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 workflows, 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

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

• Create and maintain internal systems, project trackers, calendars, workflows, and documentation.

• Develop processes that support reliability, transparency, and strong follow-through across the team.

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

Financial & Administrative Coordination

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

• Assist with annual budgeting, financial tracking, and grants documentation.

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit standards, record keeping, 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.

Board Committee & Governance Support

• Guide administrative staff to coordinate and support 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 Advisory Group 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

• Responsible for 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 in delivering clear, consistent messaging across partners.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• 5–10 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