Business & Operations Director Job Description

Job Title: Director, Business & Operations
Location: Portland, Oregon (Hybrid: 3 days in-office, 2 days remote)
Employment Type: Full-Time (Includes Health Benefits)
Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000 (Depending on Experience)
Travel: Some travel required

About Us

We are a small, mission-driven business based in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to delivering high-quality experiential education programs. We are seeking a Director, Business & Operations to oversee staff, manage human resources, direct operations, and drive business development and strategy. This role is essential to ensuring our team, programs, and operations function efficiently and effectively.

Position Overview

The Director, Business & Operations will provide leadership and strategic oversight across staff management, HR, business development, overall operations, and vendor relations. This role includes direct supervision of the Staff Supervisor and other full-time staff and plays a key part in strategic planning, financial oversight, and operational improvements. The ideal candidate has a strong background in experiential education, project management, and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Staff & Human Resources Management

  • Supervise and support all staff, including the Staff Supervisor.

  • Lead hiring, onboarding, and training for new employees.

  • Develop and maintain HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with labor laws.

  • Manage performance evaluations, staff development, and professional training initiatives.

  • Oversee payroll processing and employee benefits programs.

  • Maintain company policies, procedures, and SOPs to ensure compliance.

Business Development & Strategy

  • Partner with the CEO to develop and execute strategic growth initiatives.

  • Identify and cultivate new partnerships, alliances, and funding opportunities.

  • Represent the organization at industry conferences and business meetings.

  • Oversee program development coordination to align with business goals.

  • Assist in the creation of client proposals and contracts.

  • Serve as a liaison for external partners and stakeholders to ensure seamless collaboration.

Operations Management

  • Oversee the portfolio of GutMonkey services, including master scheduling, logistics, budgeting, sales, and partner communications.

  • Coordinate marketing and scheduling of programs with patient advocacy groups.

  • Manage vendor relationships for cost-effective, high-quality services.

  • Streamline operational processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Ensure documentation and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

  • Implement and maintain project management systems to support program execution.

Program Stewardship

  • Manage program value, themes, feedback, and impact assessments with clients.

  • Ensure programs meet funder and patient advocacy group criteria.

  • Uphold GutMonkey's brand and mission during all program operations.

  • Lead teams through compliance and risk mitigation processes.

  • Leverage positive program feedback to build future business partnerships.

  • Provide limited on-call support during program delivery to assist facilitators.

Financial & Administrative Oversight

  • Oversee budget planning and ensure responsible financial management.

  • Optimize resource allocation to maximize impact and sustainability.

  • Align financial and operational goals with strategic priorities.

  • Manage company IT systems (website, security, software, etc.).

  • Ensure company-wide legal and compliance oversight.

  • Maintain and oversee all insurance policies.

  • Foster a culture of risk management, ensuring up-to-date policies and emergency protocols.

Required Skills & Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in business operations and management, preferably in experiential education or program management.

  • Strong leadership and project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.

  • Proven expertise in staff supervision, training, and performance management.

  • Solid understanding of HR functions, policies, and compliance requirements.

  • Experience in business development and strategic planning.

  • Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.

  • Proficiency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, Drive, etc.) and project management tools.

  • Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in dynamic environments.

  • Experience with budget management, expense tracking, and payroll approvals.

  • Ability to work independently while fostering a collaborative team environment.

  • Solution-oriented, positive attitude with the ability to navigate change.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in experiential education.

  • Expertise in company-wide operations oversight.

  • Strong budget management and financial planning experience.

  • Background in Human Resources.

  • Extensive project and program management experience.

  • Background in conflict resolution and group dynamics.

  • Experience with equity and inclusion initiatives.

  • Strong research and analytical skills.

Why Join Us?

  • Be part of a passionate team dedicated to experiential education and community impact.

  • Hybrid work environment (balance of in-office and remote flexibility).

  • Competitive salary and health benefits.

  • Opportunity to shape staff training, program operations, and business strategy in a growing organization.

Application Instructions

Your application should include:

  1. Resume detailing experience in staff supervision, program operations, budget management, and experiential education.

  2. Written statement, short video, or audio file responding to the following questions (no formal cover letters, please):

    • What is your experience with experiential education?

    • Give an example of a time you successfully managed multiple projects or departments and the resulting positive impacts for the organization.

    • Describe a project failure and what you learned from it and changes you made.

    • What is your definition of a great manager, and how have you demonstrated these qualities?

    • How has your background positively impacted previous organizations?

    • How do you bring energy and engagement to your role?

    • Describe your leadership style and an example of team development success.

    • How do you ensure staff engagement, motivation, and high performance?

    • Describe a significant barrier or conflict you resolved in a company/department you managed.

📩 Email your application to info@gutmonkey.com
📅 Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
🚫 No phone calls, please. Direct all inquiries only to the email above.

About GutMonkey

GutMonkey is a Portland-based company specializing in outdoor and experiential education programs that empower communities affected by rare and chronic conditions. Our programs range from keynotes and workshops to multi-day immersive experiences for youth and adults.

Our team is passionate about relationship-building, community engagement, and health advocacy. We are committed to equity and inclusion, working to dismantle systemic barriers that impact the health of the communities we serve.

Company Structure

GutMonkey currently has:

  • 3 full-time employees (CEO, Sales Manager, Communications Director)

  • 1 part-time employee (Program Coordinator)

  • 8 seasonal cohort staff supporting program delivery

  • 2 remote contract employees (Business Manager, Finance Manager)

  • 2 new full-time hires in progress (Experiential Education Staff Supervisor & Director, Business and Operations)

This role will work closely with the CEO to lead and support the internal team while collaborating with external partners in the outdoor industry, patient advocacy, and pharmaceutical sectors.