Director of Operations

We’re hiring!

The Abigail Adams Institute (AAI), located in the heart of Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is seeking an enthusiastic, highly organized, and dynamic Director of Operations (DO) to lead and manage the operations and finances of our nonprofit organization.

As a forward-thinking and independent scholarly institute, AAI is dedicated to reviving traditional liberal arts education at Harvard and other leading universities in the Boston area. Through engaging programming such as reading and discussion groups, workshops, intellectual retreats, lectures, faculty conversations, and mentorship opportunities, AAI cultivates a cross-disciplinary environment with events that supplement students’ formal academic courses with deeper intellectual exploration. Inspired by Abigail Adams—whose wisdom, insight, and commitment to education profoundly impacted the early development of the United States—our institute is dedicated to fostering an academic community that deeply understands the importance of the humanities in the perennial pursuit of wisdom.

 

The Role

As the Director of Operations, you will play a key role in overseeing the Institute’s day-to-day operations, financial management, and organizational logistics. This is a unique opportunity to refine your nonprofit administration skills while engaging with a community that values intellectual growth. You will also enjoy access to AAI’s enriching programming, offering continuous intellectual formation alongside your professional responsibilities.

 

What You’ll Be Doing:

Accounting & Financial Management:

  • Oversee the Institute’s bookkeeping and work with external accountants to ensure smooth financial operations.

  • Manage financial reporting for grants and maintain the annual budget.

  • Ensure compliance and coordinate the annual audit.

  • Utilize your IT skills to keep financial processes running efficiently.

Development & Grant Management:

  • Assist with grant applications, including narrative reporting and new proposals, and administer grants.

  • Donor outreach and participation in fundraising campaigns.

  • Maintaining up-to-date donor information in our CRM system.

Human Resources:

  • Manage payroll and compliance.

  • Onboard research assistants, interns, and new employees.

General Administration:

  • Oversee utilities, negotiate contracts, and manage office space.

  • Collaborate with the Director to streamline data collection and management.

  • Assist with donor relations and database administration.

Event Planning and Management:

  • Coordinating with fellow staff, faculty, students, and other organizations to plan and execute events.

 

What We’re Looking For:

  • A Bachelor’s degree and a passion for the mission of the Institute.

  • Strong experience in Excel, with a curiosity and ability to quickly master new platforms.

  • Exceptional attention to detail and strong communication skills.

  • A self-starter with the ability to juggle multiple projects and work independently.

  • Familiarity with QuickBooks or other accounting software is a plus.

  • Understanding of GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) and nonprofit accounting principles is desirable but not required.

  • Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as needed is a must.

Preferred Experience:

  • 1-2 years of bookkeeping or grant management experience is ideal, but we are open to training candidates eager to learn.

  • 1-2 years of event planning and management experience is also a bonus.

 

Why You Should Apply:

  • You’ll be part of a passionate, intellectually vibrant community that is committed to reinvigorating traditional liberal arts education.

  • You’ll develop valuable administrative skills while receiving continuous intellectual formation through AAI's programs.

  • Work in a collaborative and supportive environment in Harvard Square, Cambridge.

 

Salary & Benefits

The starting salary for this position is commensurate with experience and skills.

AAI offers paid time off in addition to the standard holidays. 

AAI Employees are eligible for health insurance and retirement plan benefits after one year of employment. 

 

To apply, submit your resume, cover letter, and the names/contact information of two references. Please compile all documents into a single PDF file and send them to Danilo Petranovich, Director of Operations, at director@abigailadamsinstitute.org.

We look forward to learning how your unique talents and experiences will help further the mission of the Abigail Adams Institute!