Communities First, Inc. is a Michigan-based nonprofit 501c3 whose mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing and innovative programming. CFI is focused on providing safe, quality affordable housing, increasing economic opportunities, and improving the quality of life of the populations that the organization serves.  

Job Summary 

The Vice President of Operations will oversee and manage the internal operations of Communities First, Inc. to ensure programs and services provided are delivered effectively and efficiently in alignment with our mission. This role requires a hands-on leader with expertise in both nonprofit and for-profit management, as well as a deep understanding of procurement, contract review, real estate, financial management, and HR. This role will drive operational efficiency, foster a collaborative culture, implement strategic initiatives, and support the organization's strategic growth.

Essential Functions 

• Oversee, and provide recommendations to enhance all operational functions, including finance, HR, procurement, and IT, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and goals. 
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and audits. Ensure the organization’s financial health and sustainability, coordinating with both internal teams and external auditors. 
• Manage procurement processes and ensure thorough contract reviews for vendors, service providers, and other external relationships. 
• Assist in M&A processes, ensuring successful integration or divestiture of entities as needed. 
• Develop and implement operational strategies to support the organization’s rapid growth, ensuring scalability and sustainability. 
• Oversee the management of federal, state, and local grants, ensuring compliance with all grant requirements and timely reporting. 
• Ensure that all properties and operational activities are covered by appropriate insurance policies, including general liability, property insurance, and worker’s compensation. 
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations at federal, state, and local levels, particularly in areas of non-profit, real estate, property management,  healthcare or similar regulated environments. 
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for the organization, ensuring the financial health of all housing-related projects and general operations. 
• Promotes and builds good working relationships with staff of Communities First, Inc.   Embraces mission. Works with team; assists whenever and wherever needed/required. 

Education 

Bachelor's degree in business administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field; Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, or similar) preferred. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Training, and Experience 

• Proven experience managing operations in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors, particularly in high-growth environments. 
• 7+ years of experience in nonprofit management with demonstrated experience in operations, and finance. 
• Strong background in financial management, procurement, contract review, real estate, and insurance. 
• Experience with M&A, particularly in partiuculy in housing sector, is strongly preferred. 
• Demonstrated experience with federal and state grant management. 
• Experience in organizational management, including HR and compliance. 
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Equal Employment Opportunity & ADA Compliance 

Communities First, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To ensure equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, Communities First, Inc. will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified individual, unless undue hardship on the operation of the organization would result. We support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity by taking positive steps to eliminate barriers that may exist in hiring and in employment practices. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.  

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. This job description may be revised at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason or no reason.