Operations Associate

About the role

Acumen is searching for an Operations Associate to support the Acumen Academy's operational functions across various departments. This position is central to ensuring smooth operations that align with strategic objectives, including managing the technology stack, optimizing workflows, and assisting regional teams worldwide. The ideal candidate will combine strategic thinking with practical execution, using technology to enhance the effectiveness of a globally distributed team. You will own the end-to-end execution of operational tasks that keep the Academy running seamlessly, acting as the connective tissue between technology, people, and process. This role requires a proactive mindset to identify friction points and drive initiatives that improve efficiency and clarity for all stakeholders. You will be responsible for maintaining the integrity of our data and systems while enabling other teams to focus on their core objectives. The position demands a balance of autonomy and collaboration, as you work closely with leadership and cross-functional partners to solve complex operational challenges.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Serve as the primary contact for Academy operations, making resources accessible and actionable for all teams.
• Provide logistical support, data assistance, and help implement new processes or tools for regional teams spanning multiple time zones.
• Maintain and improve the onboarding and offboarding procedures and documentation for the Academy team to ensure a consistent experience.
• Manage the schedule for global team meetings, including tracking action items and ensuring rigorous follow-through on commitments.
• Support fundraising efforts by providing accurate data for new concept notes, proposals, events, and grant reporting to enable informed decision-making.
• Connect Development & Partnership teams with relevant Academy colleagues for specific program, region, or sector needs to facilitate collaboration.
• Ensure data accuracy for Academy prospects and partners within the Development & Partnership Salesforce system, safeguarding the integrity of our records.
• Coordinate meetings, report on progress, and follow up on action items for Development & Partnership initiatives to maintain momentum and accountability.
• Act as the main point of contact for technology tools and coordinate closely with the IT team for onboarding, troubleshooting, and user support.
• Evaluate, implement, and retire technology tools in collaboration with program and leadership teams to optimize the technology stack.
• Manage vendor relationships, licenses, and renewals for the technology stack to ensure continuity and compliance.
• Liaise with IT, Legal, and Finance teams to ensure technology systems align with company practices, security standards, and budget constraints.
• Develop and maintain AI-powered integrations and automations to reduce manual tasks and enhance operational scalability.
• Keep system and workflow documentation clear, current, and accessible to support knowledge transfer and process consistency.

Requirements

• Possess at least 3 years of experience in operational or project support roles that demonstrate your ability to manage complex responsibilities.
• Show evidence of working with diverse teams, managing relationships, and overseeing operational workflows in varied contexts.
• Demonstrate experience supporting multi-region or globally distributed teams across different time zones with sensitivity to cultural nuances.
• Exhibit proficiency with Airtable, Slack, Claude, Miro, Salesforce, and HubSpot, leveraging these tools to drive operational excellence.
• Maintain strong written and verbal communication skills to articulate ideas clearly and foster understanding among stakeholders.
• Prove your ability to build relationships and manage multiple stakeholders with competing priorities and expectations.
• Hold permanent authorization to work in Canada, ensuring compliance with employment regulations and eligibility requirements.

Nice to have

• Bring experience in social impact, nonprofit, or remote work environments to understand the unique context of our mission.
• Contribute experience working with fundraising teams to support initiatives that drive sustainable resource generation.

Practical notes

This role operates on a hybrid schedule requiring presence in the Toronto office three days per week, specifically Tuesday through Thursday. Applications will be reviewed and candidates interviewed on a rolling basis, so early application is strongly encouraged to be considered for upcoming opportunities. The position may be filled before a formal deadline due to the dynamic needs of the Academy and the competitive talent landscape. There are no additional travel requirements beyond the standard hybrid schedule, and no visa sponsorship is provided for this role. You must ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria related to work authorization prior to application. This position is integral to the success of the Acumen Academy, and your contributions will have a direct impact on the effectiveness of our global programs.