Full-Time

Manager – Strategic Operations

Posted on 3/12/2025

Search for Common Ground

Search for Common Ground

1,001-5,000 employees

Non-profit focused on peacebuilding efforts

Compensation Overview

$72.3k - $90k/yr

Expert

Washington, DC, USA

Must be based in the United States, with a preference for the DC metro area. Standard work will take place remotely, but will require interfacing and attending in-person events in DC, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Occasional travel to other US locations will be required.

Category
Project Management
Strategy Development
Business & Strategy
Connection
Connection
Connection
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Requirements
  • BS/BA with a minimum of nine (9) years of related work experience.
  • Experience is required in democracy, peace-building, advocacy, or other related fields.
  • Experience in executive operations, strategic planning, or a related role.
  • Strong administrative, organizational, and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Proven ability to handle complex organizational challenges and drive initiatives from concept to execution.
  • A demonstrated ability to work with teammates, partners, leaders, and constituencies from different backgrounds and viewpoints.
  • A commitment to working across difference to build a more peaceful and just America, and a commitment to CG-USA and Search values.
  • A highly collaborative working style.
Responsibilities
  • Manages the Executive Director’s inbox, prioritizing communications, drafting responses, and directing emails as needed.
  • Organizes and manages calendars, schedules, and appointments, ensuring seamless coordination and preparation.
  • Coordinates travel arrangements and logistics for in-person and virtual meetings.
  • Prepares and reconciles expense reports with accuracy and timeliness.
  • Organizes and supports meetings, including scheduling, preparing materials, note-taking, and follow-ups.
  • Builds and maintains strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Drafts and edits correspondence for key stakeholders, including funders and board members.
  • Manages office tasks, maintains records, and liaises with vendors to ensure smooth operations.
  • Supports the adoption and integration of operational systems to improve team productivity.
  • Prepares presentations, briefing materials, and summaries for the Executive Director.
  • Advises the Executive Director on key priorities and ensures alignment across teams.
  • Oversees and drives strategic initiatives, cross-functional projects, and process improvements.
  • Monitors organizational performance and optimize workflows for efficiency.
  • Leads internal communication, ensuring priorities are conveyed and executed.
  • Conducts research and draft reports, briefings, and presentations to support decision-making and strategic initiatives.
  • Manages and strengthens relationships with funders, and external partners, ensuring seamless communication and engagement.
  • Leads meeting preparations, including agenda development, briefing materials, and follow-ups.
  • Represents CG-USA in key external meetings and engagements as needed.
  • Contributes to managing fundraising workflows, ensuring timely execution of donor outreach, grant applications, and funding proposals.
  • Collaborates with the development and business development teams to track funding opportunities, deadlines, and reporting requirements.
  • Ensures alignment between programmatic priorities and fundraising strategies.
  • Tracks grant opportunities on the fundraising dashboard.
  • Works closely with Directors to coordinate grant logistics for programming.
  • Provides administrative support to senior staff as needed.
  • Completes required timesheets and adhere to organizational policies.
  • Performs other duties consistent with the role as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • Knowledge of project management tools, including technology as resources for efficiency and reduction of stress.
  • Ability to anticipate the consequences of situations and plan accordingly.
  • Experience in analyzing costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success in decision-making.
Search for Common Ground

Search for Common Ground

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Search for Common Ground (SFCG) focuses on ending violent conflict and promoting sustainable peace in fragile regions like West Africa and Yemen. The organization works with all parties involved in a conflict to provide tools and strategies that encourage dialogue and cooperation. SFCG's approach is unique because it emphasizes understanding differences while acting on commonalities, engaging various stakeholders to find mutually beneficial solutions. Their services include mediation, community dialogue, and capacity building, and they also run programs like the Common Ground Awards to recognize achievements in conflict resolution. Unlike many organizations, SFCG leverages the Global Fragility Act to enhance its impact and operates through donations, grants, and partnerships. The goal of SFCG is to transform conflict resolution by fostering inclusive and collaborative approaches that lead to lasting peace.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Washington DC, District of Columbia

Founded

1982

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Increased focus on digital peacebuilding tools enhances reach in conflict zones.
  • New leadership under Marjorie Newman-Williams may increase impact and efficiency.
  • Launch of Common Ground USA diversifies project portfolio and funding sources.

What critics are saying

  • Partnership with Meta may expose SFCG to data privacy risks.
  • Post-project sustainability challenges for 'Dumisha Amani Zanzibar' after funding ended.
  • Strategic shifts under new leadership may not align with stakeholder expectations.

What makes Search for Common Ground unique

  • SFCG operates in fragile regions where traditional conflict resolution has failed.
  • They engage all conflict stakeholders to find mutually beneficial solutions.
  • Their approach focuses on understanding differences and acting on commonalities.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Long Term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

International Employee Assistance Plan (TCNs/Expats only)

Vacation Leave

Sick Leave

Public Holidays

Home Leave

R&R Leave

Volunteer Leave

Parental Leave

Company News

Tilwa Te Peace Network
Aug 29th, 2024
Conference on Digital Inclusion and Literacy

On August 23, 2024, Tilwate Peace Network, in partnership with Search for Common Ground and Meta, organized a conference focused on digital inclusion and literacy for refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities.

SFCG
Sep 8th, 2023
STRENGTHENING GOVERNANCE IN ZANZIBAR

To enhance peaceful conflict transformation mechanisms, reduce tensions and promote a peaceful period after elections in Zanzibar, Search for Common Ground, in partnership with the Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) implemented the "Dumisha Amani Zanzibar" project, funded by the European Commission (January 2021 - December 2022).

SFCG
Mar 14th, 2023
Search for Common Ground welcomes Marjorie Newman-Williams as New President | Search for Common Ground

After an extended search, Search for Common Ground is delighted to announce the appointment of its new President, Marjorie Newman-Williams.

SFCG
Apr 20th, 2022
Search for Common Ground hires Ryan McKinny as President’s Leadership Council

Search for Common Ground (“Search”), the world’s largest peacebuilding organization, is thrilled to announce the appointment of opera singer Ryan McKinny to its President’s Leadership Council.

SFCG
Nov 2nd, 2021
Search for Common Ground partners with Abaadmena

Search for Common Ground (Search) is implementing the “Partners for Justice” project in partnership with ABAAD-Resource Center for Gender Equality (ABAAD).

INACTIVE