Job Description: Finance & Operations Director

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

The Hidden Genius Project (HGP) is an Oakland, California-based non-profit that trains and mentors black
male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and
communities. The Hidden Genius Project seeks to reveal the true potential of black male youth and
transform their communities from the inside out. Through our student-centered, project-based approach,
we invest in young black men, give them access to technology training, and plug them into an ecosystem of
innovation and empowerment. The Hidden Genius Project was founded in 2012 and established a full-time
infrastructure in 2015. The organization now operates Intensive Immersion Programs in Oakland, as well
as Richmond, California, and delivers short-term programming to catalyze interest in the technology space
nationwide. As the program continues to grow, The Hidden Genius Project seeks to impact thousands more
black males and young people in the coming years.

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY:

The Finance & Operations Director role will serve as the vanguard of The Hidden Genius Project’s evolution
through a phase of unprecedented growth. It builds on the current Operations Director role description
and integrates next-level competencies around finance, as well as a healthy and effective integration of a
multi-site (soon-to-be national) operations. After having expanded programming to multiple cities,
launched a new brand profile, and moved into a new and dynamic office space, there is now—more than
ever—a need for dynamic and vigilant operation and oversight. As a member of the leadership team, the
Finance & Operations Director is responsible for advancing The Hidden Genius Project’s financial health
and organizational wellbeing. As such, this person assumes responsibility for finance, human resources,
information technology, and operations systems (including those that may support and enhance the work
of our Programs team). As a leader within the organization, the Finance & Operations Director works in
collaboration with senior leadership to execute the organization’s vision, and exercises ingenuity and
initiative in strengthening financial sustainability, organizational culture, and general infrastructure. Given
The Hidden Genius Project’s strategic trajectory, this role is a great fit for an enthusiastic person with a
creative and entrepreneurial spirit.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

  • FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT — Partner with the Executive Director to drive financial operations, including
    developing and implementing finance and operations goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
    Develop financial metrics for use in decision making. Remain up-to-date on audit best practices and
    state and Federal laws applicable to nonprofit organizations. Contribute strategic vision toward
    sustainability. Coordinate with external accounting team to review and ensure accuracy of financial
    statements. Serve as primary liaison to Board Finance Committee.
  • OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE — Recommend and implement systems to enhance organizational operations.
    Coordinate training and support efforts to ensure team members can utilize relevant systems. Ensure
    The Hidden Genius Project’s technology and infrastructure adequately support business strategy.
    Oversee day-to-day office facility operations.
  • DEMONSTRATE STAFF LEADERSHIP — Provide positive and optimistic leadership and problem solving in alignment
    with The Hidden Genius Project’s values. Manage daily posts on social media platforms in support of
    overall communications calendar. Oversee the knowledge-sharing strategy across The Hidden Genius
    Project’s sites, ensuring that information is standardized and easily accessible, and that site teams can
    learn from each other and share best practices. Work closely with Executive Director to develop and
    disseminate organizational policies, while ensuring compliance with all relevant employment laws and
    regulations.
  • HUMAN RESOURCES AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT — Build talent acquisition and retention strategy. Mentor
    and develop staff, employing a collaborative and empowering approach. Model practices to set
    accountability and objectives, establish priorities, and monitor and evaluate results. Oversee payroll
    and benefits administration, and research potential new products.
  • STRATEGIC VISION — Develop strategic vision and plan to build an effective, healthy, and dynamic
    organization capable of growing its reach to national levels. Engage with strategic partners to build
    relationships, collaborate, and share learnings. Represent The Hidden Genius Project as thought leader
    in the field.
  • REVENUE DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT — Contribute to revenue generation efforts, including through
    developing strategy, supporting with financial components of proposal development, and assisting in
    funder relationship management.
  • MENTORSHIP AND POSITIVE STUDENT EXPERIENCE — Provide healthy one-to-one support and mentorship
    to program participants. As needed, collaborate with The Hidden Genius Project staff to develop
    strategies and identify strategies necessary to address student needs.
  • OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR — Work on other short-term and long-term
    projects as the need arises.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Strong work ethic and passionate commitment to the wellbeing of young people
  • Proficiency in long-term strategic planning and short-term plan implementation
  • Familiarity with nonprofit financial management and budgeting processes
  • Experience working and communicating effectively with youth of color, underrepresented youth,
    and/or low-income youth
  • Experience working with a nonprofit Board of Directors
  • Ability to receive feedback and engage in continuous self-improvement
  • Strong cultural competence and commitment to asset-based youth development strategies
  • Creative, resourceful, inquisitive, reliable, organized, proactive
  • Sharp attention to detail
  • Ability to work collaboratively and across sectors
  • Strong knowledge of youth development field and models
  • Strong knowledge of nonprofit fundraising models
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Bold strategic vision and bias toward execution

ROLE OVERVIEW:

  • Reports to: Executive Director
  • Role Location: Oakland, CA
  • Status: Exempt
  • Schedule: Full Time (40 hours per week)
  • Years of Experience: 5+ years in roles that demonstrate nonprofit management, youth
    development, and strong managerial/leadership experience
  • Compensation: Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience
  • Benefits Include: Medical, dental, vision, 401K plan, and significant paid time-off (PTO) package

APPLYING:

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your
qualifications align with the above requirements via email to hiring@hiddengeniusproject.org, with the
subject: “Finance and Operations Director.”