Operations Associate

JOB TITLE: Operations Associate

POSITION LOCATION: Hybrid; Downtown Denver, CO

POSITION TYPE: Full-time salaried

COMPENSATION: $50,000-$60,000

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with criminal histories as they transform their lives, while also working to alter the community’s perception of the incarcerated population. Our holistic approach includes an in-facility career education program, community engagement, re-entry support, a fair opportunity hiring program, and criminal justice advocacy initiatives.

Our in-facility program teaches career readiness and character development through an evidence-based curriculum, with the latter half of the program focusing on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset during which participants create business ideas. Community members are welcomed into the facility to serve as volunteer coaches. Post-release, staff connect participants to wraparound services and maintain weekly contact for the first month of re-entry. Additionally, our Fair Opportunity Employment project recruits fair opportunity partners and develops resources to support fair opportunity hiring practices. Advocacy is another cornerstone of our mission, where we spread information and engage the community to promote a more equitable and productive justice system.

We believe in humans, and in our shared humanity because we know that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and challenged to rise above their past to break through to a better tomorrow.

Mission

Breakthrough empowers individuals in the criminal legal system to achieve their highest potential through in-prison education, community reintegration, and professional development, breaking barriers and building skills for lifelong transformation.

Values

• Optimism: We have a radical hope for tomorrow. We expect more out of each other, and out of life. Our optimism doesn’t come from a place of naïveté but from a place of experience and understanding. It’s easy to be a skeptic, it’s hard to strive for better. 
• Inclusivity: We accept people as they are – all humans are worthy of humanity. We embrace true connections and aim to build bridges across cultural gaps. We invite people from all backgrounds to join together in all-out belonging. 
• Empathy: Our empathy is audacious – courageous, bold, resolute. We are steadfast in caring for others. It takes a healthy amount of vulnerability to espouse compassion. We are open to ideas that challenge our worldview – views that require us to see humanity beyond our own perspectives. 
• Responsibility: We don’t back down from the difficult or ignore mistakes. This takes fearless accountability and a willingness to learn. Holding each other accountable takes a longstanding, selfless commitment. We’re willing to fight for each other – to get a bit scrappy and stand up for justice. This is both a personal and social responsibility.

POSITION SUMMARY 

Reporting to Breakthrough’s Operations Manager this highly detail-oriented and results-focused individual is responsible for managing and enhancing the organization’s day-to-day operations, data systems, and event execution. The position leads data management efforts, collaborating with leadership to operationalize KPIs and leverage insights for program improvements. Additionally, the role includes managing donor and volunteer databases, ensuring accurate records, and supporting donor and volunteer engagement through timely communication and appreciation efforts. This is a dynamic, multi-faceted role requiring strong organizational, data management, and event coordination skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Execution & Support:

• Oversee team member responsibilities during event preparation and post-event wrap-up.
• Order, maintain, and pack event supplies, ensuring accurate inventory management.
• Provide day-of-event support, for 10-20 events per year, including logistical coordination.
• Distribute photos for graduations and other specified events.

Data Management & Reporting:

• Oversee the collection, storage, and protection of organizational data.
• Design and implement system processes and reporting structures.
• Collaborate with leadership to define and operationalize new or evolving KPIs.
• Leverage data insights to inform internal practices, program improvements, and external communications.

Office Management:

• Handle day-to-day office operations, including phones, mail, and meeting coordination.
• Oversee facilities management, ensuring optimal functioning and maintenance.

HR Assistance:

• Support HR functions, including onboarding and training.

Volunteer Process & Engagement:

• Manage volunteer data and communication processes from recruitment through post-volunteer follow-up.
• Plan and oversee volunteer cultivation events to foster engagement and retention.
• Facilitate ongoing communication with volunteers, including updates, opportunities, and recognition efforts.
• Utilize volunteer feedback to develop strategies for appreciation and engagement, ensuring a meaningful volunteer experience.
• Maintain and organize volunteer records and paperwork.

Donor Appreciation Process:

• Facilitate timely and meaningful donor acknowledgment processes.
• Support the execution of personalized donor thank-you strategies.

ORGANIZATION

• REPORTS TO: Operations Manager

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

• You have a deep, personal understanding of the criminal justice system and can translate this understanding into solutions in line with our strategic vision.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• You have wonderful people skills that are applicable in both one-on-one and group settings
• You can easily take an idea from the organizational goals, come up with a plan for execution, and take initiative to start the plan 
• You are comfortable with autonomy and understand the importance of building replicable processes to help build internal capacity for Breakthrough 
• You understand the limited resources and scope of a non-profit and you are resourceful and innovative in furthering the organization's mission
• You are organized and able to translate this structure to larger systems within Breakthrough
• You are determined and will continue to strive to accomplish difficult tasks when faced with obstacles 
• You love to solve complex problems 
• You are confident in sharing your ideas and challenging the ideas of others while seeking common ground. This comes less from hoping to gain the approval of your peers and more from driving the mission in the organization
• You have excellent boundaries, prioritize self-care, and know your limits with staff, partners, and participants. 

TRAVEL

Breakthrough’s office is located in Velaris Living (2130 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80205). We operate under a hybrid model (remote and in person work and maintain the expectation that staff will work from the office at least 3 days a week. We request that all staff work from the office on Thursdays as this is our team meeting day. Breakthrough hosts in-prison events and this position will be asked to travel to all in-prison events (approx. 10-15 per year). These events typically include overnight travel so planning in advance will be required. Our team also typically travels to the facilities in a rental car together. Travel costs will be reimbursed.   

COMPENSATION 

The compensation for this position is competitive with other similarly sized, professionally managed non-profits. The salary range for this position is $50,000-60,000 annually. Breakthrough provides health, dental, vision, and basic life insurance policies as well as travel benefits.