Senior Manager, Operations & Strategy

Overview

The United States Tennis Association, Northern California Section (USTA Nor Cal), based in Alameda, California, is a not-for-profit volunteer-based organization promoting and growing the game of tennis across Northern California and Northwest Nevada since 1953. As one of 17 geographic sections of the governing body of tennis in the United States, USTA Nor Cal is dedicated to building an active and engaged tennis community for players of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.

The team champions tennis through grassroots programs, leagues, tournaments, scholarships, grants, and education resources.

The Role

Manage and oversee USTA Nor Cal business Operations, including Finance, Information Technology, Data Analytics, Office Services, and basic Human Resources. Act as a business partner to the Executive Director and senior leadership to problem-solve, develop, and execute long-term operational strategies that drive innovation, efficiency, compliance, and organizational performance. This is a hands-on role requiring strategic business acumen with an industrious approach.

• Serve as a strategic operations business partner to the Executive Director by providing frequent, transparent updates on the status of all operational areas, including progress, risks, and areas of opportunity, with clear and actionable recommendations.
• Proactively identify, address, and solve operational needs, anticipate challenges, and drive solutions independently—rather than operating in a passive or task-directed manner.
• Partner with the Executive Director and senior leadership to develop, implement, and monitor long-term operational business plans and business performance goals.
• Translate organizational strategy into effective tactical execution and results across departments.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Lead, manage, motivate, and develop the Operations Department staff.

Finance

• Oversee the annual budgeting process in partnership with the Controller and department leaders.
• Review and approve expenditures; monitor financial performance, projections, and variances.
• Hands-on work within a workforce management software system combining HR, IT, Expense, and Finance apps on a unified data platform (Rippling).
• Build, sort, and analyze spreadsheets as needed.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting for leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Manage the Controller to ensure aligned financial deliverables and deadlines are completed.

Human Resources (Basic HR Operations)

• Oversee basic HR operations within the workforce management software system (Rippling), including onboarding, offboarding, benefits administration, payroll coordination, and HR vendors.
• Support recruitment coordination and hiring logistics in collaboration with department leaders.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, organizational policies, and workplace best practices.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Rippling software operation and updates.
• Serve as a point of contact for HR operational policies and procedures.

Administration/Operations

• Oversee organizational risk management, including insurance coverage (Workers Compensation program, general liability, property, equipment, and directors’ and officers’).
• Ensure operational activities are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with policies.
• Coordinate all operational aspects of the Annual Nor Cal Board of Directors elections, which requires familiarity and/or quick comprehension of Board procedures.

Office Services

• Manage and act as the point person for the physical office facilities (including a large, attached storage warehouse and forklift) and all office-related needs.
• Negotiate, manage, and oversee vendor and independent contractor agreements.
• Oversee materials, equipment, and inventory management.
• Ensure OSHA compliance and workplace safety programs.

Information Technology

• Provide strategic and operational oversight of IT services without direct involvement in the technical execution.
• Partner with IT stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and implement system improvements and technology innovations aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee IT…