As EMC implements the strategy for its next chapter, we are seeking a versatile, collaborative leader to become our first Vice President, Operations (VPO). This leader will spearhead the development and formalization of our Finance, Operations, and HR verticals In overseeing all aspects of these three critical functions, the VPO will be instrumental in strengthening our focus on both financial and operational excellence in support of the organization’s mission and strategic goals. In collaboration with the Founder and President, Christy Turlington Burns, and senior leadership team, they will ensure that Every Mother Counts’ 18 person team has the appropriate infrastructure, systems, and organizational capabilities (finance, HR, operations) to successfully carry out our work and advance our mission.

This is an ideal opportunity for an entrepreneurial, strategic leader who is passionate about developing and strengthening systems and processes at a small but mighty nonprofit in support of EMC’s mission of ensuring that the maternal health journey before, during, and after childbirth is safe, respectful, and equitable for everyone, everywhere.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

Drive the annual organization-wide goal setting process and manage organizational accountability by facilitating conversations among the President and staff to account for progress and inform pivots throughout the year
Serve as a key cross-functional manager, driving execution of key initiatives and efficient and timely decision-making
Serve as primary point of contact with financial and legal stakeholders, including the organization’s leadership, board, external auditors, legal experts, and other consultants and advisors
Serve as a thought partner and advisor to the Founder and President and broader EMC team on finance, HR, and operations questions and issues, effectively navigating conflict and complexity as needed
Lead, mentor, and develop the finance, operations, and HR teams, with a focus on building a best-in-class function, driving outcomes, supporting professional growth

Operations Management & Systems Building

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization to ensure efficient and effective service delivery
Manage 5+ consultants and experts (e.g. accounting firm, legal advisors, etc.) and work to identify opportunities for streamlining and collaboration
Design and improve systems, processes, and internal communication protocols to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and efficiency, and to meet strategic objectives; guide decisions on key technology tools (e.g. Tableau, Salesforce, Fluxx)
Collaborate with department heads to ensure all operational functions are aligned with strategic priorities and common goals; lead organizational change management efforts to support operational excellence

HR Leadership

Develop and implement HR strategies and initiatives that support the organization’s mission and goals; provide leadership on conflict resolution, employee relations, and employee engagement initiatives
Oversee recruitment, retention, talent development, and workforce planning to ensure a diverse, engaged, and high-performing team
Serve as a key champion for EMC’s culture, working with the President and Founder and staff to continue to improve and evolve its culture to meet current needs
Recruit a new director of HR to oversee HR systems and processes while partnering with external agencies

Financial Management

Oversee and work in partnership with the finance team to continue to build and support the finance function, ensuring adherence to budgetary guidelines and financial best practices
Develop strategies to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the organization, with a focus on maximizing revenue and minimizing expenses
In partnership with the Director of Finance and an outside accounting firm, oversee accounting practices/processes and reporting systems, ensuring timely and accurate financial and tax reporting
Ensure all legal and regulatory documents are filed, reported, audited and in compliance with laws and regulations for the organization

Who You’ll Work With

You will report to the Founder and President, Christy Turlington Burns.

Direct reports include the Director of Finance and an Associate, Office & Operations. The Director of Finance manages a Finance Associate. You will also lead the hiring and management of a Director of HR.

You will collaborate across the organization, frequently working with the Chief of Staff and the full senior leadership team including the Vice President, Programs & Impact, Vice President, Philanthropy, and Vice President, Communications & Marketing.

date: 2025-04-02 21:59:00

Every Mother Counts | Vice President, Operations: Impacting Maternal health Globally

Table of Contents

Every Mother Counts | Vice President, Operations: Impacting Maternal health Globally

Every Mother Counts (EMC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother, everywhere. A pivotal role in achieving this mission is held by the Vice President, Operations (VP, Operations). This leadership position is paramount to the organization’s success, ensuring that its programs run efficiently, its impact is maximized, and its resources are allocated effectively. Understanding the responsibilities, skills, and meaning of the VP, Operations is crucial for anyone interested in global health, non-profit management, or the fight for maternal health equity.

The Core Role: Orchestrating Impact

The VP, operations at Every Mother Counts is far more than just a manager; they are a strategic leader, a problem-solver, and a driver of organizational excellence. Their primary focus is to ensure that EMC’s operations are aligned with its mission and strategic goals. This involves overseeing a wide range of activities, from program implementation and financial management to human resources and technology infrastructure. Core responsibilities include:

Strategic Planning & Execution: Collaborating with the CEO and othre senior leadership to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan.
Program oversight: Ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of all EMC programs,both domestically and internationally.
Financial Management: Overseeing the organization’s budget, financial reporting, and compliance with all financial regulations.
human Resources: Leading the HR function, including recruitment, training, performance management, and employee relations.
Technology & Infrastructure: ensuring that EMC has the technology and infrastructure necessary to support its operations.
Compliance & Risk Management: Overseeing the organization’s compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and managing organizational risk.
Operational Efficiency: Continuously seeking ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of EMC’s operations.
Grant Management: Overseeing the responsible management of grants received from various funding entities.

