Operations Manager

Position Description

Summer 2023

Overview

The Operations Manager will work closely with the Executive Director to organize the WMC summer operations, contributing to a smooth running and financially sustainable organization. The Operations Manager must have the rare ability to see both the forest and the trees, to keep analytical eyes on all the details while maintaining a big-picture view of operations and priorities. While there are many opportunities to stop and smell the fireweed, the summer is a fast-paced environment: we pack a lot into a short season!

Leadership

The Operations Manager is a critical position of leadership at the WMC that requires developed planning and administrative skills, experience in management, the ability to identify and clearly communicate problems, and a thorough understanding of the mission, vision and values of the Wrangell Mountains Center. In all things, the Operations Manager will work directly with the Executive Director to ensure smooth running operations and to cultivate a warm and safe communal space for living and programming. 

The Wrangell Mountains Center (WMC) is a private nonprofit that promotes living in close relationship with wilderness and with our local community. We also model an off-grid, communal lifestyle by reducing our ecological impact and cultivating a culture of cooperation within a supportive, collaborative community. The Wrangell Mountains Center values and practices cooperation and collaboration among the staff as well as program participants. 

This position is ideally suited for someone who shares our values, is energized by our mission and vision, and can function effectively/professionally in an off-grid, wilderness setting with limited amenities

General Responsibilities

  • Provide Leadership and Direction for WMC Staff, Volunteers and Supporters by being the on-site, go-to person who represents the organization internally (staff) and externally (to the community) and by representing the organization’s values and vision to the greater Kennicott-McCarthy community.

  • Work with Executive Director to Plan and Coordinate Programming, including: Pre-season program planning; Coordinating and promoting programs during the summer season; Ensure that programs have all necessary resources to function smoothly, including  adequate facility spaces, transportation, supplies, staffing resources, lodging (as applicable), etc.

  • Staff and Volunteer Scheduling and Management, including: Managing workflow for staff and volunteers; Ensuring that staff/volunteers are happy and satisfied in their roles; Maintaining a keen perspective on priorities for workflow by way of regular communication with the Executive Director; Work with other managers to ensure the wellbeing, health and satisfaction of staff and volunteers; Providing staff, volunteers and program participants with transition into living on the WMC campus — provide clear direction as to community and living expectations; Assisting Executive Director in planning and leading weekly staff meetings; Working with ED on hiring (as applicable); Assist Executive Director with recruiting volunteers; Monitoring staff and volunteer morale and overall campus atmosphere to ensure a positive work environment of cooperation and a campus culture of collaborative community; Working with ED and Facilities Manager to ensure that the campus is a safe space and that health and sanitation meets WMC expectations and policy; Working with the Executive Director and the Board to maintain updated manuals for kitchen, employees, and general operations.

  • Work with Other WMC Managers (Facilities and Kitchen) in a Dynamic and Collaborative Team Environment.

  • Manage WMC Rental Units, including: two guest cabins (limited summer use) and leasing of the Kennicott Rec Hall.

  • Other Secondary Responsibilities: Working with the WMC Social Media Manager to ensure that online content reflects WMC activities and people on campus during the summer; Provide input for monthly e-Newsletter; Assist Executive Director with planning and management of fundraising events; Assist Executive Director in maintaining a positive relationship with donors, alumni, program participants, the local community and WMC partners (e.g., WISE, National Park Service, etc.).

 

Ideal Skills and Experience

  • Interpersonal communication skills, including active listening.

  • Ability to maintain positivity and keep perspective focused on solutions while managing programs and operations during periods of stress.

  • Reliable, flexible, organized, and attentive to detail.

  • Capacity to forgo many amenities in a remote setting for the duration of the summer.

  • Ability to demonstrate and encourage leadership by way of collaboration, to bring staff, volunteers into the process of leading and mentoring multiple people in a dynamic off-grid environment.

  • Experience and commitment to sustainability and harmonious community living.

  • Familiarity with the WMC & Kennicott-McCarthy community.

  • Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs.

 

Commitment and Compensation

Estimated time commitment: Full-time on-site commitment during peak season: mid-May through mid-August (or longer, depending on availability); minimum of 40 hours/week, maximum of 60 hours. 

Compensation: Salary of $2,400-2,800/month plus meals and primitive lodging (valued at approximately $1,200 per month) provided for summer months.

 

Apply

Send questions, inquiries and résumés to jon@wrangells.org

Apply at wrangells.org/work-application