Business Services & Operations Manager

Candidates interested in this role should include a Personal Statement (discussing alignment with the Department services and programs and the City Values), in addition to a resume and cover letter.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Business Services & Operations Manager for our Department of Equity and Inclusion. The Business Services & Operations Manager will serve as the lead for all departmental operations, including business plan administration, contracting, procurement, and fiscal services. The Business Services & Operations Manager will serve as a part of the departmental leadership, fulfilling the role of advisor to department’s executive leadership, and will manage practices that support the departmental business plan and the execution of other guiding documents. Additionally, this role will participate in the continued development of a cohesive strategy, demonstrating political savvy, and assuming leadership of activities that may arise from this strategy, specifically related to the Departmental Business Plan. 

This role will be responsible for the overall representation and contribution of the Department of Equity and Inclusion as a best practice for business within the organization. This position works closely with the Assistant Director and reports directly to the Executive Director.

This position offers a hybrid/flexible schedule, and is required to attend, lead, or support evening and weekend activities as needed

About You:
The successful candidate will bring passion and expertise for administration, planning, and finance/fiscal responsibility to this equity and inclusion leadership role. This candidate has demonstrated their leadership in previous roles, identifying opportunities to enhance effectiveness and promoting collaboration. This candidate has skills in managing multiple priorities and competing priorities while working to achieve stated goals and objectives. Lastly, the successful candidate will bring an interest and passion for advancing equity and inclusion within local government, as an organization and within the Raleigh community.

About Us:
The Department of Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is dedicated to cultivating diversity, equity, and inclusion both within our organization and throughout the Raleigh community. Our unwavering commitment is to forge an inclusive work and community environment where every individual is not only valued but also respected.

The Department of Equity & Inclusion is one of the few departments that serves internal staff and external community members. DEI oversees strategy, programming, and learning related to equity, inclusion, access, and belonging through our Minority & Women Owned Business Program, Community Relations, and Training & Development program areas. Through education/awareness, policy development, assessment, and action planning for issues related to persons with disabilities, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, community health, and social justice, DEI is charged with identifying opportunities and implementing practices that advance the City of Raleigh in its equity and inclusion efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic Insight

• Act as an advisor to the executive leadership team, providing guidance and recommendations as it relates to the departmental business and administration, fiscal processes/ financial services, day to day operations, and personnel management to enhance departmental effectiveness and meet organizational goals.
• Assist in shaping and executing the department's strategic vision, goals, and initiatives in alignment with the organization's overall mission.
• Work closely with Executive leadership to develop, execute, track and report on departmental business plan; serve as a departmental leader in tracking progress and execution of Strategic Plan initiatives within the department.

2. Oversight of Departmental Business Plan & Operations

• Monitor the execution of the Departmental Business Plan, in collaboration with Department of Budget Management Services, and other relevant departments.
• Regularly assess and report on progress and effectiveness of business plan; provide updates and insight into actions for continued progress.
• Facilitate the collaboration of staff across program areas; participate in coordination and implementation of departmental and organizational initiatives that enhance the delivery of the departmental services.
• Recommend, develop, and implement policies and procedures to improve operational effectiveness and enhance services.

3. Oversight of Fiscal  &  Procurement Processes

• Serve as departmental subject matter expertise for all fiscal and financial processes including procurement and contracting.
• Provide strategic direction and prioritization of department specific procurement & contract activities, procedures and processes and participates in higher risk and/or more complex procurement decisions.
• Serve as primary and/or secondary approver for fiscal and procurement processes, ensuring that all staff with fiscal and procurement responsibilities are in compliance with City policies.
• Develop and manage departmental budget and provide insight into divisional budgeting processes, utilizing good fiscal stewardship, and in alignment with business plan.
• Lead and maintain oversight of IT services and equipment, including procurement and asset management in collaboration with the IT department.

4. Supervision & Personnel Support

• Provide support and insight into personnel structure and effective departmental organization to support the execution of departmental business plan and strategic planning.
• Provide direct supervision of at least one part-time staff member, to include training, leadership, and evaluation.
• Provide indirect supervision and leadership to MWBE, Training & Development, and Community Relations program areas, serving in direct supervisory role in the absence of program supervisors.
• Work closely with executive leadership to support personnel actions, including hiring, onboarding, disciplinary action, and performance management.
• Research organizational policies and assist in developing and formalizing standard operating procedures and internal policy development, as needed.
• Directly support Executive Director functioning in the absence of the Assistant Director.

5. Other Duties as assigned

• Provide support in day-to-day operation activities associated with office management, including but not limited to purchasing, scheduling, etc.
• Assume leadership of activities that arise from the departmental strategy and business plan, fostering innovative solutions and actionable steps.
• Support flagship departmental programs and initiatives, including but not limited to key training presentation, development, and facilitation.
• Maintain a commitment to advancing the work, the mission, and vision of the Department of Equity and Inclusion within the City of Raleigh. This position will be expected to remain up to date on the issues and trends that impact the community and associated implications for local government.

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, human resources, public administration or directly related field, six years of professional experience which includes two years of supervisory experience

OR  

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

Preferred Qualifications:
 

• Three to five years of experience working with underrepresented or marginalized identities
• Three to five years of experience working with non-profits or local government
• Proven experience in a strategic leadership role within a DEI-focused organization or related field

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
 

• Demonstrated understanding and passion of fundamental DEI concepts and theories
• Previous experience with recruitment and hiring processes
• Proven experience in a strategic leadership role within a DEI-focused organization or related field is preferred
• Experience with business operations, finance, procurement, and budgeting
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to analyze complex issues and provide strategic recommendations
• Experience in project management and strategy execution

ADA and Other Requirements:
Positions in this class typically require: standing, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.  

Sedentary Work:
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.  

Working Conditions:
Work is routinely performed in an indoor, office environment. 

NOTE:  
This job classification description is intended to be generic in nature.  It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.  The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) designation may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.