Company description
Shalom Farms is a nonprofit, food justice organization. We believe that everyone deserves equitable access to nourishing food and meaningful opportunities to grow, choose, cook and enjoy that food. On our two Certified Naturally Grown farms we work with thousands of volunteers each year to produce more than 200,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables, which we distribute throughout the Richmond, VA, metro region through a variety of programs and partnerships.
Job description
The Operations Director is a senior leadership role responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of the organization's operations, human resources, finance, and organizational effectiveness functions. The Operations Director ensures that the systems, processes, people, and resources of the organization are aligned to support Shalom Farms' mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability. This is a full-time position reporting to the Executive Director, and directly supervises the Office Manager. The Operations Director serves as a member of the Leadership Team and acts as a key strategic partner to the Executive Director in advancing organizational goals and strengthening cross-functional alignment.
The Operations Director combines strategic thinking with strong operational execution. They are a systems-oriented leader who can translate organizational priorities into effective processes, foster collaboration across teams, and anticipate challenges before they arise. They exercise sound judgment in a variety of situations, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and maintain a realistic balance among competing priorities. The Operations Director must be able to manage complex initiatives, navigate ambiguity, and handle sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and discretion. They regularly engage with the Leadership Team, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors, providing analysis, recommendations, and reporting that support effective organizational decision-making.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Operations Strategy & Organizational Effectiveness (35%)
Provide strategic leadership for organizational operations, ensuring that systems, processes, policies, and cross-functional workflows support Shalom Farms' mission, strategic plan, and long-term sustainability. Lead continuous improvement efforts, strengthen organizational infrastructure, and facilitate coordination across departments to maximize effectiveness and alignment.
Human Resources & Talent Strategy (25%)
Lead the organization's people operations strategy, ensuring human resources policies, practices, and systems support organizational goals, legal compliance, staff wellbeing, and an equitable, inclusive workplace culture. Partner with leadership to strengthen recruitment, retention, performance management, professional development, and organizational culture.
Finance & Business Operations (25%)
Provide oversight of the organization's financial operations, systems, and reporting. Partner with external accounting and finance providers to ensure accurate financial management, budgeting, auditing, forecasting, compliance, and stewardship of organizational resources. Support strategic financial planning and decision-making for leadership and the Board.
Leadership Team Support & Organizational Alignment (15%)
Serve as a key member of the Leadership Team, helping coordinate strategic initiatives, facilitate communication and accountability across departments, monitor progress toward organizational goals, and provide analysis and project leadership to support organizational effectiveness and growth.
Must Haves
5+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in operations, finance, human resources, nonprofit management, or related fields, and knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives, organizational systems, and process improvement efforts.
Ability to think strategically while executing operationally, translating organizational priorities into effective systems, processes, and outcomes.
Experience managing organizational budgets, financial reporting, forecasting, and financial planning, including the ability to interpret and communicate financial information to diverse audiences.
Experience partnering with senior leaders, boards, or governing bodies to support organizational strategy and decision-making.
Demonstrated project management experience, including leading complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching, performance management, talent development, and team building. High emotional intelligence, professionalism, and discretion, with a proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters.
Demonstrated facilitation, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, including experience presenting to leadership teams, committees, and boards.
Commitment to and experience in anti-racism and Shalom Farms' core values: justice, collaboration, integrity, respect, and sustainability.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across diverse stakeholders.
Commitment to advance Shalom Farms' mission, values, and vision for food justice, equitable food access, and food systems change.
Nice to Haves
Experience working in a mission-driven nonprofit organization.
Experience supporting boards, board committees, or governance processes.
Experience implementing strategic plans and organizational performance measurement systems.
Experience with nonprofit compliance, grant management, and restricted fund accounting.
Experience with Human Resources Information Systems, payroll, benefits administration, or other people operations systems.
Familiarity with QuickBooks or similar financial management software.
Experience in food systems, agriculture, public health, community development, or related fields.
Compensation and Hours
This is a Category 1 [Full-time (40 hours/week), year-round exempt, salaried position] based in Richmond, VA, with the potential for a hybrid work schedule. The annual salary for this position is $83,000 to 88,000. The position includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid holidays and generous vacation and sick leave, in addition to a paid full week off in August. Plus lots of free farm produce! This is a full-time, 40-hour a week on average, year-round position, with seasonally fluctuating duties and hours and occasional evening and weekend work.
Compensation
this position is: salaried, $75,000 - $100,000
Application instructions
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Deadline
July 20, 2026