What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of Operations position at Fast Forward?

Job Description

ABOUT FAST FORWARD

Tech is ubiquitous. Tech solutions for social problems are not. An emerging class of startups is building tech to solve these social problems. They are tech nonprofits. Fast Forward bridges the tech and nonprofit sectors to build capacity for tech nonprofits, so they can scale solutions to our world's most urgent problems.

To date, Fast Forward's portfolio of tech nonprofits have impacted 186M lives and raised $753M in follow-on funding. 84% of the portfolio have a founder who has personal experience with the problem, 62% have a founder who is a woman, and 73% have a founder who is a person of color.

As the first and only organization focused exclusively on scaling startups that combine the best tech with sustainable nonprofit business models, Fast Forward's mission is to accelerate impact. Visit us : http : / / www.ffwd.org.

THE POSITION

Fast Forward is seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Operations to drive organizational growth and ensure sustainable scalability. This key leadership role will focus on optimizing workflows, improving processes, and serving as a vital link between leadership and the broader team.

Working closely with the founders and senior leadership, the Head of Operations will tackle operational challenges, streamline systems, and create the foundation for long-term success. In addition to enhancing operational efficiency, this individual will foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and collaboration across all levels of the organization. The Head of Operations will report directly to the President and collaborate closely with other members of the leadership team.

This position is based in San Francisco, CA; it is a full-time, in-office role (no remote work).

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Leadership

Evaluate current workflows, identify areas for improvement, and implement innovative solutions to optimize productivity and connect dots internally.
Act as a trusted liaison between leadership and the broader organization, ensuring clear communication and alignment on priorities.
Monitor and analyze organizational metrics to measure operational success against our targets and OKRs.
Collaborate with program, marketing, and partnership teams to develop and implement systems for tracking and reporting on grant deliverables, ensuring compliance and achievement of objectives.

Leadership Support

Act as a key advisor to senior leadership, helping them focus on strategic priorities by handling operational concerns.

Help establish structure around and grow Fast Forward's feedback culture.

Manage interpersonal or team challenges to minimize disruptions for leadership.

Support leadership team with board meetings.

Financial Oversight

Work alongside Fast Forward's President to manage Fast Forward's finance function, including budgets, controlling costs, and allocating resources effectively.

Oversee our accounting, grant payments, and audits in partnership with the Office and Finance Manager.

Ensure compliance with financial policies, regulations, and audits.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

7 years of experience in operations, nonprofit management, or a related field; experience in scaling small organizations is strongly preferred.

A proven ability to streamline operations, improve workflows, and implement scalable solutions.

A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a strong focus on identifying and addressing challenges before they escalate.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.

Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.

A demonstrated ability to support senior leadership by addressing operational challenges and managing competing priorities.

A passion for Fast Forward's mission to accelerate impact through tech nonprofits.

Proven comfort working in a fast-paced startup work environment; must be flexible, adaptable, organized, and excel in working cross-functionally.

Exemplary communication (both written and verbal).

Excellent project and process management skills and attention to detail.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Unlimited paid time off (PTO)

401k retirement plan & employer matching

Office is located in a beautiful national park - The Presidio - with free transit to / from downtown San Francisco!

Every other Friday is a half day

Platinum medical, dental, and vision insurance

Most importantly, input on the office snack order

COMPENSATION

Salary : $120,000 - $160,000 - negotiable depending on experience.

Note : In accordance with federal, state, and local safety guidelines, this role is expected to be performed in-person, in San Francisco.

Fast Forward is a social justice organization founded on the idea that those with proximity to the problem should have proximity to the power to fix them. Our true north is empowering tech nonprofit leaders with the tools, community, and capital they need to scale solutions for underserved groups, and we know that a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion is inextricable from that pursuit. Read our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Guidelines to learn how we approach DEI across our investments, community, and workplace.

Fast Forward is an equal opportunity employer.

Salary : $120,000 - $160,000

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