Operations Manager

Position: Operations Manager

Exempt/Nonexempt: Exempt 

Hours: 40

Schedule: Hybrid virtual/ in-office schedule

Reports To: Executive Director

Salary: Commensurate with experience

About Us

At Writers in the Schools (WITS), we believe storytelling reveals our truest selves and that creativity prepares children for a successful future. WITS’ mission is to connect children and youth with professional writers and spoken word artists to unlock the joy and power of storytelling and creative expression. Our vision is that all young people will possess the skills and confidence to share their stories, experiences, and ideas with the world.

Role Summary

The Operations Manager will be tasked with overseeing all cross-functional operations for the organization and supporting the Program, Development, and Administrative teams with their daily and longer-term projects, tasks, and logistical needs. 

This position requires a creative individual with strong oral and written communication skills who enjoys working in a mission-driven, results-driven, and community-oriented environment. The ideal candidate is an experienced professional who takes initiative, manages multiple projects, meets deadlines, possesses strong administrative and organizational skills, has the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations, and works both independently and as part of a team. The Operations Manager must also be able to maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities and handle confidential matters with discretion. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent relevant professional experience (Required)
• 3+ years of experience in operations, administration, and/or project management (Required)
• Extensive experience in Microsoft Office, Google Suite and Salesforce (Preferred) 

Objective/Overview/Purpose

• The Operations Manager works in tandem with the Executive Director to ensure the implementation of clear and efficient systems and processes. 
• The Operations Manager works in tandem with the Executive Director to set the vision for the staff culture and the organization’s day-to-day well-being. 
• The Operations Manager guides the internal processes for staff hiring, onboarding, and training. 
• The Operations Manager leads or supports all cross-functional operations for the organization. 

Essential Skills

• Effectively and efficiently use Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and database applications (Salesforce database experience preferred) 
• Work independently and manage workload and deadlines with minimal guidance 
• Highly organized and energetic; passionate about creativity and culture; enthusiastic about taking on challenges 
• A highly cooperative team member 
• Flexibility, attention to detail, and the ability to support the vision and implementation of strategic goals using management systems and platforms 
• Set and meet deadlines 
• Communicate effectively with staff 

Core Duties 

• Manage the organization’s administrative budget and operations
• Support operations cross-departmentally by helping to establish, organize, and streamline processes and systems
• Support hiring managers in the search process, operations, and communications related to hiring and onboarding 
• Serve as board liaison for Board of Directors and Board Committees
• Manage operations for various cross-functional events and projects 
• Manage the maintenance of both office spaces 
• Liaise with vendors and utility partners to ensure the office is functional
• Manage phone line, voicemail, and general WITS external request communications 
• Support project plans and other duties as needed

About the Position

The Operations Manager reports to the Executive Director. The position is full-time (40 hours/week), with some evening and weekend events, and the position is classified as exempt. This is a full-time role based at our Houston office. 

Benefits:

WITS offers a generous benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance. First-year full-time staff receive 22 personal time off days per calendar year, and a robust paid holiday schedule.
 

Thinking of Applying:

If you are excited about the role and see the connection with what we are looking for, but don’t meet every single requirement, we’d encourage you to apply anyway. 

Application Process:

To apply, please submit the following as a combined PDF attachment to mail@witshouston.org

• A cover letter that provides an introduction and gives us a sense of your experience, and how that experience would translate to working at Writers in the Schools. 
• A résumé or CV

* WITS is an equal opportunity employer. WITS’ policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against any applicant or employee based on any legally recognized basis, including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law.

Deadline for Applications: Thursday, August 21, 2025