Scholar Fund exists to connect community needs to opportunity and resources. Everyone deserves access to what they need to thrive. We focus on three pillars:

• Community: Building networks of support that center local leadership and create pathways for sustained, community-led change.
• Cash: Delivering direct aid when crisis hits so that help is fast, simple, and free of bureaucracy.
• College: Creating access to higher education and transforming systems so that all students can pursue their dreams.

Since 2016, we’ve helped students win over $100M in scholarships, delivered $300M in direct aid to 200,000 people across 16 states, and connected over 400,000 community members to resources. We’ve supported $600M in policy wins, partnered with 100+ organizations, and built infrastructure that strengthens the social safety net.

The Senior Manager of Operations and People is a strategic, proactive leader responsible for managing the organization's core operational systems, staff support, and administrative processes. Reporting directly to the CEO and collaborating closely with the Chief Financial Officer and Chief of Staff, this role serves as the operational backbone of the organization, interfacing with all staff members to ensure seamless day-to-day operations. This is a senior management position with significant autonomy and ownership, offering a clear path to Director level for candidates who demonstrate strong leadership and desire continued growth. 

Operational Systems Management (45%)

• Execute payroll processing accurately and in a timely manner across multiple income classifications (including but not limited to W2 employees, 1099 contractors, international contractors)
• Administer benefits enrollment, changes, and annual renewal processes
• Maintain insurance policies and ensure continuous coverage
• Process vendor payments, track invoices, and manage organizational credit cards
• Serve as administrator for key organizational systems (payroll platform, Google Workspace, project management tools, etc.), proactively troubleshooting issues, anticipating system needs, and implementing preventative measures to minimize disruptions
• Coordinate and complete organizational compliance requirements by managing regulatory filings, tracking deadlines, and liaising with internal teams and external partners to ensure accurate and timely submission

Staff Support and Communication (25%)

• Serve as primary operational contact for staff and creating resources to address needs before they arise
• Own the reimbursements, purchase requests, and expense reports processes, identifying patterns and streamlining procedures
• Coordinate onboarding logistics for new hires (e.g. equipment, accounts, paperwork) and offboarding processes 
• Maintain responsive communication via Slack, email, and other channels
• Create and maintain clear documentation for common operational procedures, anticipating future needs, and updating resources as the organization evolves 

Coordination and Administration (20%)

• Organize and document operational information and processes in centralized, accessible locations for consistency and knowledge sharing
• Track deadlines and maintain organizational calendar for recurring obligations and operational requirements (e.g. benefits enrollment, compliance reporting, renewals), building in buffer time and sending advance reminders 
• Support staff with virtual and in-person retreat logistics, team coordination, and administrative tasks 
• Serve as primary liaison with external vendors, service providers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to facilitate document collection, process transactions, and resolve operational issues 
• Own routine administrative tasks that keep the organization running smoothly, thinking ahead to prevent operational bottlenecks 

Process Improvement (10%)

• Identify opportunities to streamline operational processes and implement solutions before inefficiencies become problems
• Support the development of operational infrastructure as the organization grows

Required Experience and Skills 

• Minimum 3-4 years of progressive operations experience in nonprofit, business, or equivalent environments. Proven track record building sustainable systems from ambiguity. Senior-level expertise required; this is not an entry-level or developmental role.
• Demonstrated ability working authentically with people of color and immigrant communities. Apply anti-racist principles to operational decision-making. Navigate complex employment structures while maintaining organizational values. Lived experience or substantive commitment to communities we serve.
• Excel in ambiguous environments requiring independent judgment. Take decisive action without extensive oversight. Manage complex details while maintaining momentum. Solve problems systematically until fully resolved. 
• Deliver clear, concise communication in writing and speaking. Identify and address issues proactively. Build trust through consistent execution. Maintain responsive communication across all channels. Translate complex information for diverse audiences.
• Navigate diverse stakeholder relationships with professionalism. Ability to independently and effectively coordinate with government agency staff, vendors, service providers, business partners, and community members. 
• Challenge leadership constructively when necessary. Secure required access and authority to execute responsibilities. Make independent decisions within operational scope. Hold yourself and others accountable to commitments. Drive organizational change through direct action.
• Prioritize staff wellbeing alongside operational efficiency. Understand operations as service to mission and people. Build genuine relationships across organizational levels. Foster trust through reliable follow-through.
• Live in or near King County, with ability to fulfill physical requirements. Available during standard business hours with consistent responsiveness.

Nice to Have 

• Prior experience at POC-led or immigrant-serving organizations 
• Bilingual or multilingual capabilities
• Proficient at administrator level across operational platforms including but not limited to Airtable, Google Workspace, Slack, Rippling, JIRA, Confluence, Miro, and automation tools. 
• Multi-state or international compliance, payroll, and benefits expertise 

• Competitive Salary: $80,000 - $100,000
• 100% comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurance (Up to 2 dependents covered at 100%)
• Life and AD&D insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with 4% employer match
• Unlimited flexible PTO
• Home office set-up stipend

• This is a remote position with hybrid flexibility for in-person collaboration and community engagement.
• Must reside in or near the King County, Washington area, with the ability to travel as required.
• Occasional in-person attendance is required for meetings, partner collaborations, community events, and operational needs.

Scholar Fund seeks to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workplace. Women, Black, Indigenous, and people of color, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ people, and candidates who represent the diversity and lived experiences of communities with which we work, are strongly encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other class protected by law. Assistance and/or reasonable accommodations during the application process are available upon request.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We're looking for the right combination of experience, values, and potential, not a perfect match to every bullet point.

To apply for our priority deadline, please complete our application (bit.ly/ops-role case sensitive) by January 5th, 2026. This position will remain open until filled. 

We view the application and interview process as an important bilateral tool for evaluating technical and professional fit. Basic steps to expect:

• Application Review: We evaluate your skills and experience to assess if there’s a fit for the role.
• First Interview: A virtual panel conversation to learn about your background and answer questions on both sides.
• Second Interview (including a paid skills assessment & walkthrough): A short take-home exercise to showcase your approach to the role, followed by a virtual interview with the Operations team to walk through your work. 
• Final Interview with the CEO: A conversation to connect directly and explore alignment at the highest level.
• Final Decision & Offer: If it’s a match, we’ll extend an offer and welcome you aboard our team.

Questions?

If you have questions about the role, reach out to jobs@scholarfundwa.org. Please note that we may be slower to respond during December 24th - January 1st so we encourage you to reach out sooner if you have questions. 

‍