Manager, Strategic Operations

About the role

The Manager, Strategic Operations reports to the Director, Strategic Operations in the External Affairs Unit and serves on the Budget & Resource Operations (BRO) team within External Affairs. The role provides contract and budgetary operational support to deliver on strategic goals, supervises a Senior Specialist, and works with substantial independence to support day‑to‑day operations, budget management, contracting, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a Senior Specialist on the BRO team: provide direction, coaching, prioritization, workload management, and quality control.
• Serve as liaison between procurement, finance, and program teams to ensure accuracy and timeliness of processing contracting documents and payments.
• Support program teams in accurate entry of contracts, grants, memberships, honoraria, and sponsorships in internal systems (Coupa, PPGrants, etc.).
• Track contract workflows to proactively identify and resolve delays or errors.
• Identify opportunities to streamline contracting and payment processes for efficiency and accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and external requirements across all contract and budget operations.
• Track budget commitments for all External Affairs verticals, flag discrepancies, and ensure timely follow‑up and communication with stakeholders.
• Review monthly budget commitments across External Affairs verticals to confirm payment and identify discrepancies, ensuring timely follow‑up.
• Support development and rollout of process guidance and training for staff.
• Build strong relationships with program, finance, and procurement colleagues to strengthen cross‑functional collaboration.
• Provide responsive, solutions‑oriented support to program teams navigating budget and contract processes.
• Contribute to building a positive, effective, and transparent operations culture within External Affairs.
• Provide ad hoc assistance on special projects related to External Affairs priorities, including logistical and administrative support.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 5+ years of operational experience.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and improve organizational processes to improve quality, productivity, and efficiency.

Skills

• Commitment to PPFA's mission and diversity, equity, and inclusion; commitment and track record of advancing racial equity in operational processes.
• Flexible and able to adapt to quickly changing priorities and ambiguous situations.
• Ability to organize resources, establish priorities, and thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Collaborative team player with a service‑oriented approach and ability to build strong relationships with program, finance, procurement, and other cross‑functional partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to prepare concise reporting and recommendations for senior leaders.
• Extreme attention to detail and ability to anticipate issues and prepare accordingly.
• Excellent judgment and ability to operate with substantial independence while knowing when to escalate issues and bring forward clear decision points.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects, portfolios, and deadlines successfully.
• Strong organization, time management, prioritization, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent skills in collaborating across divisions, functions, and geography, with a knack for engaging colleagues at all levels while continuing to own and drive projects.
• Ability to independently assess operational issues, identify risks and process weaknesses, and develop practical recommendations.
• Strong financial and budget management skills, including experience tracking spend, commitments, forecasts, variances, and payment status and translating financial information into actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, coaching, or coordinating staff work and managing team workflows, priorities, and competing deadlines.

Pay

$95,000 - $100,000 a year