Director of Operations

WHAT WE DO

We help build the organizations that serve and support communities around the nation. Blair Search Partners (BSP) is a boutique, highly entrepreneurial, retained executive search and recruiting firm, serving nonprofit and public-sector organizations. Our clients represent almost every area of the sector, including civic and philanthropic institutions, health and human services, education, and the arts. BSP has grown significantly since our founding in 2016, and while the San Diego region remains our base, our work now includes engagements throughout California and nationally as well. Our clients range from start-up 501(c)3 organizations to multibillion-dollar government agencies, which retain us to manage search engagements at all levels, including CEOs, directors, managers, program officers, and support staff. As we prepare to celebrate the firm’s 10th anniversary, BSP is investing heavily in organizational capacity and professional development to further our national growth.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

Hands-on engagement with the local community defines our firm, and each of our 5 team members brings deep connection and experience within the nonprofit sector. BSP invests heavily in ongoing professional development, supporting each team member’s autonomy, community engagement, personal growth, and career trajectory. Given the nature of our work, it is critical that our team members are connected to the community and actively contributing to nonprofit and civic endeavors. We don’t think of this as the business of recruiting: to us, this is the business of community building. Our focus is to create a highly supportive and collaborative work environment, where our team members can do their very best work for organizations across the nation.

BENEFITS & FEATURES

• Salary: $110,000 - $125,000
• Remote work environment
• 401K + match
• Unlimited PTO
• Full employee medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Professional development tuition
• Board membership reimbursement

LOCATION

This is a remote role, with occasional travel for conferences, client meetings, and team retreats.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the CEO, the Director role is broad, collaborative, and plays an important part in both the day-to-day management and long-term success of the firm. In addition to overseeing key operational and administrative functions, the Director serves as a trusted partner to the CEO, providing support across business development initiatives and organizational priorities. The role offers a unique blend of strategic involvement and hands-on execution, requiring strong communication and project management skills, sound judgement, attention to detail, and the flexibility to adapt as priorities evolve. The ideal candidate will pair this skill set with thoughtfulness and emotional intelligence, providing exceptional support to our team and the clients and candidates we serve.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Leadership

• Lead day-to-day operations of the firm, ensuring effective coordination across recruiting, business development, marketing, and administrative functions.
• Support the CEO to drive strategic initiatives, organizational growth, and operational effectiveness.
• Develop and improve systems, processes, and workflows that support scalability, efficiency, and exceptional client service.

Human Resources, Finance & Administration

• Serve as the primary liaison to outsourced professional service providers, including HR, finance, and bookkeeping.
• Oversee payroll, employee benefits, onboarding, offboarding, personnel records, and HR compliance.
• Manage operational budgeting, expense administration, vendor invoicing, reimbursements, and commission tracking.
• Maintain business licenses, registrations, insurance certificates, memberships, and organizational records.
• Coordinate internal meetings, retreats, professional development activities, and administrative support functions.

Business Development & Client Engagement

• Draft and submit proposals, RFPs, pitch decks, and contracts, in close partnership with the CEO.
• Oversee procurement-related activities and contract development/management.
• Manage the firm's CRM and other technology platforms, including the BSP website, HubSpot, LinkedIn, QuickBooks and MS OneDrive; liaise with the firm’s outside IT support.
• Conduct market research to support strategic growth opportunities.

Marketing & Brand Management

• Ensure a cohesive marketing and brand strategy that supports business growth initiatives.
• Oversee execution of BSP's marketing and communications, in partnership with external vendors.
• Ensure consistency of branding, messaging, website content, and social media presence.
• Coordinate thought leadership initiatives, sponsorships, client success stories, events, and digital content.
• Monitor marketing performance and identify opportunities to expand visibility and market reach.

Search Operations & Recruiting Support

• Ensure business functions align with and support search and recruiting operations.
• Coordinate search launch activities to include drafting position announcements, job descriptions, social media and other marketing pieces.
• Ensure search-related data, metrics, and tracking tools remain accurate and current.

Executive Support

• Serve as a strategic advisor and thought partner to the CEO.
• Manage executive priorities, coordinate key projects, and support organizational decision-making.
• Prepare materials, briefings, and communications that advance firm goals and initiatives.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

• Experience in executive search, nonprofit management, consulting, professional services, or other entrepreneurial organizations.
• Skilled at building and maintaining strong relationships with prospective and existing clients and referral partners.
• Demonstrated success leading operations and managing multiple functional areas, with the ability to improve systems, processes, and organizational effectiveness.
• Exceptional project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance strategic priorities, operational details, and competing deadlines.
• Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with a high level of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a wide array of stakeholders and community members, including clients, referral partners, colleagues, vendors, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies, serving as a trusted representative and ambassador of the organization.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and resourceful, with the initiative and leadership presence to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and thoughtfulness.