Key Responsibilities Decoded

Let’s delve deeper into some of the key responsibilities of the VP, Operations at Every Mother Counts:

Strategic Planning & Execution

The VP, Operations doesn’t just execute a plan; they help create it. They bring their deep understanding of the organization’s operations and the external surroundings to the table, contributing valuable insights to the strategic planning process. This includes analyzing data, identifying trends, and making recommendations on how to best achieve EMC’s goals.

Program Oversight: Ensuring Impact on the Ground

Program oversight is arguably the most critical aspect of the VP, Operations’ role. This involves:

Monitoring Program Performance: Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure that programs are achieving their intended outcomes.
Providing Technical Assistance: Supporting program staff with technical expertise and guidance.
Ensuring Program Quality: Implementing quality assurance measures to ensure that programs are delivered to the highest standards.
Facilitating Collaboration: Promoting collaboration between different program teams and departments.
Managing Program Budgets: Monitoring program budgets to ensure expenses are within allocated limits.

financial Stewardship and Accountability

the VP,Operations acts as a steward of the organization’s financial resources,ensuring that funds are used wisely and in accordance with all applicable regulations. This includes:

Budget Growth and management: Working with the Finance team to develop and manage the organization’s budget.
Financial Reporting: overseeing the readiness of accurate and timely financial reports.
Compliance: Ensuring compliance with all financial regulations, including tax laws and donor restrictions.
Audit Management: Managing the annual audit process.

The Human Element: Leading and Developing the Team

The VP, Operations is responsible for building and leading a high-performing operations team. This involves:

Recruitment and Hiring: Attracting and hiring talented individuals who are passionate about EMC’s mission.
training and Development: Providing ongoing training and development opportunities to help employees grow and develop their skills.
Performance Management: Implementing a performance management system to ensure that employees are meeting expectations.
Employee Relations: Fostering a positive and supportive work environment.

Skills and qualifications: what it Takes to succeed

To be successful as the VP, Operations at Every Mother Counts, individuals typically possess a combination of strong leadership skills, operational expertise, and a deep commitment to maternal health. Key qualifications ofen include:

Education: A bachelor’s degree is typically required, and a master’s degree in business management, public health, or a related field is often preferred.
Experience: Notable experience (typically 10+ years) in operations management, preferably in a non-profit or global health setting.
Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and motivate a team.
financial Management Skills: Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial reporting, and grant management.
Program Management Skills: Experience managing complex programs and projects.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify and solve complex problems.
Knowledge of Maternal Health: A strong understanding of the challenges facing maternal health globally.
Cultural Sensitivity: The ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The Impact: Saving Lives and Improving Maternal Health

The work of the VP, Operations at Every Mother Counts has a direct impact on the lives of mothers and children around the world. By ensuring that EMC’s programs are run effectively and efficiently, they contribute to:

Reduced Maternal Mortality: Helping to reduce the number of women who die during pregnancy and childbirth.
Improved Access to Care: Expanding access to quality maternal healthcare services.
Empowered Women: Empowering women to make informed decisions about their health.
Stronger Communities: Building stronger and healthier communities.

A Day in the Life: Juggling Priorities and Delivering Impact

The daily routines of a VP, Operations are diverse and demand a high degree of adaptability. One day might involve participating in strategic planning sessions with senior leadership; another might be focused on reviewing program performance reports or addressing urgent operational challenges. Here’s a glimpse into a potential day:

Morning:
- Reviewing key performance indicators (KPIs) for ongoing programs.
- Meeting with program directors to discuss challenges and identify solutions.
- responding to urgent emails and addressing immediate operational needs.
Afternoon:
- Participating in a strategic planning session with senior leadership.
- Reviewing and approving budget requests.
- Meeting with the HR team to discuss recruitment strategies.
Evening:
- Reviewing financial reports.
- Preparing for upcoming meetings.
- Catching up on industry news and trends.

Case Studies: Real-World Impact

Let’s examine some hypothetical case studies to illustrate the impact of the VP, Operations:

Case Study 1: Streamlining Supply Chain Logistics in Rural Tanzania

Challenge: EMC’s program in rural Tanzania faced significant challenges related to the supply chain for essential medical supplies. Delays and shortages were common, impacting the ability to provide timely and effective care.

VP, Operations Intervention: The VP, Operations led a cross-functional team to conduct a thorough assessment of the supply chain. They identified bottlenecks and inefficiencies and worked with local partners to implement solutions, including:

Implementing a new inventory management system.
Establishing partnerships with local transportation providers.
Training community health workers on supply chain management.

Outcome: The improvements in the supply chain resulted in a significant reduction in stockouts and delays.This allowed healthcare providers to provide more timely and effective care, leading to improved maternal health outcomes.

Case Study 2: Scaling Up a Successful Program in haiti

Challenge: EMC had successfully implemented a pilot program in Haiti that provided midwifery training and support to local communities.however, they faced challenges in scaling up the program to reach more women in need.

