Director of Operations

About The Plaza District Council:

The Plaza District Council (PDC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Kansas City’s iconic Plaza District through public realm improvements, community engagement, transparent communication, and thoughtful advocacy. Our work brings together residents, businesses, civic partners, and cultural institutions to help shape a district that is walkable, welcoming, and thriving — today and for generations to come.

The Plaza is entering a historic moment of transformation, with major investments on the horizon and growing interest in creating a vibrant, connected public realm. To meet this moment, PDC is expanding its internal capacity and seeking a Director of Operations to help build the systems, stability, and organizational strength needed for the next phase of our work.

Position Summary:

The Director of Operations is the organization’s internal anchor — a highly organized, mission-driven professional who ensures that PDC’s daily operations run smoothly and that our growing workload is supported by clear systems, thoughtful coordination, and reliable execution.

This role works closely with the CEO to bring structure to a fast-moving environment. The Director of Operations manages operations, finances, administrative workflow, and project coordination, ensuring that PDC remains responsive, transparent, and effective as a trusted district convener.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, enjoys creating order out of complexity, and thrives in a collaborative setting where community, place, and people matter.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure a well-organized, efficient, and responsive organization.

• Accountable for internal systems, project trackers, calendars, workflows, and documentation.

• Oversee technology tools (CRM/ Bloomerang, Mailchimp, Canva, Website, Google Workspace, project software, mailing systems).

• Point person on public realm initiatives

Financial & Administrative Coordination

• Coordinate with the bookkeeper/accountant on AP/AR, payroll, coding, and reporting.

• Accountable for annual budgeting, financial tracking, and grants documentation.

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit standards, recordkeeping, insurance, and filings.

• Support donor stewardship workflows (receipts, tracking, acknowledgments).

People & Talent Support

• Support the CEO with administrative elements of the hiring process, including drafting job descriptions, posting positions, managing candidate inquiries, and scheduling interviews.

• Maintain organized applicant records and ensure timely, professional communication with candidates.

• Coordinate onboarding logistics for new staff, preparing materials and access to systems.

Project & Public Realm Support

• Identify and manage public realm and infrastructure priorities in the Plaza District

• Follow-up and coordinate with city departments, consultants, and community partners on project logistics

• Advocate with elected officials and city staff for timely resolution of infrastructure needs

• Track deliverables, budgets, schedules, and communications for PDC projects.

• Support planning and execution of district tours, stakeholder meetings, and community events.

• Monitor and document progress on public realm initiatives (wayfinding, landscaping, lighting, etc.).

• Assist with the creation and implementation of a Community Improvement District (CID) for the Plaza area.

Board Committee & Governance Support

• Assist with coordination of board committees, managing schedules, agendas, communications, and tracking committee workplans and deliverables. 

• Ensure board and committee records are accurate, accessible, and well-maintained.

• Responsible for developing governance, tools, templates, and processes that strengthen board effectiveness and transparency and planning board retreats.

• Support the creation and ongoing coordination of a high-level Business Council composed of influential district stakeholders and major donors. Responsibilities include managing membership communications, scheduling quarterly gatherings, preparing materials, supporting event logistics, and helping ensure that participants experience meaningful engagement and connection.

Communications & Community Support

• Collaborate with local residents, neighborhood associations, and merchant groups to identify shared infrastructure goals

• Manage monthly coffees and happy hours in the District

• Attend meetings and workshops to present project updates or gather input

• Support community education and engagement on project timelines, impacts, and benefits

• Responsible for marketing efforts - internal/external communications, updates, and meeting summaries.

• Oversee production of e-newsletters, website updates, and public information posts as needed

• Ensure responsiveness to residents, businesses, and stakeholders.

• Support the CEO  and Board in delivering clear, consistent messaging across partners.

Qualifications

Required:

• 7–10 years of experience in operations, project management, nonprofit administration, public sector coordination, or a related field.

• Strong organizational and systems-building skills.

• Able to manage multiple projects with accuracy and grace in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

• Comfort with financial processes and administrative tools.

• A collaborative spirit and commitment to PDC’s mission for a vibrant, people-centered Plaza District.

Preferred:

• Experience working in place-based organizations (improvement districts, conservancies, Main Street programs, civic nonprofits).

• Familiarity with urban planning, community development, or public infrastructure projects.

• Proficiency with CRM and project management platforms.

Salary & Work Environment:

• Anticipated salary range: commensurate with experience.

• Hybrid schedule with regular on-site presence in the Plaza District co-work space

• Occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekend events.

How to Apply:

Please submit a résumé and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the role and alignment with PDC’s mission to info@plazakc.org