Director of Operations

Job Title: Director of Operations

Location: Washington, DC (onsite)

Organization: Dreaming Out Loud

About Us:

Dreaming Out Loud is a mission-driven organization dedicated to promoting urban agriculture and ensuring equal access to healthy, fresh food for all local communities in Washington, DC. We work to combat food insecurity through innovative programs, community engagement, and sustainable practices.

Position Summary:

The Director of Operations will play a critical role in overseeing the daily operations of Dreaming Out Loud and ensuring that our mission to improve food security and equitable access to healthy food is effectively implemented. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Operations will be responsible for managing organizational resources, streamlining processes, and driving operational excellence to support our community-driven programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement operational strategies to support the organization's goals in urban agriculture and food security.

• Oversee day-to-day operations, including program management, facilities, logistics, and supply chain management.

• Manage and support a team of staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and leadership team to plan, develop, and execute initiatives and projects.

• Create and manage annual budgets, ensuring cost-effective operations and alignment with financial goals.

• Monitor program performance metrics, evaluate outcomes, and implement improvements for greater impact.

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with community partners, funders, and stakeholders to enhance organizational reach and effectiveness.

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, as well as organizational policies.

• Identify opportunities for operational improvements, including technology upgrades, process optimization, and resource allocation.

• Represent Dreaming Out Loud at public events, community meetings, and networking opportunities to promote the organization's mission.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, public Administration, nonprofit management, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.

• 5+ years of experience in operations management, preferably within the nonprofit sector.

• Proven track record of managing and implementing strategic plans, budgets, and organizational processes.

• Strong leadership and team management skills with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Ability to think strategically, problem-solve, and make data-driven decisions.

• Passion for urban agriculture, food security, and social justice.

• Knowledge of the Washington, DC community and local food systems is a plus.

Compensation:

$90K-$105K/year

Competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with benefits including health insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off.

Compensation: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

DOL is rebuilding urban, community-based food systems through cooperative social enterprise: increasing access to healthy food, improving community health, supporting entrepreneurs and cooperatives from low-income communities; and creating opportunities for at-risk residents to earn sustainable, family-supporting wages and build wealth. We believe that all communities deserve equal access to fresh, healthy food choices, but that achieving this requires moving beyond the "access" paradigm to a focus on community self-determination and food sovereignty. We are working to create an integrated pipeline to jobs, economic opportunity, and community wealth-building for our most marginalized communities, utilizing the food system as the catalyst.