Current openings
Operations Director
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Posted: 1/21/2026
Priority deadline: 3/1/2026; open until filled
About Heartland Center for Jobs and Freedom:
The Heartland Center is a nonprofit organization that enforces the rights of low-wage workers and tenants, while building their collective power. We do this using three primary strategies. We defend tenants in eviction court, stopping hundreds of evictions each year. We also marry organizing and impact litigation to win better housing and jobs. And, we work with partner organizations to win broad, systemic policy change. Eleven lawyers, an organizer, and five support staff carry out this work. We are a collaborative and united team and would love for you to explore joining us.
Position Overview
The primary purpose of this role is to ensure Heartland Center staff have the environment, tools and supports necessary to do their work effectively and efficiently. This position will set up, monitor, and support good operating systems, ensuring that Heartland Center’s infrastructure enables effective programs and an empowered and productive team. Our ideal candidate enjoys a multi-faceted position, is organized, and driven to help the organization be at its best. While this position focuses on very practical and logistical aspects of Heartland’s work (rather than substantive program), it is an essential position that, when done well, allows the organization to soar.
Key Responsibilities
Help build and maintain Heartland’s base of support (10%):
With volunteer support, manage and update Heartland’s list-building platform, ensuring that donors, volunteers, tenants, reporters, workers, and community organizations are being added to the list in a timely fashion; pull reports as needed by staff.
Dispatch email updates and action alerts to various bases of support in collaboration with organizational leadership.
Dispatch press releases to reporters in collaboration with organizational leadership.
Ensure community events and actions are staffed with list-building volunteers or staff.
Human Resources (10%)
Ensure group healthcare plan is timely renewed, retirement fund allocations are made, notice requirements are complied with, and other benefit administration needs are fulfilled.
Interface with employees regarding benefits and other needs.
Maintain Heartland’s employee handbook to capture any policy changes, ensure policies are written clearly and that handbook is up to date.
Work with supervisors to ensure employee evaluations are issued in a timely fashion.
Onboard and offboard employees, interns and volunteers as they start and end their terms.
Work with organizational leadership to develop job descriptions for any employment or intern openings, manage applications and inquiries, and coordinate interviews.
Purchasing (10%)
Work with insurance broker to ensure Heartland’s D&O, liability, malpractice and other policies are reasonably priced.
Use due diligence to compare prices and assess quality of office equipment to be purchased.
Use due diligence to compare prices and services of various contractors, such as office cleaning companies, consultants, and tech support.
Oversee and approve the office manager’s supply purchases.
Finances (10%)
Issue payment for organizational expenses and record accordingly.
Invoice the city and other entities for services rendered.
Deposit donations and other income into bank account and record accordingly.
Monitor bank account.
Collaborate with accountants to ensure quarterly reports, tax returns, and annual reports are completed.
Manage staff spending and compliance with spending policies.
Help Executive Director develop annual and project budgets.
Fundraising support (40 %)
Work with the Executive Director to develop an annual fundraising timeline, including grant deadlines, fundraising events, and fund drives.
Research untapped, potential funding sources.
Manage fundraising calendar to ensure tasks start on time.
Track individual donor giving and participation in Heartland programs.
Notify executive director of larger donations, send thank you notes, make phone calls, and set up donor meetings where strategic to do so.
Handle the logistical side of fundraising events, such as event rentals and catering.
Board Management (5%)
Schedule board meetings.
Prepare for board meetings by following up with board members to ensure attendance.
Send board members updates; invite board members to events.
Supervision (10%)
Supervise and collaborate with office manager regarding office maintenance and tech support.
Ensure office manager is maintaining phones, walk-ins, and office mail and email.
Miscellaneous (5%)
Maintain organizational calendar
Coordinate volunteers and interns
Cover for office manager during PTO
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor level college or higher
Four years+ office experience
Experience with HR and/or management
Experience with data management
Strong people skills
Strong problem solving skills
Bookkeeping or accounting experience a plus
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $68,000 – $80,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits include:
Generous paid vacation, parental, sick, bereavement and personal time, as well as paid holidays
One month sabbatical after five years of employment
Medical, dental, and vision coverage for FT employees and dependents
Life insurance
401(k) style plan with 3% annual employer contribution
Short-term disability
Professional development, CLE’s and bar dues covered
How to Apply
To apply, please submit the following application materials to marypfaff@jobsandfreedom.org and ginachiala@jobsandfreedom.org
A letter of interest, including why you are interested in the job and why you believe you would be a good fit.
Your resume
A list of three references (including at least one former or current direct supervisor) EEO & At-Will Employment Statement
Heartland Center is an at-will, equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, gender identity, or gender expression.