Operations Director

Operations Director

State Parties are responsible for building infrastructure necessary for successful candidate campaigns up and down the ballot. Over the last few years, Ohio Democrats built a year-round organizing model driven by local community activists and volunteers. Ohio Dems are testing new technology and programs to build a modern, data-driven and nimble force to elect Democrats statewide now and in the future. In 2026, every statewide office will be on the ballot – including the governor's race and a special election to elect a U.S. Senator in the seat currently occupied by appointed Senator Jon Husted. With 3 DCCC Frontline Races to protect and 3 additional seats targeted by the DCCC, the path to a Democratic majority in the U.S. House and Senate will once again run through Ohio in 2026.

The Operations Director will be responsible for ensuring the Ohio Democratic Party effectively manages its internal operations in a way that gives all of our employees and partners the ability to do the best work they can. The Operations Director will work closely with the Executive Director, consultants, and service providers to manage personnel and human resources, budgeting and financial recordkeeping, state and federal campaign finance compliance, vendor relations, facilities management, and general operations. This role requires an extraordinary attention to detail and the ability to stay organized while managing many competing priorities and deadlines. The Operations Director will report to the Executive Director.

Role Overview

• Financial Operations & Contract Management
  • Oversee budget administration, keeping the system updated and presenting decisions and action items to leadership.
  • Analyze and assist with processing regular bill payments, determining appropriate accounts for disbursement and maintaining a rigorous system for filing paid invoices.
  • Work closely with compliance consultants to oversee internal accounting and Ohio and Federal campaign finance compliance.
  • Manage contract administration, including tracking all vendor and contractor agreements throughout the negotiation and approval process.
• People Operations & HR Administration
  • Coordinate closely with HR and people operations consultant to manage human resources functions, including payroll processing, employee benefits administration, personnel issues, union relations, and employer compliance.
  • Lead internal hiring processes, drafting and circulating job descriptions, assisting with interviews and reference checks, and reviewing and approving offer letters.
• IT & Cybersecurity
  • Oversee physical and software IT management, ensuring hardware functionality and secure software account administration across the organization.
  • Manage cybersecurity protocols, implementing preventative security measures and directing incident response procedures when necessary.
• General Administration
  • Manage administrative compliance, including coordinating tax documentation, managing insurance policies, and overseeing organizational accounts.
  • Manage the operations of special projects and programs.
  • Ensure a fully functional office environment by managing utility accounts, procuring office supplies, and overseeing janitorial services.
  • Serve as the primary landlord liaison, proactively addressing building-related issues and handling daily operations requests from staff.
  • Coordinate travel logistics and administrative arrangements for staff travel and organizational events.

Core Competencies

• Multitasking: Ability to juggle multiple administrative activities and projects without losing focus on top priorities or letting details slip.
• Problem Solving & Risk Identification: A keen eye for identifying potential operational risks and finding practical solutions before they become issues.
• Adaptability: Ability to work under tight deadlines and pivot quickly when organizational or campaign priorities change.
• Interpersonal Communication: Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team, external vendors, and partners.
• Quick & Self-Directed Learner: Capacity to independently learn and adapt to new software, tools, and operational procedures as needed.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in tracking financial data, reviewing documentation, and maintaining organizational records.
• Commitment to DEI: Dedicated to the values and practices of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, with the ability to take feedback and learn.

Qualifications and Requirements

• 2-4 years of operations experience, preferably at least one cycle of political campaign experience.
• Strong working knowledge of Google Sheets or Excel.
• Exemplary time management, planning, organization and communications skills.
• Detail-oriented and able to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Capable of working both independently and with other departments in accomplishing goals.
• Financial experience preferred, especially in the political or non-profit sector. Familiarity with Bill.com, NGP, and/or QuickBooks is a plus.
• Fully invested in the success of Ohio Democrats.

The salary range will be $6,000-8,000 per month, depending on experience, and full benefits, including PTO, health, dental, and voluntary vision insurance. The hourly expectation will fluctuate depending on the campaign cycle, but will be a minimum of 40 hours per week. Housing will not be provided. Applicants must live in or be willing to relocate to Columbus, Ohio.

Ohio Democrats recognize our success requires a diverse mix of talented people. We are focused on building a staff that is diverse in race, gender and gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. Candidates of color, women, LGBTQI, and more are encouraged to apply.