VP, Operations

About Kira Learning

We live in a world where technology is rapidly changing the educational experiences of students and teachers everywhere, and we have the opportunity to shape how this change takes place. It is Kira Learning’s mission to harness transformative AI technologies to make world-class teaching and learning accessible to everyone. 

Kira is a rapidly growing startup backed by top-tier Venture Capital funds including New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and Andrew Ng’s AI Fund.

About this Role

We are looking for our first VP of Strategy & Business Operations to help solve some of our most pressing business challenges and sit at the intersection of strategy, finance, product and operations. Specifically, this person will be responsible for building and managing financial forecasts, driving annual and quarterly planning, allocating resources efficiently and partnering across the team to spearhead strategic initiatives that push the business forward.The ideal candidate is highly analytical, has strong business acumen, and can solve complex problems and collaborate effectively to carry projects from conception through execution. 

Responsibilities & Duties

• Build out and manage an integrated business planning process across all functions, and evolve all facets of financial forecasting including annual budgeting and long range planning. Be a key thought partner to all business leaders and proactively think through ways to optimize the business to perform more efficiently. 
• Spearhead select strategic initiatives to improve processes and efficiency in the organization, especially in regard to operations.
• Create and maintain SOPs for business operations, ensure systems and processes run smoothly to achieve quality output and uniformity of performance. 
• Work as our controller, including overseeing our relationship with our outsourced accounting firm. You will need to effectively coordinate the delivery of all accounting and financial reports, review incoming invoices and oversee compliance of select company policies (e.g., travel and expense).
• Work with external counsel to oversee multiple aspects of compliance, ensuring we are operating safely and mindfully in regards to various state, federal and international laws.
• Partner with functional leaders (sales, marketing, product) to identify, advance and support cross-company strategic programs that materially improve Kira’s market position and operating effectiveness. 

Experience & Skills

• 12+ years experience in strategy & operations, private equity investment banking, venture capital, or management consulting. Comfort with operating in a fast-paced environment and handling ambiguity. Bonus points for experience in managing various aspects of compliance.
• An ability to oscillate easily from strategic considerations to tactile execution. 
• Master problem solver. You constantly think five steps ahead, anticipating and solving needs before they occur.
• High level of organization. Even when there are numerous priorities, tasks and deadlines, you’re not easily flustered. You can multitask and prioritize quickly, smartly and based on the needs of the business and of leadership.
• High integrity and trustworthiness. You are able to handle the details of highly confidential and critical tasks with discretion and ease.
• Strong emotional intelligence, self awareness and professional maturity.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Ability to confidently and thoughtfully influence across the organization, including with leadership.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; can patiently, professionally and effectively communicate with others. You understand how important the details in communication are too, like body language and vocal tonality. Ability to prepare and give clear and compelling presentations.
• Nimble and adaptable. Can roll with the punches and thrive in a fast-paced, early-stage startup environment.
• A positive, can-do attitude. You’re not deterred by minor setbacks and are able to swiftly overcome ambiguity.
• Will consistently cultivate a culture of inclusion where all team members feel a sense of belonging and can bring their authentic selves to work.
• Expert proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel).

Background Check: Kira Learning will make a conditional job offer in line with local, state and federal laws, and a subsequent criminal, education, and employment history background check will then be issued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: At Kira Learning, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Kira believes that diversity and inclusion among our employees are critical to our success as a company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Selection for employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.