VP,Operations Intervention: The VP,Operations played a critical role in developing a plan to scale up the program sustainably. This involved:

Developing a detailed budget and securing additional funding.
Recruiting and training additional staff.
Establishing partnerships with local organizations.
Developing a monitoring and evaluation system to track program performance.

Outcome: The successful scale-up of the program resulted in a significant increase in the number of women who had access to quality midwifery care. This led to a reduction in maternal mortality rates and improved health outcomes for both mothers and babies.

first-Hand Experience: A Hypothetical Perspective

Imagine you are the VP, Operations at Every Mother Counts. Here’s a glimpse into what a project might entail and the thought process behind it:

“One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on at Every Mother Counts was improving the data collection process in our program in Malawi. The previous system was cumbersome and time-consuming,leading to incomplete data and difficulty in accurately measuring our impact.

We started by consulting with the program staff and local partners to understand their needs and challenges. We then researched different data collection tools and systems, considering factors such as cost, ease of use, and compatibility with our existing technology. We decided to implement a mobile-based data collection system that allowed community health workers to collect data directly in the field using their smartphones.

The implementation process was not without its challenges. We had to provide training to the community health workers on how to use the new system,and we encountered some connectivity issues in remote areas. However, with careful planning and problem-solving, we were able to overcome these challenges.

The new data collection system has substantially improved the quality and timeliness of our data. we are now able to track key performance indicators more accurately and make data-driven decisions about how to improve our programs. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how these operational improvements translate into better health outcomes for mothers and children in Malawi.”

Benefits and Practical tips for Aspiring operations Leaders

For those aspiring to a leadership role in operations within a non-profit like Every Mother Counts, here are some key benefits to consider and practical tips for career development:

Benefits of a Leadership Role in Operations

Direct Impact: Be at the heart of making a tangible difference in the world.
Strategic Influence: Shape the direction and effectiveness of the organization.
Professional Growth: Develop a broad range of skills in management, finance, and program delivery.
Collaborative environment: Work with passionate individuals dedicated to a common cause.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated on best practices in non-profit management and global health.

Practical Tips for Career Advancement

Develop Strong analytical Skills: Learn to analyse data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
Gain Experience in Financial Management: Understand budgeting, financial reporting, and grant management principles.
Hone Your Leadership Skills: Practice motivating and leading teams effectively.
Build Your Communication Skills: Develop excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Network with professionals: Connect with other professionals in the non-profit and global health sectors.
Seek Continuous Learning: Take courses or workshops to enhance your knowledge and skills.
Volunteer Your Time: Gain experience by volunteering for non-profit organizations.

Future Trends in non-Profit Operations

The non-profit landscape is constantly evolving, and the role of the VP, Operations is no exception. Here are some key trends that are shaping the future of non-profit operations:

Increased Focus on Data and Analytics: Non-profits are increasingly using data and analytics to measure their impact, improve their programs, and make data-driven decisions.
Greater Emphasis on Sustainability: Non-profits are seeking ways to operate more sustainably, both financially and environmentally.
Adoption of New Technologies: Non-profits are adopting new technologies to improve efficiency, reach more people, and enhance their communication.
Increased Collaboration: Non-profits are increasingly collaborating with other organizations to achieve shared goals.
Focus on Equity and Inclusion: Non-profits are placing a greater emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion in their operations and programs.

Understanding the Importance of measuring Impact

In the realm of non-profits,proving impact is vital for securing funding,maintaining transparency,and continuously improving programs. The VP, Operations is often at the forefront of this effort, implementing systems and strategies to effectively measure and communicate the organization’s achievements.

effective impact measurement involves:

Defining Clear Outcomes: Establishing specific,measurable,achievable,relevant,and time-bound (SMART) goals for programs.
Collecting Data Regularly: Gathering data on key indicators using appropriate methods, such as surveys, interviews, and program records.
Analyzing Data Rigorously: Using statistical and qualitative analysis to understand program effects.
Communicating Results Transparently: Reporting findings to stakeholders, including donors, beneficiaries, and the public.

By investing in robust impact measurement, Every Mother Counts, guided by the VP, Operations, can demonstrate its value, learn from its experiences, and ultimately, save more lives.

Table: Sample KPI Tracking

KPI	Target	Actual	status
Maternal Mortality Rate (Project Area)	Reduce by 15%	Reduced by 12%	At Risk
Access to Skilled Birth Attendants	Increase by 20%	Increased by 25%	On Track
Postnatal Care Visits	Increase by 25%	Increased by 22%	At Risk

Every Mother Counts: A Call to Action

The role of the VP, Operations at Every Mother Counts is a challenging but incredibly rewarding one. It requires a unique combination of skills, experience, and passion. However, the impact that this individual can have on the lives of mothers and children around the world is immeasurable. If you are looking for a way to make a real difference in the world, consider joining the fight for maternal health equity.

Every Mother Counts | Vice President, Operations