Vice President of Operations

About the Role and Organization

Outcapped is recruiting on behalf of a client, a biodefense policy advocacy group based in Washington, DC. This founding position within a newly established 501(c)(4) organization is focused on protecting the United States from biological threats. As the inaugural leader of the operations function, the Vice President of Operations will be responsible for designing and implementing the organizational infrastructure, systems, and procedures essential for mission execution from the outset.

The VP of Operations will be the backbone ensuring operational excellence, establishing frameworks for the team to operate efficiently, managing vendor and partner relationships, and resolving any obstacles that could impede progress. This role involves both strategic system design and hands-on execution in a dynamic environment. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the VP will also influence organizational strategy and growth.

The organization is a national policy advocacy entity dedicated to bolstering U.S. defenses against biological risks, including natural, accidental, and intentional biothreats. It pursues a comprehensive agenda covering prevention, detection, readiness, and response efforts, collaborating closely with legislative and executive branches to enact related policies and laws. The group also supports a robust biotechnology sector that enhances national security and public confidence. The team comprises bipartisan former senior officials and leverages an extensive advisory network of experts from government, industry, public health, science, and security sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the operations division encompassing administration, finance, HR, compliance, technology, and risk management systems.
• Manage the setup and ongoing operations of the Washington, DC office including site selection, lease agreements, office preparation, security, and facility upkeep.
• Maintain productive partnerships with external vendors, consultants, insurance providers, accountants, and legal counsel.
• Develop and oversee the organization’s annual budgeting, financial reports, cash flow management, and internal controls.
• Supervise bookkeeping, payroll, tax compliance, audits, and interaction with external financial service vendors.
• Build and supervise people operations including recruitment logistics, onboarding, payroll and benefits administration, policy development, performance management, and offboarding.
• Collaborate with leadership to design organizational structure, clarify role definitions, decision-making authority, and staffing plans.
• Oversee IT infrastructure, cybersecurity measures, data systems, and internal collaboration software.
• Implement policies, operational procedures, document and records management, and approval workflows.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations including nonprofit compliance, lobbying registration, governance, and employment laws.
• Manage insurance coverage, business continuity planning, and operational risk mitigation.
• Identify and address operational inefficiencies to support smooth organizational workflows.
• Serve as the chief point of accountability for operational matters, guaranteeing timely resolution of issues.
• Provide strategic advice to the Executive Director and leadership on organizational strategy, HR matters, culture, and growth initiatives.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience creating or managing operations in organizations that have experienced early-stage growth or scaling.
• Background in nonprofit or advocacy operational management, including compliance, finance, and organizational leadership; direct experience with 501(c)(4) entities is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks for advocacy groups or comparable experience in political or government-related environments.
• Proven expertise managing budgets, financial reporting, accounting vendors, payroll systems, and establishing sound internal financial controls.
• Experience overseeing people operations covering hiring, benefits, policy formulation, onboarding, and performance evaluation systems.
• Demonstrated capability to operate independently, make decisions amid uncertainty, and build infrastructure from the ground up.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple complex tasks concurrently.
• Experienced in vendor and external partner selection and relationship management.
• High discretion in managing sensitive personnel, legal, financial, and organizational data.
• Flexible in strategic and hands-on roles within a growing organization where job responsibilities evolve.

Compensation and Benefits

This position offers a salary range of $175,000 to $250,000 annually, dependent on experience and qualifications. The organization will provide a competitive benefits package.

Interview Process

• Initial application evaluation
• Screening interview
• Paid take-home assignment
• Final round interviews
• Reference verification
• Offer extended