Operations Manager

Position Description: Foundation Operations Manager

Organization: Catawba Nation Foundation

Location: Hybrid – Rock Hill, SC, and Shelby, NC

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000

About the Catawba Nation Foundation

The Catawba Nation Foundation is an independent 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to educational advancement, cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and economic development for the Catawba Nation, Cleveland County and the surrounding region, and Native American communities across North Carolina. Funded primarily by gaming revenues from Two Kings Casino, the Foundation invests in initiatives that address community needs, leverage opportunities, and create lasting impact.

In its first year of operation, the Foundation awarded $800,000 in grants to projects aligned with its mission. With its inaugural grant cycle slated for 2025, the Foundation is committed to ethical stewardship, collaboration, and responsiveness in all its activities.

The Opportunity

The Operations Manager will ensure the Catawba Nation Foundation’s administrative, grantmaking, and financial systems run efficiently and support its strategic goals. This role is integral to building the Foundation’s operational infrastructure, managing key processes, and supporting the team’s ability to deliver impactful philanthropy.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Operations Manager will work closely with staff leadership, board members, and external stakeholders to create a highly organized and effective operational environment.

The Role

The Operations Manager will develop, implement, and oversee the Foundation's operational systems, ensuring efficient grantmaking, financial management, technology integration, and administrative processes to support the Foundation’s mission and growth. Chief responsibilities include:

Build and Oversee Core Administrative Systems

Ensure smooth day-to-day operations by developing and managing foundational administrative processes and tools. Specific duties include:

• Develop and manage systems for records management, correspondence, and scheduling.

• Oversee the management of the Foundation’s physical office located in Cleveland County, NC, including coordinating maintenance, managing supplies, organizing workspace layouts, and ensuring a functional and welcoming environment for staff and visitors.

• Maintain a master calendar to align activities across the organization and its stakeholders.

• Establish and enforce office protocols to ensure an organized and efficient work environment.

Manage Grantmaking Operations

Support the design, implementation, and management of efficient workflows for grantmaking activities. Specific duties include:

• Support the design and implementation of workflows for grant application intake, review, and disbursement.

• Maintain and manage the Foundation’s grants database, ensuring accurate tracking and compliance reporting.

• Collaborate with program staff to communicate with grantees and monitor compliance.

• Oversee documentation and reporting related to the Tribal-State Compact and other mandates.

Oversee Financial and Vendor Operations

Ensure operational finances and external vendor relationships effectively align with foundation goals and priorities.

• Assist with budgeting, expense tracking, and financial reporting processes.

• Manage payment schedules for grants, vendors, and operational needs.

• Coordinate relationships with external vendors, such as accountants, legal advisors, and IT providers.

• Negotiate contracts and service agreements to optimize resource use.

Implement Technology and Infrastructure Solutions

Leverage technology to create efficient, secure, and scalable operational systems that support organizational growth.

• Deploy and maintain cloud-based tools for grant management, productivity, and communication.

• Troubleshoot basic technology issues and liaise with IT vendors for advanced support.

• Ensure compliance with data security and legal requirements for operational systems.

• Maintain an inventory of hardware and organizational assets.

Support Organizational Growth and Special Initiatives

Play a key role in launching new initiatives and supporting the Foundation’s long-term growth.

• Assist leadership with strategic planning and operationalizing growth initiatives.

• Refine operational policies to align with the Foundation’s mission and compliance needs.

• Coordinate onboarding for new staff and manage HR operational tasks.

• Lead operational components of special projects, ensuring efficiency and goal alignment.

Desired Experience

A successful Operations Manager candidate will have:

• 5 years of experience in operations management, nonprofit administration, or a related field;

• Proven success in designing and managing administrative, financial, and technology systems;

• Experience in grantmaking operations, including database management and compliance monitoring;

• Knowledge of financial processes such as budgeting and vendor management;

• Familiarity with Catawba Nation and the Cleveland County nonprofit landscape a plus.

Competencies and Attributes

The ideal Operations Manager will demonstrate the following:

• Detail-Oriented and Highly Organized – Adept at managing multiple priorities with precision and accountability.

• Collaborative Team Player – Thrives in cross-functional teams and builds productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Problem-Solver – Proactive and resourceful in addressing operational challenges.

• Tech-Savvy – Proficient in managing cloud-based tools, databases, and communication platforms.

• Cultural Awareness and Inclusivity – A commitment to the values of the Catawba Nation Foundation, including ethical stewardship and cultural preservation.

To Apply

The Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in its work and staff. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Catawba Nation Foundation encourages candidates of all groups and communities to apply for this position.

Send all inquiries, nominations and applications via email to contact@catawbanationfoundation.org. Applications must include a custom/compelling cover letter and CV to be considered for the role. Please also indicate where you learned of the opportunity.

Please note that only those candidates invited for screening will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Day shift

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Shelby, NC 28150

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000