Friends of the Children

Friends of the Children – Colorado (Friends - Colorado) is part of a national network dedicated to breaking cycles of generational poverty and foster care by pairing youth facing the greatest obstacles with salaried, professional mentors (“Friends”) from kindergarten through high school — 12+ years, no matter what. Friends – Colorado is seeking a passionate, committed leader to bring their expertise, vision, and operational skills as we continue to grow our Colorado Springs chapter and establish our new location in Denver, Colorado.

Our model is proven to break the cycle of generational poverty for children who face the most barriers by providing professional mentors to thousands of children across the country. As our Operations Director, you will support human resources, finance, information technology, social media and marketing and other enabling functions to ensure operations are established and are running optimally.   

The ideal candidate will have a smart head for business, an entrepreneurial spirit, cultural understanding, and a soft heart for kids. They will be equally skilled at implementing efficient processes and intentionally developing collaborative relationships over time with trust, empathy, and healthy communication.

At Friends – Colorado you get to think globally and act locally. We are a new chapter within a growing, established national network.  As Operations Director, you’ll receive expert support from our National team. You’ll also work with a talented team of leaders from the other sites, who collaborate to support the award-winning National scaling plan.

Are you this amazing professional? Here’s what we have to offer you

• A committed Executive Director who will partner with you to establish and grow the organization.
• A strong, cohesive National team committed to innovation and high standards.
• A team of talented employees who are passionate about working together to create an extraordinary organization.
• Respect for work-life balance for yourself and others. You'll bring your full self to work and lead by example by integrating work and personal life with attention to self-care so that your work schedule is not depleting.  
• A comprehensive benefits package.
• Salary range: $80k-$95k, depending on experience.
• Most of all, you get to help lead an exceptional organization that supports children facing incredible odds change their life story every day.

At Friends of the Children – Colorado, you get to think globally and act locally. We are a new chapter within a growing, established national network.  As Operations Director, you’ll receive expert support from our National team. You’ll also work with a talented team of leaders from the other sites, who collaborate to support the award-winning National scaling plan.

Are you ready to use your skills to make an impact in Colorado?

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by individuals assigned to this position.  They are not intended as a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Basic Function / Position Objective:  

The Operations Director supports the day-to-day functions of our organization.  The Operations Director is the first point of contact for people who call or visit and is responsible for assisting the Executive Director and supporting the organization through a variety of administrative functions during regular business hours.  They excel at working as part of a small team, and effectively manage multiple projects and tasks, keeping them on track.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Human Resources functions like (but not limited to):

• Developing and implementing processes and procedures.
• Developing and maintaining work plans.
• Recruitment management and posting jobs.
• Answering employee questions about benefits, organizational policies and procedures.
• Ensuring that employee paperwork is completed and properly stored.
• Performing all necessary background checks and maintaining confidential records.
• Supervising new employee onboarding.
• Researching and selecting employee benefits for Executive Director final approval.
• Managing employee benefits enrollment and renewal processes.
• Coordinating regular training for staff.
• Promoting an accepting and transparent workplace.

Managing financials for the chapter (but not limited to):

• Review and process all expense reports for the team.
• Process payroll for the team
• Preparing deposits, invoices, and accounts payable for the National finance team to process.
• Partner with the National finance team on accurate financial reporting notes

Supporting the Executive Director on projects like (but not limited to):

• Preparing grant attachments, maintaining grant tracking, and facilitating communication between staff and the National finance group.
• Completing and maintaining official registrations and contracts.
• Maintaining organizational records and inventory of key documents.
• Coordinating with Friends National for meetings, compliance, and information sharing.
• Board of Directors logistics, including scheduling, coordinating with hosts/caterer, preparation of materials, surveys, registrations, and other projects.
• Planning employee appreciation events.

Ongoing organizational support:

• Preparing grant attachments, maintaining grant tracking, and facilitating communication between staff and the National finance group.
• Completing and maintaining official registrations and contracts.
• Maintaining organizational records and inventory of key documents.
• Coordinating with Friends National for meetings, compliance, and information sharing.
• Board of Directors logistics, including scheduling, coordinating with hosts/caterer, preparation of materials, surveys, registrations, and other projects.
• Planning employee appreciation events.

Supporting the Development Team with projects like (but not limited to):

• Donation processing and updating donor records.
• Preparing mailings to donors.
• Special event registration and logistics.
• Attendance and support at special events.

Supporting the Program Team with projects like (but not limited to):

• Staff event logistics, including scheduling, reservations, registrations, and catering.
• Food and program supply purchases.
• Assistance with surveys and data collection.
• Assistance with the reimbursement process.

Maintaining facilities:

• Researching and selecting contractors as needed.
• Communicating with the landlord about safety issues and space concerns.
• Providing the Executive Director with final options for projects.
• Communication with vendors, brokers, and contractors.
• Coordinating and overseeing facility expansions or updates.

The ideal candidate will have the following Education, Experience, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of five years of operations experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; familiarity with databases and office functions.
• Exceptional customer service and interpersonal communication skills, and experience working with various constituencies.
• Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Highly organized and dependable; ability to work independently and maintain composure under pressure.
• Ability to prioritize work and adapt to shifting demands and work situations, meet deadlines; maintain regular communication with supervisor regarding work plans, and proactively seek guidance regarding priorities and timelines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, use good judgment, and follow procedures.
• Ability to travel locally and adapt schedule to meet the organization’s needs (i.e., some evenings and an occasional weekend).

Preferred Experience, Skills, Education, and Knowledge:

• Familiarity with nonprofit organizations.
• Basic knowledge of fundraising and events.
• Database experience, donor databases preferred.
• Experience working with children and families.
• Experience working in a fast-paced start-up small business.

Location: 105 Coleridge Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909

Travel required:  This role will require regular travel to Denver during the first three month and as needed thereafter to support the launch and establishment of our new chapter.

Compensation: $80k-$95k 

Job Closing: November 30, 2025 at 5 PM

Applications without cover letters will not be considered; please use this as an opportunity to convey why you want to be the Operations Director for Colorado at Friends of the Children!

Friends of the Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to addressing discriminatory practices. The equal employment opportunity policy of Friends of the Children provides fair and equal opportunities for all employees and job applicants. Friends of the Children hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled.

Friends of the Children is growing rapidly as communities across the country are experiencing the power of how “One” changes a child's story: One Friend. One Child. 12+ years. No matter what. #ThePowerOfOne

To learn more about Friends of the Children go to:   https://friendscolorado.org//about