Director of Operations

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

Asheville, North Carolina |

Buncombe County

The DO is responsible for human resources, compliance, office administration, and organizational effectiveness to ensure SAHC operates efficiently, transparently, and in alignment with Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices. This role will design, implement, and continuously improve cross-organizational systems, policies, and procedures that support staff, strengthen accountability, and advance SAHC’s mission. The DO will also lend a hand with certain day-to-day functions and tasks that senior staff members perform, in order to spread and lighten workloads.

Working closely with the management team, the Director of Operations will guide the evolution of SAHC’s operational framework as the organization grows and changes. The ideal candidate is an experienced, collaborative leader with a strong background in nonprofit operations and a passion for building systems that help people and programs thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Operations & Administration

• In coordination with Executive Director and Associate Director, develop a cohesive operational infrastructure that supports SAHC, staff, programs and organizational goals.

• Write, implement, and periodically review organizational policies, procedures, and workflows to improve effectiveness and accountability.

• Administer day-to-day internal operations, including office systems, vendor relationships, technology resources, and data security in collaboration with IT support.

• Coordinate cross-departmental operations to ensure alignment among conservation, stewardship, community engagement, and fundraising teams.

• Oversee IT and data management by implementing and modernizing hardware and software solutions that advance SAHC’s infrastructure, security, collaboration, and organizational efficiency, including cloud-based systems and workflow automation.

• Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to operational change that balances innovation with organizational needs.

Human Resources & Talent Management

• In coordination with Executive Director and Associate Director, oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, performance management, and offboarding for staff and interns.

• Maintain HR policies, employee handbook, benefits administration, and personnel records.

• Support a positive, mission-aligned workplace culture emphasizing equity, wellness, and professional growth.

• Coordinate staff training, leadership development, wellness initiatives, and organization-wide meetings and retreats.

• Lead annual performance review processes and professional development planning.

• Assist with employee progressive disciplinary procedures.

• Support succession planning for key roles and advise leadership on workforce planning.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations, employment laws, insurance requirements, and Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices.

• Maintain organizational records, legal documentation, and required filings.

• Oversee risk management efforts, including safety protocols, liability reviews, and emergency preparedness.

• Lead accreditation renewal efforts with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

Board Governance & Committee Support

• Serve as staff liaison to the Governance Committee, supporting the Committee in implementing board recruitment, onboarding and training new board members, and the board self-evaluation process.

• Maintain SAHC board documents including: Board Manual, Board Agreement, Conflict-of-Interest Policy & Procedure, Self-evaluation, and other board-related documents.

• Prepare operational reports and materials for the Board of Directors and relevant committees.

• Support board and committee meeting logistics, recordkeeping, and annual retreats.

• Assist senior leadership with strategic planning and organizational capacity building.

Organizational Effectiveness & Special Projects

• Mentor and support managers across the organization by translating strategic vision into clear, actionable operational guidance.

• Provide coaching and development to managers on problem-solving, efficiency, people management, and leadership skills, strengthening organizational capacity and alignment.

• Lead or support internal initiatives that improve efficiency, equity, and mission impact.

• Oversee operational components of organization-wide systems such as Salesforce, volunteer management, or grant implementation, as needed.

• Strengthen internal communication and cross-team planning to enhance organizational performance.

Day-to-Day Organizational Functions and Tasks

• Coordinate with Executive Director and Associate Director to identify certain tasks and functions that senior staff members are now performing, which the DO can lend a hand with in order to spread and lighten workloads.

Qualifications

SAHC recognizes that strong candidates bring diverse professional and lived experiences. We encourage individuals who are passionate about our mission and believe they can succeed in this role to apply.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, business administration, finance, HR, or a related field

• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit operations or administration

• Strong knowledge of nonprofit financial management and HR best practices

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills

• Desire to jump in and help with tasks that might seem afield from professional workplan

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively across teams

• Commitment to land conservation, community stewardship, and equity

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with land trusts or environmental nonprofits

• Familiarity with Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices

• Experience with QuickBooks, Salesforce, HRIS platforms, MS, Adobe, or similar systems

• Project management training or certification

• Familiarity incorporating AI-driven strategies for efficiency, automation, and data-driven decision-making

• Familiarity with continuous improvement initiatives

Personal Attributes

• Strategic, systems-oriented thinker and effective problem solver

• High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and integrity

• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to make thoughtful, sometimes difficult decisions

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Detail-oriented, adaptable, and resilient in a dynamic environment

• Discretion in handling confidential information

• Sense of humor and commitment to continuous learning

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with occasional field visits, community events, and board meetings

• Ability to sit or stand at a desk, type, bend, and twist

• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. and traverse uneven terrain during occasional site visits or events

• Some evening or weekend work required

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by people in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Salary and Benefits

• SAHC pays 100% of the employee premium for basic medical insurance and a portion of dependent coverage. Health savings account with employer match

• Dental, vision, and life insurance

• Retirement plan with employer match

• Generous leave policy and needs-accommodations including flex time

• Professional development support