Organizational Summary:
Girls on the Run Chicago is a local nonprofit organization that operates in agreement with Girls on the Run International and is dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. We inspire girls in 3rd–8th grade to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.
Position Summary:
The Business Operations Manager serves as a key operational leader for Girls on the Run Chicago (GOTRC), ensuring the organization’s core business functions run efficiently, accurately, and in alignment with financial, legal, and administrative requirements. This role owns the day-to-day infrastructure of the organization, spanning finance coordination, compliance, office operations, and technology systems.
Working in close partnership with the Executive Director and cross-functional team members, the Business Operations Manager connects and supports essential processes across the organization, including HR administration, payroll coordination, and program operations. This individual plays a critical role in maintaining strong systems, enabling staff to focus on delivering high-quality programming and advancing GOTR Chicago’s mission.
This role manages sensitive financial and personnel information and requires a high level of discretion, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Financial Operations & Vendor Coordination
- Serve as the primary liaison to the third-party financial services firm (Abilene) for recurring workflows, reporting, and audits
- Coordinate month-end close activities and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting
- Maintain the deposit log; prepare and deposit checks in coordination with the Development Manager to ensure accuracy
- Partner with the Impact Team to support financial reporting for government grants, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance
- Maintain compliance with fiscal policies and procedures
- Track invoices, vendor payments, and expenses in partnership with Abilene; maintain organized and accurate financial records
- Support annual budgeting and financial planning in partnership with the Executive Director
Compliance, Licensing & Organizational Records
- Maintain federal, state, and local business registrations, licenses, and required filings
- Oversee insurance policies, ensure compliance, and manage requests for certificates of insurance
- Manage document retention practices, including secure storage, organization, and destruction of records as appropriate
- Ensure operational compliance with HQ requirements and support required reporting
Office & Administrative Operations
- Serve as the primary liaison with our third-party co-working provider (WorkBox); manage office logistics, including lease coordination and renewals
- Manage office supplies and administrative procurement
- Oversee vendor contracts and relationships related to office operations
- Lead logistics for internal and external meetings, including staff and Board meetings and retreats
- Maintain physical and digital filing systems, ensuring records are organized, accessible, and up to date
Technology & Systems Management
- Serve as the primary contact for our third-party IT vendor (BILD Group); coordinate staff tech support and training
- Manage procurement, setup, and inventory of staff technology devices
- Maintain administrative oversight of key systems, including access coordination for platforms such as Salesforce and QuickBooks
- Support the implementation, training, and maintenance of technology policies and best practices
Payroll & HR Systems Support
- Partner with the Executive Director to support payroll processing through the PEO (Ripping); ensure documentation is accurate and submitted on time
- Maintain employee records and documentation with a high level of confidentiality
- Lead administrative processes for benefits enrollment in coordination with the Executive Director, including required reporting to providers
- Support onboarding and offboarding processes in partnership with hiring managers, ensuring documentation, system updates, and consistency across processes
- Monitor PEO compliance alerts to ensure adherence to federal and state labor laws
- Coordinate with external HR and benefits partners to address compliance requirements, benefits administration, and employee inquiries
- Support regular review and updates of the employee handbook to ensure alignment with current policies and organizational practices
Programmatic Operations Support
Support program operations through coordination of inventory, materials, and logistics across peak seasons. This role will require occasional evening and weekend support aligned with program needs.
Program Inventory & Storage
- Develop and manage systems to track program inventory, leveraging volunteers where appropriate
- Oversee organization and maintenance of program storage units
- Support procurement, receipt, and distribution of program materials
Snack Card Program
- Manage procurement, tracking, and distribution of snack cards for program sites
Registration Support
- Assist with registration-related administrative processes and communications
- Ensure timely availability of materials at program sites and maintain accurate records
- Provide additional operational support as needed
Girls on the Run values the well-being and growth of our staff. We offer a supportive and inclusive work environment, a collaborative team culture, and a variety of benefits designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally. Benefits may include:
- Flexible work arrangements and schedules to support work-life balance
- Generous paid time off, including:
- 18 days of PTO
- 19 paid holidays
- 3 floating holidays
- The week of Thanksgiving
- Time off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
- 3% automatic 401(k) employer contribution
- Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision (75% employer-paid / 25% employee-paid)
- 12 weeks of medical leave (in accordance with applicable laws and organizational policies)
- $25,000 employer-sponsored life insurance policy
- $500 annual professional development reimbursement
- Partial reimbursement for internet and cellphone service
- Collaborative and mission-driven work environment with passionate colleagues and volunteers
- Opportunities to participate in and experience Girls on the Run programs and community events
- Recognition and appreciation programs that celebrate staff contributions and achievements