Position:

Organization:

Location:

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Overview:

Soliya is a quickly growing entrepreneurial nonprofit organization using the latest in Internet and communication technologies to bridge the divide between the “West” and the “Arab & Muslim World.” Its core Connect Program is a unique cross-cultural education program that directly connects university students in the US, Europe, the Middle East and the broader Muslim World via the Internet to engage in dialogue and collaboratively create media about the issues currently dividing the West and the Arab & Muslim World.  In the last five years, Soliya has gone from being the idea of two young social entrepreneurs with backgrounds in new media and conflict resolution to an established organization with partnerships with nearly 50 universities in twenty countries and strong funding relationships in the United States, Europe and the Middle East. 

Currently in the midst of a comprehensive strategic planning process, Soliya plans to take its program to scale, connecting thousands of students each semester.  Based on this growing network of alumni around the world, Soliya is also in the process of establishing a “social media” network that will leverage the latest in user-generated media, social networking and mobile technologies to bridge the divide between the West and the Arab & Muslim World.  To learn more about Soliya, please visit www.soliya.net.

Position:

In order to support the significant ongoing growth of the organization, Soliya is currently seeking a talented and dynamic Director of Operations and Finance to set up and implement best practices for operations, human resources, and financial management.  Based in New York City, the Director will serve as a partner to the Executive Director and President in developing organizational strategy and helping Soliya expand its operations nationally and internationally.  The Director will also supervise an Operations Associate and Bookkeeper to build, implement, and maintain systems to ensure organizational effectiveness. This is a unique opportunity with exceptional growth potential to join a young organization at a dynamic stage in its development and work on one of the world’s most pressing issues. 

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities for the Director of Operations and Finance include but are not limited to the following:

Operations
• Collaborate with the Executive Team to develop and implement an effective organizational growth strategy, taking the lead in all areas related to operations and finance
• Lead the development of new Soliya offices nationally and internationally. Offices are planned in the Middle East, Europe and possibly Asia.
• Work with the Soliya Executive team to develop Soliya’s business model, playing a key role in developing earned-income strategies for the organization
• Build systems to support effective communication across the organization
• Develop effective tracking, information management and customer relations systems, and oversee their effective utilization
• Support strong relationship between Soliya and its Board, including coordinating annual Board meeting, preparing quarterly reports, and ensuring regular communication
• Manage relationship with Soliya’s lawyers in the areas of contract review and negotiation, media rights and clearances issues, privacy policies, and other legal issues
• Liaise with Soliya vendors and service providers, developing effective partnerships
• Supervise and mentor Operations Associate

Human Resources
• Develop Human Resources strategy for the organization
• Lead recruitment process for new staff and interns
• Develop effective new employee orientation and on-boarding systems and policies
• Manage relationships with benefits vendors, including coordinating annual renewals and troubleshooting for staff as needed

Financial Management
• Provide strategic oversight and planning for financial management function, including leading the annual budget process, managing the annual audit, and ensuring effective reporting to Board and funders
• Oversee a financial team that will include a Book-keeper, an Operations Associate and a CPA to create and analyze reports focusing on budget forecasting and cash flow
• Supervise Bookkeeper in daily accounting and financial management tasks

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of related professional experience with increasing levels of responsibility; experience in an entrepreneurial, non-profit, and/or high-growth environment preferred
• Passion for the work of Soliya and demonstrated cross-cultural sensitivity
• Proven success building operational and financial management systems; knowledge of non-profit accounting, finance, and grants management preferred
• Strong people management skills combined with creative problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels and to build and maintain relationships and networks
• Exceptional multi-tasking and prioritization skills
• Organized and highly detail-oriented, with flexibility and a sense of humor
• Proficiency in English is essential; fluency in Arabic and/or other languages is desirable
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required; MBA preferred

Salary for this full-time position will be commensurate with experience, with full benefits.
Soliya is an equal opportunity employer.

To Apply:

Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity, both in Word format and addressed to Liza Chambers, at http://jobs.cgcareers.org/application.aspx?id=1194.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.