Position Title: Vice President, Operations & Organizational Development
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Beacon, New York
Our Mission:
To create and steward a 7.5-mile linear park along the Hudson River that solves existing safety concerns around visitation, provides welcoming access to people of all abilities, restores and protects natural resources, and enhances quality of life for local communities.
Mission of Position:
The Vice President, Operations & Organizational Development is a senior leadership role responsible for building the internal capacity required to support rapid organizational growth and long-term operational excellence.
This is primarily an internal-facing role focused on human capital, organizational systems, culture, and operational performance. The VP will support and oversee day-to-day organizational operations, work with staff to optimize the operating budget, and lead the development of a high-performing, mission-driven team. Working in close partnership with the CEO, the VP will ensure the organization is structured, staffed, and supported to deliver on its ambitious goals.
Principal Responsibilities may include:
Organizational Leadership & Strategy
- Partner with the CEO to design and implement organizational structure and growth plans
- Lead organizational development efforts to support scaling from startup to a more mature institution
- Build organizational systems and processes that enable high performance and accountability
- Collaborate with other members of executive leadership team in advancing the organizational mission and facilitating cross departmental integration
- Directly manage and support key leaders, including Parks Director, Director of Finance & Operations, and future administrative and operational staff
Human Capital & Talent Development
- Develop and implement recruitment, hiring, and onboarding systems to support rapid staff growth
- Lead performance management, evaluation, and professional development frameworks
- Foster a strong, cohesive organizational culture grounded in mission, accountability, and collaboration
- Ensure staff are supported, empowered, and equipped to succeed
Operations & Administration
- Oversee day-to-day organizational operations across departments
- Manage and optimize the annual operating budget in partnership with the Director of Finance
- Supervise administrative systems, policies, and compliance
- Oversee the organization’s use of technology and the responsible integration of AI into the organization’s systems to enhance delivery of programmatic outcomes.
- Oversee park operations and visitor services in partnership with the Parks Director
- Support readiness for Phase One opening, including staffing, systems, and service delivery
- Manage facilities and operational infrastructure, including offices and rental properties
Qualifications
- 10 years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofit or similar mission-driven organization.
- Proven success in scaling organizations and managing growth
- Experienced in team leadership, operations, and organizational development Non-profit financial literacy
- Track record of building high-performing teams and systems
- High integrity and strong judgment
- Excellent communicator and relationship builder
- Strategic thinker with strong execution skills
- Deep commitment to people management and team development
- Ability to balance high standards with strong staff support
Compensation:
Full-Time, Salary range $145,000- $170,000, with competitive benefits.
Contact:
Please submit a resume and cover letter as one combined document and brief writing sample as part of your application. Further information can be found on our website: https://hhft.org/news/opportunities/. No phone calls
Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail and Scenic Hudson provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. Decisions related to all terms and conditions of employment are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Skills Required
- 10 years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofit or similar mission-driven organization.
- Proven success in scaling organizations and managing growth.
- Experience in team leadership, operations, and organizational development.
- Nonprofit financial literacy (budget oversight, financial management).
- Track record of building high-performing teams and systems.
- High integrity and strong judgment.
- Excellent communicator and relationship builder.
- Strategic thinker with strong execution skills.
- Deep commitment to people management and team development.
- Ability to balance high standards with strong staff support.
What We Do
Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, Inc. aims to create and steward a 7.5-mile linear park along the Hudson River, enhancing access, restoring natural resources, and improving quality of life for local communities.
