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CURRENT OPENING. APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 12, 2025

Vice President of Operations

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President of Operations (VP of Operations) is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for ensuring that LIFT JAX operates with excellence, efficiency, and accountability. This individual will oversee day-to-day operations, strengthen internal systems, manage talent and resources, and align organizational capacity with LIFT JAX’s mission and community-driven goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

  • Translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans and measurable outcomes.

  • Lead cross-departmental collaboration to ensure alignment of programs, operations, and coalition priorities.

  • Support the CEO and leadership team in long-term planning and organizational growth.

  • Oversee team leading real estate and development work.

Operations & Administration

  • Oversee daily operations, including HR, IT, facilities, and organizational systems.

  • Develop and implement policies, procedures, and accountability systems that promote efficiency and equity.

  • Ensure compliance with nonprofit laws, employment regulations, and grant requirements.

Financial Oversight

  • Collaborate with finance staff to manage budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

  • Ensure sound financial controls, resource allocation, and compliance with funder requirements.

  • Support development staff in preparing budgets and reports for grant proposals and donor stewardship.

  • Deep understanding of different capital tools needed to execute community development work and build out operational structure to pursue opportunities.

Talent & Culture

  • Lead recruitment, onboarding, and professional development for staff.

  • Foster an organizational culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

  • Provide mentorship and coaching to staff and future leaders within the organization.

Coalition & Community Engagement

  • Support coalition-building efforts by aligning organizational systems with partnership needs.

  • Represent LIFT JAX in external meetings with nonprofits, government agencies, business leaders, and funders.

  • Strengthen community trust through transparent communication and operational accountability.

ROLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED

The VP of Operations will be LIFT JAX’s lead on continuing to grow the operations and efficiencies of the organization. The VP of Operations will be expected to represent LIFT JAX in different scenarios, whether in a community meeting, with nonprofit partners, or in public conversations about the work. The VP of Operations will also be expected to share in the day-to-day responsibilities of making a lean organization run effectively. Ideal candidates will be entrepreneurial, adaptable, and ultimately focused on doing what needs to be done for our neighbors in the Eastside. Other ideal traits of candidates include

  • Strong senior level organizational leadership background.

  • Familiarity with community development, neighborhood revitalization, or collective impact models.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or related area

  • At least five (5) years’ experience, preferably in a nonprofit or government organization, or similar organization

  • Strong background in working across multiple constituency groups, including neighborhood representatives, individuals from the corporate community, philanthropic and nonprofit leaders and city officials

  •  Passion and commitment to improving outcomes for individuals and families who are experiencing poverty

  •  Comfort with work planning and managing multiple priorities in a context of change and ambiguity, and adapting to changing needs or momentum

  • A history of building and nurturing critical relationships while collaborating with key stakeholders and partners in the community

  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

  •  Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills

  • Proven ability to adapt and respond to changing business and customer needs and constructively create opportunities for change through active participation

  • Excellent negotiation and persuasion skills

  •  Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

  •  Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software

PREFERRED

  • Master’s Degree

  • Knowledge and/or ties to the Jacksonville’s Eastside area or similar urban core neighborhoods

WORKING CONDITIONS/EQUIPMENT USE

  • Work is performed indoors in a typical office environment - not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

  • Valid driver license with proof of insurance

  • Must be able to lift up to fifteen (15) pounds

  • Frequent use of office machines to include telephone, computer, and printer

  • Ability to attend functions/activities outside normal business hours.

LIFT JAX OVERVIEW

LIFT JAX is an initiative of business and community leaders working to eradicate generational poverty in Jacksonville. The seeds for LIFT JAX were planted in 2017, when a group of Jacksonville’s business and community leaders convened to plot a path to eliminate poverty in the city.

The flagship strategy of LIFT JAX is the implementation of the Purpose Built Communities model in Jacksonville’s Eastside. The nationally recognized model is based on the successful holistic revitalization of Atlanta’s East Lake neighborhood. The approach requires coordinated implementation of four strategies within a clearly defined neighborhood: (1) mixed-income housing; (2) cradle-to-college-and-career education pipeline; (3) community wellness; and (4) long-term financial vitality. Because of the complex nature of this cross-sector work, the establishment of a single purpose nonprofit Community Quarterback is the most critical component of a successful Purpose Built Communities revitalization initiative. LIFT JAX – which is representative of leaders from the Eastside, the business community, as well as nonprofit and philanthropic partners – serves as the Community Quarterback.

COMPENSATION

The annual salary for this position ranges from $75,000 to $95,000.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a resume and a cover letter to admin@liftjax.org . The deadline to submit applications is September 12th, 2025. A select number of candidates will be selected to participate in an interview in late September/early October.