Director of Operations and Programs

The client is seeking a founding Director of Operations and Programs to help build the operational systems, rhythms, and culture of a new tuition-free, two-year residential college in rural Northern California. The first full-time hire in this function, reporting to the Co-Presidents, will serve as a central creator of day-to-day college life while also acting as a primary face of the college during formative moments for prospective students, families, visiting faculty, and funders. Approximately two-thirds of the role focuses on operations, administration, logistics, and project timelines, while the remaining portion involves embodying and hosting the college’s spirit. Key responsibilities include coordinating with the Co-Presidents and advisors; managing administrative systems; overseeing the monthly operating budget and contributing to financial forecasting; and identifying issues that require leadership attention. The role will also execute major components of the student admissions process and plan hosting logistics for campus visits, serving as a bridge between the college and the local community. In addition, the Director will manage residential advisors, support students through post-graduation apprenticeships, collaborate on campus expansion projects, and help create a day-to-day culture of deep service and gratitude. The Director will play a support role in fundraising, partner development, and communications, and will co-design and implement off-site student service-work programs and field trips for the learning community. The client is open to nontraditional backgrounds, with preparation that may come from arts administration, nonprofit leadership, environmental or spiritual community management, experiential education, higher education operations, or similar fields. Strong project management and administrative execution, critical thinking, experience supporting young adults (ages 18–24), demonstrated ability to facilitate learning environments grounded in mutual respect, experience working with students of color and those from diverse economic backgrounds, and good physical fitness are expected, along with genuine enthusiasm for relocating to a rural mountain community in Northern California. Confidential