Employment

Director of Operations (posted 5/1/2025)

Position Summary:

The Director of Operations is a leadership position, overseeing the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation’s (SPFHF) operational, administrative, financial, and office functions. The roles and responsibilities of this position include office management, direct financial supervision, administrative leadership, and strategic operations to ensure efficiency, compliance, and a culture of excellence.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, a strong leader, and an advocate for excellence. The Director is accountable and reports directly to the Board of Directors (BOD), and collaborates regularly with the Executive Director of Community Partnerships, the board chair, treasurer, festival chairs, and other members of the SPFHF BOD executive committee. This position also manages the Events Coordinator and other seasonal office staff.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Development of and accountability for the annual budget, in collaboration with the Director of Community Partnerships.
  • Accountability for all expenditures and reporting functions, compliance with all regulatory and governmental requirements for a 501(c) 3 organization and the SPFHF’s charitable gambling operation, working with MN Gaming.
  • Work collaboratively with BOD committees including but not limited to Finance, Membership, Nominating, Protocol and Exchange and Long-Term Planning.
  • Provide leadership, guidance and supervision of the Event Coordinator and future or seasonal staff.
  • Provide leadership, guidance and supervision for the SPFHF’s volunteer structure, in collaboration with the Event Coordinator.
  • Align and communicate with alumni groups to foster a sense of community.

Administrative & Operational Leadership:

  • Develop and lead organizational operations, streamlining administrative processes for greater efficiency, including all office functions, equipment, supplies, technology, phone, and office space.
  • Work closely with the Event Coordinator to optimize volunteer engagement to meet all organizational needs.
  • Responsible for data management, reporting, and compliance tracking for funding, licensing, and grant purposes.
  • Oversee contracts, insurance and the audit, ensuring they meet organizational needs.
  • Maintain and update emergency preparedness protocols as needed.
  • Board operations including the use of Boardable for the preparation of agendas, meeting organization, Board Manual updates, board relations and internal board committees.
  • Legend Character Operations including processes such as the Protocol Manual background checks and working with the current legend character group and alumni character group members to ensure collaboration and resolve issues.

Financial Oversight & Resource Management:

  • Oversee the finances to ensure profitability and financial accountability and compliance with nonprofit financial regulations.
  • Monitor financial performance, track expenses, approve operational costs, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
  • Support grant and fundraising financial tracking, invoicing, ensuring funds are allocated and used appropriately.
  • Work with external auditors, and the leadership team to ensure transparency and financial accountability.
  • Manage and negotiate vendor contracts and agreements to ensure cost-effective services for equipment, technology, and operations.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the Event Coordinator and assist with their workload of event production and volunteer coordination as needed. Ensure the button program logistics are handled in a timely manner, including tracking, working with retail sellers and tax collectors (volunteers), and invoicing/collection of button income at the end of Carnival.
  • Flexibility to take on additional duties related to operations, administration, volunteer and staff management as needed.
  • Participate in all Foundation related events

Qualifications & Skills:

  • Education & Experience:
    • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, operations, facilities management, or a related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
    • 5+ years of experience in operations, finance, or administration, in a nonprofit or service-based setting.
  • Technical & Leadership Competencies:
    • Expertise in budget management, direct financial supervision, and resource optimization.
    • Experience working with accountants, finance teams, and external auditors.
    • Proven ability to lead teams, train staff, and implement operational best practices.
    • A positive attitude and strong commitment to SPFHF’s mission.
    • Excellent professional written and verbal communication skills.
    • Proven ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment and manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.
    • High level of computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and financial competency in managing budgets.
    • Ability to maintain collaborative partnerships, both internal and external to the organization.

Term: This is a full-time, exempt position. SPFHF offices are located in the Landmark Center in downtown Saint Paul. Reliable transportation required. Must be available for all event days as well as the availability to work some nights and weekends.  This can be a hybrid onsite/remote work environment as needed with recognition of seasonal peak onsite requirements.

Pay & Benefits: The pay range is $60,000 – $75,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Benefits are not offered with this position, other than expenses outlined below.

Expense Reimbursement: Parking will be provided.  Normal and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed monthly upon completion of appropriate expense request form and approved by the Board.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and interest in the position to search2025@spfhf.org.

SPFHF is an equal opportunity employer. Opportunities for employment are available to all persons, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.

 Interested candidates can submit their resume and cover letter to:

search2025@spfhf.org

or

SPFHF, Attn: Search Committee, 429 Landmark Center, 75 West Fifth Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102

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We are always looking for great volunteers that want to learn more about event planning, marketing or business.  If you’d like to intern and/or volunteer in the office please contact us and we’ll be happy to get you connected!