Description
ABOUT COMMON GROUND KENTUCKY/ACTION
Common Ground Kentucky and Common Ground Kentucky Action are dedicated to supporting and coordinating statewide power building through leadership development, shared strategy development, issue-based campaigns, and civic and voter engagement. We are guided by values of justice and racial equity and work with our partners to build multi-racial people-power grounded in a shared vision for a Commonwealth where everyone thrives.
POSITION
The Operations Manager supports Common Ground’s finances, operations, human relations, and administration. The Operations Manager will work with the Director of Finance & Operations on finance and operations responsibilities and with other team members on event planning, partner management, and development. Common Ground recognizes that to build the power we need for a thriving Kentucky, we need organized people, organized money, and organized infrastructure. The Operations Manager will help Common Ground and its partner organizations strengthen the infrastructure of our ecosystem by documenting, managing and streamlining systems and processes and by supporting the development of shared operations that increase our collective impact. The Operations Manager will also ensure that our work is tracked and reported to stakeholders and relevant entities.
The Operations Manager reports to the Director of Finance and Operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Finance and Administration (30%)
- Assist the Director of Finance & Operations with budgeting process and budget reports
- Perform monthly financial tasks in collaboration with contract bookkeeper including: processing invoices; depositing checks; ensuring accurate recording of expenditures and income; preparing monthly books for the accountant
- Support financial and electoral compliance tracking and reporting, including campaigns and lobbying
- Assist with preparation of tax filings, including form 990, annual audit, W2s and 1099s
- Assist with administering financial processes for fiscally sponsored programs including budgeting and generating monthly financial reports
Human Resources and Operations (30%)
- Help streamline Common Ground’s organizational practices including: documenting and implementing standard operating procedures; updating and maintaining organizational systems, structures, and templates
- Assist with human resources administration including: payroll and reimbursement processing; benefits management; onboarding new staff; personnel documentation
- Support technology and digital security for staff in collaboration with Digital Security Team and IT contractors; manage organization-wide document retention processes
- Manage organizational administration, including: organizing and ordering supplies and equipment; providing administrative support to staff; coordinating logistics and materials for in-person staff meetings & retreats; managing subscriptions; handling IRS, payroll, and insurance notices
- Support board coordination, including: scheduling meetings; prepping logistics; assisting in preparing materials for board meetings & retreats
Partner Support (30%)
- Lead logistical planning for partner events including: securing venues and food; coordinating event materials and supplies; assisting with registration and participant communication; supporting on-site logistics, including overseeing supplies, vendors, volunteers, event set-up, and event tear-down
- Manage accessibility and participation stipend processes including approvals, processing, documentation, and tracking
- Support regranting processes
- Support partner communications and record keeping including: processing incoming email inquiries; updating and managing partner records in CRM
- Improve operational infrastructure in partner organizations by facilitating operations training sessions for partners; providing operations office hours for partners; supporting the development of shared operations for partners
- Provide operational support for programmatic work of fiscally sponsored projects, including stipend processing
Development Support (10%)
- Provide development support to Development Director including: preparing financial documentation for proposals and reports; assisting with gift solicitation and donor record-keeping in CRM; preparing thank you notes and year-end giving statements for donors
- Provide logistical and event planning support for fundraising events and house parties
- Proofread content for website, newsletters, and fundraising materials
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salary Range: $65,000-$70,000 depending on experience and potential. This is a full-time, permanent position based in Louisville, Kentucky, that requires a willingness to occasionally work outside of normal business hours. We practice a 32-hour work week. Working days are Monday through Friday, with each employee having some flexibility in setting their hours. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement plan with 6% employer match, term life insurance, thirteen paid holidays, and three weeks paid vacation and three weeks paid sick days annually.
LOCATION
Common Ground’s office is located west of downtown Louisville, Kentucky. The Operations Manager will work at least one day per week at the office and may work remotely on the other days. Occasional travel may be required.
HOW TO APPLY
If interested, please email your cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references to the email address provided. In your cover letter, tell us why you are interested in this position at this organization and what skills and experience you would bring to the role.
Priority deadline for applications is Monday, June 29, 2026. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.
Common Ground Kentucky Action is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where contributions are valued and celebrated, and our employees thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do the best work of their lives.
Common Ground Kentucky Action believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhances our ability to fulfill our mission. We seek applicants of all backgrounds and identities. Employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications, without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy or parental status, sexual orientation, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, citizenship, physical or mental disability, military service, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established under law. Common Ground Kentucky Action will consider employment for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with applicable laws.
Justice-impacted applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may come from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet all of the qualifications described.
Common Ground Kentucky Action is committed to the full inclusion of all applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please inform us through the email address provided.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum
- Demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity and record of success working with communities of color, women, low-income people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other historically marginalized communities.
- Demonstrated commitment to, and vision for, long-term power-building
- Lived experience that would inform Common Ground’s work throughout Kentucky
- 3+ years of experience in operations, finance, human resources, and/or office management, preferably in political, nonprofit, and/or grassroots organizations
- Experience with event planning
- Expertise in data entry and record keeping
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Willingness and aptitude to learn new technical skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team setting
- Ability to manage several tasks/projects concurrently, with the initiative to achieve goals and effectively prioritize competing priorities
- Experience with QuickBooks Online or an equivalent accounting software
- Experience with Google Suite including Docs, Sheets, Drive or similar platforms
- Ability to travel within Kentucky
Preferred
- Experience with database administration
- Working knowledge of Little Green Light or other donor CRM software
- Experience with 501c3 or 501c4 non-profit compliance
- Communication and editing skills
- Aptitude for systems thinking and financial analysis
- Advanced proficiency in QuickBooks Online or an equivalent accounting software
- Advanced proficiency in Excel and Google Drive
- Valid state driver’s license and a mode of transportation
