programming. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role requires strong management skills to lead and supervise the operations team, drive staff development, and implement efficient processes that align with the organization’s mission and goals.
• This position balances strategic leadership with accountability for day-to-day operations, ensuring the organization achieves its objectives and strengthens its reputation as a trusted provider of vision services to underserved children in St. Louis. The Director of Operations must effectively manage competing priorities, maintain attention to detail, and ensure operational excellence through clear processes and impactful decision-making.
• The ideal candidate is a solution-oriented problem solver who thrives in dynamic environments, responds effectively to challenges, and drives results. Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills are essential for building strong relationships with staff, partners, and the community. This role requires a highly driven and adaptable professional capable of analyzing complex systems and translating them into actionable strategies to achieve organizational success.

Job Type: 

• Permanent; Full Time; Exempt.
• 40 hours/week; Monday-Friday 8 AM-4:30 PM.
• Participation in morning/evening meetings and special events will be required as needed.
• Reports to Chief Executive Officer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Management:

• Leads multiple high-performing teams with comprehensive onboarding, high-quality trainings, effective mentorships and coaching, and objective performance evaluations.
• Schedules and conducts regular one-on-one meetings and team meetings with the operations team to provide guidance, address challenges, review progress, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of program delivery and operational processes to ensure seamless coordination and effective execution.
• Develops and maintains streamlined processes to ensure the timely, efficient, and successful achievement of all operations goals.
  Supports operations staff with day-to-day operational and logistical issues and concerns.
• Maintains compliance with healthcare regulations, ensuring programs adhere to ethical and professional standards.

Leadership:

• Anticipates needs and plan accordingly to address both immediate and long-term organizational priorities.
• Identifies and resolves operational challenges and identify gaps in service delivery, implementing solutions that enhance efficiency and support organization goals.
• Sets a standard of organization, empathy, and accountability for the operations team.
• Leads, supports, and identifies professional development opportunities for operations team, fostering growth, enhancing skills, and building cohesive, high-performing teams.
• Partners with the Chief Executive Officer to implement and manage strategic plan as it applies to operations.
• Participates in board meetings and committees.

Partnerships and Collaboration:

• Represents Eye Thrive as the primary contact for school and community partners.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with external stakeholders to support programming and mission goals.
• Collaborates with team members across departments to ensure operational and programmatic integration.
• Participates in community meetings and collaborates with external stakeholders.

Planning and Implementation:

• Sets and maintains a tone for the operations team that prioritizes our kids and establishes a standard of empathy and understanding.
• Develops and recommends new protocols to respond to changes in program needs, objectives, and priorities and to improve the effectiveness of programs.
• Creates and maintains mobile vision clinic and screening calendars, ensuring effective scheduling and seamless communication of updates.

Evaluation and Reporting:

• Oversees program design and evaluation, ensuring they are effective, evidence-based, and mission-aligned to meet the needs of underserved children in the St. Louis region.
• Regularly monitors progress toward program goals by analyzing data, evaluating outcomes, and implementing adjustments to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
• Collects and analyzes program outcomes, trends, and impact metrics to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission.
• Communicates progress and results to leadership, staff, and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Prepares detailed monthly reports on program outcomes for leadership and the Board of Directors.

Professional Skills:

• Ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail, handle interruptions, maintain focus on tasks and produce accurate work.
• Ability to adjust to changing conditions or priorities.
• Ability to make decisions and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to quickly understand complex information, adapt to new challenges, and take initiative as a proactive self-starter.

Personal Attributes:

• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization.
• High degree of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

Competencies:

• Collaborative — Values a team approach; Recognizes and identifies strengths; Builds meaningful relationships; Inspires and motivates others; Cooperative work style.
• Dedicated – Supports organization’s goals and mission; Upholds Eye Thrive values and reputation; Understands the needs of the wider community in the Greater St. Louis region; Interests in continuous learning and improvement.
• Efficient — Highly organized; Strong time management skills; Excellent attention to detail; Effectively communicates; Writes and speaks clearly.
• Intuitive – Anticipates needs; Proactively solves problems with strong analytical and problem-solving skills; Willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges; Knows when to apply rules to specific problems to produce practical answers.
• Reliable — Delivers high quality service; Handles multiple tasks, projects, and timelines; Maintains composure under pressure; Honest and ethical.
• Empathetic – Recognizes emotions and needs of others; Understands other people’s perspectives on a situation; Listens carefully to what someone is trying to tell you; Builds relationships with children/families based on compassion and respect.

Compensation and Benefits:  

• Salary starting at $80,000, commensurate with experience.
• Competitive benefits package; Including medical, dental, vision, life insurance and Employee Assistance Program services.
• 403b employer matching program.
• Competitive personal time off policy.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Professional development opportunities.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in business management, operations management, nonprofit management, public health, or related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in operations management and employee supervision.
• Non-profit experience preferred.

Computer Skills:

• Proficient skill level with Microsoft Office applications.
• Proficient skill level with Google Documents, Sheets, and Calendar.

Work Environment:

• Works at a shared workspace office at Eye Thrive headquarters at the Delmar DivINe and at Eye Thrive’s warehouse in Maryland Heights.
• Occasionally travels to Mobile Vision Clinic at various schools and community centers throughout Greater St. Louis.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift and carry 25 pounds on occasion when support Eye Thrive visits and/or events during set-up and tear-down.
• Ability to move up and down stairwells.

Submit a cover letter and resume at eyethrive.bamboohr.com/jobs. Priority is given to early applicants; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and position is open until filled.

Because we operate as a team, all employees may be asked to support other positions and pitch in to ensure the organization’s success.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.  Eye Thrive is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity throughout our organization.