Director of Operations and Strategy

Position Title: Director of Operations and Strategy

Reports To: Executive Director

Supervises: Administrative Assistant, Financial, HR, and Other Administrative Contractors (as assigned)

Vigilant Hope is a Christian ministry in Wilmington, NC, whose dual mission includes practicing holistic Christian Community Development in Wilmington’s Southside neighborhood and equipping faith communities to alleviate poverty. For nearly 20 years, we have been strategically present within the streets, church, and city, educating and equipping people to actively combat poverty. Today, our organizational programming focuses on youth leadership development, economic development, street outreach, safe homes, and helping congregations leverage their assets to help “move the needle” in addressing root causes of poverty and to seek God’s Kingdom‑ on earth as it is in heaven.

The Director of Operations and Strategy is a leadership role that partners closely with the Executive Director to shape and support the next chapter of Vigilant Hope’s growth. This position serves as the organization’s primary operational leader, responsible for building, scaling, and stewarding the systems that sustain mission impact and enable strategic expansion. This position will play a key role in operational development of future economic and housing initiatives.

The Director of Operations and Strategy oversees organizational infrastructure including finance, human resources, IT, administration, facilities, and risk management and plays a critical role in ensuring Vigilant Hope is structurally prepared to grow with integrity, accountability, and faithfulness to its mission. This role regularly interfaces with the Board of Directors and external partners.

• Design, implement, and scale organizational systems that support program growth, operational excellence, and long‑term sustainability.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director, contributing to organizational vision, long‑range planning, and executive decision‑making.
• Regularly assess the health and effectiveness of internal systems and workflows, leading continuous improvement efforts.
• Establish and maintain core technology platforms (CRM, HR systems, financial software, and internal tools) that support staff effectiveness and mission impact.
• Develop and oversee IT policies related to data security, access management, compliance, and infrastructure risk.
• Lead organizational risk management planning across financial, operational, legal, and programmatic areas.

• Manage and monitor all financial systems, including Quick Books, payroll, donor contributions, grant compliance, and Vigilant Hope Roasting’s financial performance.
• Collaborate with external accountants and auditors to ensure compliance with tax filings, audits, and nonprofit financial standards.
• Prepare and analyze budgets, forecasts, and financial statements, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with nonprofit best practices.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, tax filings, and nonprofit best practices.

• Provide executive‑level oversight of all financial systems, including budgeting, forecasting, payroll, donor contributions, grant compliance, and internal controls.
• Partner with external accountants, auditors, and financial advisors to ensure compliance with nonprofit financial standards, audits, and tax filings.
• Prepare, analyze, and present financial reports to the Executive Director and Board of Directors to support informed strategic decisions.
• Ensure financial systems and controls are positioned to support future growth, including expanded programming, facilities, and social enterprise initiatives.

• Work alongside the Executive Director and Director of Social Enterprise to ensure sustainable growth, operations, and financial management of Vigilant Hope social enterprises.
• Monitor the Vigilant Hope Roasting’s key performance metrics, financial health, and operational…