DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
American Institute of Architects, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709
Role Summary
The Director of Operations is the firm’s hands‑on execution leader, responsible for making sure the business runs smoothly, predictably, and profitably. In a small, growing architecture studio, this role owns the how: financial visibility, project operations, internal systems, and follow‑through. This role will design systems as well as execute on them, partnering closely with the Principals, and will have authority to standardize processes, set priorities, and keep the studio aligned.
Core Responsibilities
Day-to-Day Operations & Execution
Own day-to-day business operations across projects, resourcing, and internal workflows.
Translate leadership decisions into clear priorities, timelines, owners, and next steps.
Create simple operating rhythms (weekly check‑ins, monthly reviews) that keep work moving.
Identify breakdowns and bottlenecks and fix them with practical solutions.
Financial Oversight & Visibility
Build and maintain the annual operating budget and cash flow forecast.
Track project profitability, utilization, pipeline health, and staffing needs.
Partner with bookkeeping/finance to ensure accurate, timely reporting.
Create lightweight dashboards that leadership actually uses.
Systems & Process Improvement
Design and document core workflows (project setup, staffing, billing, internal communication).
Select and manage tools and vendors appropriate for a small studio.
Reduce reliance on ad hoc processes and founder intervention.
People & Team Support (with Fractional HR)
Support hiring by helping scope roles, participating in interviews, and improving onboarding.
Reinforce performance expectations and accountability.
Act as a steady internal leader.
Partnership with the Principal
Serve as a thought partner on operational and financial decisions.
Surface risks, tradeoffs, and capacity constraints early.
Free the Principal to focus on design, vision, and client relationships.
What Success Looks Like (12 Months)
Clear visibility into finances and project performance.
Fewer last‑minute issues and fire drills.
Decisions reliably turn into action.
The studio feels calmer, more organized, and easier
Ideal Background and Qualifications
6–10 years of experience in operations, studio management, or professional services leadership.
Experience in architecture, design, creative, or consulting environments strongly preferred.
Comfortable working hands‑on in a small team without support layers.
Financially literate and confident owning budgets and metrics.
Pragmatic, steady, and solutions‑oriented.
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Core Responsibilities
Day-to-Day Operations & Execution
Own day-to-day business operations across projects, resourcing, and internal workflows.
Translate leadership decisions into clear priorities, timelines, owners, and next steps.
Create simple operating rhythms (weekly check‑ins, monthly reviews) that keep work moving.
Identify breakdowns and bottlenecks and fix them with practical solutions.
Financial Oversight & Visibility
Build and maintain the annual operating budget and cash flow forecast.
Track project profitability, utilization, pipeline health, and staffing needs.
Partner with bookkeeping/finance to ensure accurate, timely reporting.
Create lightweight dashboards that leadership actually uses.
Systems & Process Improvement
Design and document core workflows (project setup, staffing, billing, internal communication).
Select and manage tools and vendors appropriate for a small studio.
Reduce reliance on ad hoc processes and founder intervention.
People & Team Support (with Fractional HR)
Support hiring by helping scope roles, participating in interviews, and improving onboarding.
Reinforce performance expectations and accountability.
Act as a steady internal leader.
Partnership with the Principal
Serve as a thought partner on operational and financial decisions.
Surface risks, tradeoffs, and capacity constraints early.
Free the Principal to focus on design, vision, and client relationships.
What Success Looks Like (12 Months)
Clear visibility into finances and project performance.
Fewer last‑minute issues and fire drills.
Decisions reliably turn into action.
The studio feels calmer, more organized, and easier
Ideal Background and Qualifications
6–10 years of experience in operations, studio management, or professional services leadership.
Experience in architecture, design, creative, or consulting environments strongly preferred.
Comfortable working hands‑on in a small team without support layers.
Financially literate and confident owning budgets and metrics.
Pragmatic, steady, and solutions‑oriented.
#J-18808-Ljbffr