About this opportunity
The HistoryMakers lists this Vice President of Business & Operations opportunity in chicago, Illinois. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
The HistoryMakers seeks a highly organized, strategic, hands-on Vice President, Business & Operations to serve as the operational partner and second-in-command to the Founder & President. THIS POSITION IS NOT HYBRID AND/OR REMOTE.
Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.
Reporting to the Founder & President, the Vice President, Business & Operations, will help establish scalable systems, oversee day-to-day business operations, improve organizational efficiency, establish hiring and onboarding efforts, and help implement technology and AI-enabled workflows that reduce administrative burden and improve productivity.
The successful candidate must be comfortable operating both strategically and tactically in a lean organization where flexibility, sound judgment, discretion, and execution are essential.
The HistoryMakers was featured on 60 Minutes: Click on this link Responsibilities
Organizational Operations & Workflow Management
Serve as the primary operational lead for the organization and a strategic thought partner to the Founder & President
Coordinate and monitor organizational workflows across research, archival operations, video production, fundraising, administration, database operations, and related functions
Identify operational inefficiencies and implement improved processes, systems, and workflows
Create organizational structure, operational consistency, and accountability processes appropriate for a growing nonprofit organization
Help build scalable procedures, documentation, and operational best practices across the organization
Support project management and cross-functional coordination across key organizational initiatives
Human Resources & Team Operations
Serve as the primary operational lead for human resources, including employee relations coordination, organizational procedures, employee documentation, and policy implementation
Lead all recruiting coordination, onboarding, employee operations, and day-to-day people management processes across the organization
Partner directly with the Founder & President on staffing strategy, workforce planning, role clarity, hiring decisions, organizational design, and team development
Drive performance management processes, accountability structures, feedback practices, and operational expectations across the organization
Foster a collaborative, ethical, mission-driven, high-accountability workplace culture
Financial & Administrative Operations
Partner closely with the Staff Accountant and Founder & President on budgeting, operational planning, and organizational administration
Review operational data and financial information to improve efficiency and resource allocation
Oversee vendor coordination, facilities management, operational contracts, and administrative infrastructure
Support organizational planning related to growth, operational scaling, and resource management
Systems, Technology & AI Enablement
Help modernize operational workflows through thoughtful implementation of systems, automation, and AI-enabled tools
Partner with technical resources to improve organizational databases, workflows, reporting, and process automation
Evaluate opportunities to reduce manual administrative burden while maintaining quality and organizational integrity
Support the continued evolution of database and operational systems, including FileMaker Pro-related processes
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum of 7 years of experience in operations, nonprofit administration, business operations, people operations, or organizational management
Previous experience in a small organization, entrepreneurial environment, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization strongly preferred
Demonstrated ability to build structure and improve operational effectiveness within a growing organization
Strong project management and organizational leadership skills
Experience overseeing or supporting HR, onboarding, operational systems, or organizational administration a plus
Excellent judgment and ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Outlook
Experience with FileMaker Pro or similar database systems preferred
Behavioral Characteristics
Self-starter who operates with ownership and initiative
Highly organized with exceptional follow-through
Strong problem-solving and prioritization abilities
Adaptable and comfortable wearing multiple hats
Calm under pressure and able to manage competing priorities
Collaborative, ethical, and mission-aligned
High degree of professionalism, maturity, and discretion
Strong attention to detail and operational consistency
Work Location
This is a full-time, on-site position in Chicago, IL. The HistoryMakers does not offer hybrid or remote work for this role.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, with an anticipated range of up to $120,000, depending on experience and fit.
The HistoryMakers offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
403(b)
PTO
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Tuition reimbursement
Student loan repayment assistance
The HistoryMakers was featured on 60 Minutes: Click on this link Apply:
Please send resume and cover letter to
The HistoryMakers
The HistoryMakers, the nation’s largest African American video oral history archive( ), is a one-of-a-kind collection, housed permanently at the Library of Congress. Its website ( ), accessed by millions worldwide, is sited in Wikipedia and used as a “go to” reference tool. Its digital archive has been licensed by colleges, universities, K-12 schools and public libraries for use by faculty, students and patrons and is growing in popularity in the wake of COVID19 and the focus on online learning. xhqgsiq Within the next few years, The HistoryMakers will become the digital repository for the Black experience: providing much needed content, role models, success pathways and frameworks for generations of Americans.
Worksite address
chicago, IL, 60290, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.