Director of People & Operations

Café Momentum Atlanta seeks an experienced Director of People and Operations to provide strategic and operational oversight in a nonprofit restaurant that works to provide employment, workforce development training, and wraparound services to youth impacted by the juvenile justice system. The ideal candidate is highly organized and process-oriented with the ability to manage multiple moving pieces under pressure and a deep desire to positively contribute to the community. This position places a strong emphasis on people leadership, oversight of accounting responsibilities, and the successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of the organization’s operations. Key Responsibilities People Operations: Collaborate with the Executive Director to ensure operational and HR decisions align with Cafe Momentum’s mission, values, and community impact goals. Developing and implementing people strategies aligned with business goals and organizational culture. Managing the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and employee relations. Ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations. Building a strong company culture and fostering employee engagement. Operations: Overseeing operational processes and procedures. Ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in daily operations. Managing budgets and resources. Developing and implementing operational strategies to support business objectives. Oversight of off-site accounting person with the following duties: Oversee the daily accounting function of the organization; accounts payable (collect W9s from contractors), recording of bank transactions, accounts receivable, bank deposits Ensure timely completion of all month-end tasks; record journal entries and necessary accruals Prepare balance sheet reconciliations Prepare a monthly cash flow forecast for strategic decision-making. Inventory Management – ensure inventory count is done accurately at month end, ensure recipe and costing tool is being utilized Manage paperwork, handling invoices, and assisting with payroll Maintain compliance with nonprofit-specific requirements (e.g., IRS regulations, grant reporting, charitable solicitation laws, Department of Labor requirements for nonprofit employers). Oversee overall cleanliness, maintenance of equipment, and ensure a safe environment for staff, interns and customers Leadership and Strategic Planning: Leading and mentoring the people and operations teams Collaborating with senior leadership to align people and operational strategies with overall business goals Developing and implementing long-term plans for the people and operations functions While not a direct supervisor of programmatic or restaurant leaders, this role ensures operational alignment by developing systems, facilitating communication, and monitoring key workflows across departments. The Director of People and Operations identifies roadblocks, implements consistent practices, and supports department leaders in reaching goals aligned with the organization’s mission and standards. By managing day-to-day operations and internal processes, this role enables the Executive Director to focus on strategic growth, community partnerships, and fundraising. It provides a foundation of operational excellence that allows the ED to focus externally, while ensuring internal functions are executed effectively and in alignment with the mission. Culture of Service Model values-driven leadership, prioritizing equity, trauma-informed practices, and restorative approaches when working with staff and interns. Skills and Qualities: Strong leadership and management skills, Experience in both HR and operations, Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work with diverse teams and stakeholders. Education, Experience & Training Education & Training Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Human Resources, Social Work, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred. SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or Nonprofit Management Certification strongly preferred. Experience Minimum 8 years in HR and/or operations leadership, including supervision of managers. At least 3 years in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization. Proven success in budget management, organizational systems design, and collaboration with boards, donors, and community stakeholders. Preferred: workforce development, social enterprise, hospitality operations, trauma-informed care, nonprofit finance, and grant compliance. Skills & Abilities Experience working with justice-involved youth; ability to thrive in emotionally demanding environments. Knowledge of the needs of youth impacted by the justice system and sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds. Strong leadership, teamwork, communication, and relationship-building skills. Proactive, detail-oriented, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities. Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite; Salesforce experience preferred. Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and ability to pass a background check. Serves as a positive role model, demonstrating integrity, creativity, and commitment to the mission. Physical Demands & Work Environment Ability to perform typical restaurant tasks, including standing for extended periods, bending, lifting up to 40 lbs., and working in hot/humid conditions. Flexible schedule with regular evening and weekend work for operations, events, and outreach. In-person role; not eligible for remote work. Compensation Full-time position Salary: Commensurate with experience Subsidized health insurance, and available dental and vision coverage 403(b) with 1% matching Paid holidays and a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy #J-18808-Ljbffr Café Momentum Atlanta