Operations Director

Job description

INTERNAL ONLY! This position is only open to those already a part of GEM. POSITION: Operations Director, GEM International CLASSIFICATION: Exempt, Full-Time SALARY GRADE: Support Based REPORTS TO: GEM International COO DATE UPDATED: August 7, 2026 POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Operations provides leadership for GEM International's shared operational systems, organizational standards, risk management efforts, and entity development. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this role strengthens collaboration across GEM entities through a combination of direct ownership, leadership of key operational leaders, organizational stewardship, and cross-entity influence. Operating within GEM's network of legally distinct entities, the Director promotes organizational effectiveness, healthy governance, operational consistency, risk awareness, and collaborative problem-solving while respecting the authority and responsibilities of national boards, Executive Directors, and International functional leaders. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Direct Ownership These responsibilities are directly owned by the Director of Operations. Policy Management & Organizational Standards · Maintain and oversee the GEM International Policy Manual. · Coordinate policy review and revision processes. · Develop operational standards in partnership with GEM entities and submit recommendations for approval from the GEM International Executive Team. · Promote clarity and accessibility of organizational policies and standards. · Encourage consistency while recognizing legal, cultural, and organizational differences among entities. 2. Operational Leadership The Director provides leadership for these areas through the leaders who are responsible for day-to-day operations. Operational Systems & Technology · Provide strategic oversight of GEM's shared IT systems and infrastructure. · Coordinate technology initiatives across international entities. · Lead planning and budgeting for shared operational systems. · Ensure systems support organizational effectiveness and collaboration. Risk Management, Safety & Organizational Resilience · Provide oversight of GEM SAFE. · Coordinate organizational risk management initiatives. · Oversee Crisis Response Team readiness and organizational preparedness in support of implementation by the President and COO. · Support development and maintenance of systems that strengthen organizational resilience and duty of care. Organizational Metrics & Analytics · Provide strategic direction for organizational reporting and measurement. · Support and develop the Metrics Coordinator in the collection, maintenance, and reporting of organizational data. · Ensure metrics and reporting systems provide meaningful information to leaders throughout GEM. · Encourage effective use of organizational data to strengthen decision-making and operational effectiveness. 3. Organizational Stewardship The Director helps strengthen the health and effectiveness of these areas through support, guidance, and collaboration with entities, boards, and leaders across GEM. Entity Development & Governance · Support the formation and development of new GEM entities, including the establishment of healthy governance structures. · Partner with Personnel to develop effective pathways for new workers entering GEM. · Encourage and support the development of effective Boards and Executive Directors. · Serve as a resource and connector to entity operations directors and equivalent leaders across GEM. Legal Liaison · Provide oversight and direction for GEM International's legal support and coordination needs. · Develop and maintain relationships with legal professionals serving GEM. · Coordinate, or ensure the coordination of, legal resources for GEM International. · Facilitate collaboration when legal matters affect multiple entities. · Assist entities in identifying appropriate legal support while respecting local governance and authority. Tax & Social Security Awareness · Promote awareness of international tax and social security considerations affecting GEM workers and entities. · Work with specialists to develop educational resources and guidance. · Support entities in understanding emerging compliance challenges and best practices. · Encourage proactive attention to areas of organizational exposure and risk. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: This position is responsible to intentionally lead, develop and care for the leaders in the following positions: · IT Specialist · Director of GEM SAFE · Metrics Coordinator DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS SKILLS: · Strategic leadership · Cross-cultural collaboration · Project management · Systems thinking · Organizational development · Governance and board development · Policy development · Risk management · Relationship building · Leading through influence · Communication and facilitation POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK This is a full-time position, days and hours of work flexible. TRAVEL & LOCATION This position must be based in Europe with 85%+ time spent in Europe. This position requires up to 20% travel. Some of the travel is international. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE · A BS/BA degree from an accredited college/university; MBA or MA/MS in related field preferred. · A minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in operations, organizational development, governance, administration, risk management, or related fields. · Experience within international, multi-entity, or cross-cultural organizations preferred. · Experience working with nonprofit governance, board development, organizational systems, or risk management preferred. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.