Operations Specialist

The Operations Specialist will report directly to the Director, Special Projects - Programs and will support the efficiency of the site by defining new processes and improving existing systems.  The Operations Specialist will execute and deliver on a range of responsibilities, including supporting local operational systems, facilities management, staff support and communication with external stakeholders and vendors.   

To be successful in this role, you’ll be comfortable working independently and will thrive in a fast-paced environment where you’re asked to juggle competing priorities and deadlines.  You’ll be asked to move with a sense of urgency and work with and across teams to ensure that departmental and site needs are met.  You’ll be someone who enjoys thinking creatively and critically about how to constantly improve the functionality of the site as a whole, offering input and suggestions.  

In keeping with Year Up’s values, the Operations Specialist will also have the opportunity to interact with students as a mentor, group facilitator, and advocate, participating in building a positive educational environment. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

 Operational Systems and Staff Support 

• Maintain and cultivate external vendor relationships 

• Work across teams to create efficient systems and processes 

• Maintain facilities, including general office support as needed 

• Manage supply ordering, track budget, and ensure up-to-date emergency procedures are in place 

• Review and process staff expense report transactions through online system (Concur), ensuring that all items are coded to the correct General Ledger segment 

• Support site technology infrastructure by working with the National IT Team 

• Manage logistics for staff meetings as needed 

• Provide administrative support to the Executive Director as needed  

• Other duties as assigned 

 Project Support 

• Serve as a thought partner to the Operations team on a range of strategic questions and organizational initiatives 

• Undertake special projects at the direction of the leadership team and in collaboration with other team members, as needed 

Site Team/Learning Community Member Interaction  

• Serve as a coach/mentor for a small number of current students 

• Join and sometimes facilitate weekly group sessions with students 

• Participate in staff meetings and trainings 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 1-2 years of work experience in an office environment 
• Available to be in office 5 days per week 

• Strong acceptance of change, willingness to perform and lead through change 

• Experience successfully creating and/or modifying processes 

• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Strong knowledge of MS Office 

• A professional and resourceful style with the ability to work independently and as a team player, to take initiative and manage multiple tasks and projects at a time for various stakeholders, both internal and external 

• An ability to exercise critical thinking through ambiguous problems 

• A passion for working with young adults, an unshakable belief in their potential and a strong commitment to the mission of Year Up 

• Understanding of the Opportunity Divide and its drivers 

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion 

Hourly Rate Range: $26-30/hour

WORKING AT YEAR UP UNITED:

Starting January 5, 2026, employees are expected to work on-site at least two days per week (Monday through Thursday dependent on job requirements). To be eligible for employment, candidates must live and work in a state (or an approved proximate state*) where Year Up United operates. For a list of eligible locations, please visit:  https://www.yearup.org/job-training/locations

*Approved proximate states where Year Up United operates are: Connecticut, Indiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, South Carolina and Virginia.

• Year Up United has established salary ranges for each of our sites, which allows us to pay employees competitively, equitably and consistently in different geographic markets. For roles in which the location is listed as flexible, the range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Salary offers take into account a candidate’s skills, experience, and location. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

• Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare options and dental coverage; 401(k) match for eligible participants.

• Vacation: Earn three weeks paid vacation in first year of employment; four weeks after initial year.

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:

Year Up United is a national 501(c)3 workforce development organization committed to ensuring equitable access to economic opportunity, education, and justice for all young adults—no matter their background, income, or zip code. Employers face a growing need for talent while millions of talented young adults lack access to meaningful careers. These inequities only further perpetuate the opportunity gap that exists in our country—a gap that Year Up United is determined and positioned to close through three interconnected strategies: providing targeted skills training and connections to livable-wage employment for students and alumni; empowering others to serve and support young adults, and changing systems that perpetuate the opportunity gap. Year Up United’s intensive training program utilizes a high expectations, high support model where students learn in-demand technical and professional skills and apply them during a corporate internship. Year Up United has directly served more than 40,000 young adults since its founding in 2000. Year Up United's nationwide presence includes Arizona, Austin, Bay Area, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Greater Atlanta, Greater Boston, Greater Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, the National Capital Region, New York City/Jersey City, Pittsburgh, Puget Sound, Rhode Island, South Florida, Tampa Bay, and Wilmington.

Voted one of the Best Nonprofits to Work For in the country by The NonProfit Times, Year Up United is a rewarding and impactful place to work. Our staff is passionate, supportive, mission-driven, and committed to positive change and continuous learning. We set high standards for both ourselves and our students and live by a set of core values that reflect an unshakable belief in the talent and potential of our young people. The work we do is life-changing, and we know that our team is the greatest asset in achieving our mission.

Year Up United embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discharge, or discipline, are based on meritocracy. We do not permit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws. Learn more about our commitment to diversity: http://www.yearup.org/about-us/careers/commitment-to-diversity/
Year Up United is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Your recruiter can provide details regarding the expected work environment and any physical requirements. Please let our hiring team know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume through our website.

We respectfully request no phone calls.