Director of Partnership, Strategy & Operations

About Play Like a Girl

Play Like a Girl is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to leveling the playing field for girls in sports and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). For over 20 years, we have empowered girls through programs designed to inspire confidence, foster leadership, and develop skills that prepare them for competitive careers in male-dominated fields. We believe in the transformative power of mentorship, teamwork, and education to unlock potential and create a more equitable world for the next generation. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Play Like a Girl operates remotely with a collaborative, innovative and high-performing team committed to creating scalable solutions that positively impact girls and young women nationwide.

Position Summary

The Director of Partnership, Strategy & Operations serves as the CEO’s right hand, ensuring Play Like a Girl operates efficiently, executes its strategic goals, and sustains strong relationships with donors and corporate partners. This role blends operational leadership, strategic planning, disciplined systems, and cross-functional collaboration to strengthen the organization’s infrastructure and long-term sustainability. The Director oversees day-to-day operations, manages organizational platforms (CRM, project management, shared drives), supervises staff (Program Manager, Administrative Assistant, interns/contractors), and serves as the primary point of contact for corporate and major donor relationships until program deliverables are finalized. This is a high-impact leadership role for a strategic thinker who can manage people, systems, and partnerships in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.

Candidates must be fully equipped with a dedicated home office and quiet workspace, along with a reliable computer, high‑speed internet, and phone. Play Like a Girl will provide basic office supplies such as paper, pens, and printer ink to support this setup.

This is a fully remote role with regular onsite responsibilities for meetings and events. Candidates must reside within 60 miles of a major international airport.

Travel Requirements: Approximately 15–25%.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• Lead annual and multi-year strategic planning with the CEO and leadership team to establish measurable goals and priorities.
• Partner with the CEO on annual staffing and capacity planning to align team resources with strategic goals.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable project plans with timelines, deliverables, and budgets.
• Track organizational performance using KPIs, dashboards, and impact data to inform decision-making.
• Oversee execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring cross-departmental collaboration and accountability.
• Research, draft, and prepare board and strategy materials (slide decks, reports, and agendas).
• Support preparation and follow-up for board meetings, including minutes and action tracking.

Operations Management & Executive Support

• Oversee daily operations and cross-departmental coordination to ensure priorities move forward smoothly.
• Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and internal documentation for consistency and knowledge retention.
• Identify and implement tools, process improvements, and automation that increase efficiency and collaboration.
• Manage organizational systems such as the CRM, project management, and document-sharing platforms.
• Liaise with vendors, consultants, and fiscal partners to maintain operational excellence and compliance.
• Oversee scheduling, travel coordination, and logistics for the CEO and organizational activities.
• Track expenses, prepare operational reports, and support budgeting processes.
• Assist with volunteer and mentor onboarding, background checks, and compliance documentation.

Donor & Corporate Partnership Support

• Co-lead the corporate partnership strategy, identifying, pursuing, and securing sponsorships or collaborations aligned with organizational goals.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for corporate partners and major donors until programs or agreements are finalized.
• Oversee donor systems and CRM management to ensure accurate data tracking, acknowledgment, and follow-up.
• Strengthen donor and sponsor relationships through consistent communication, stewardship, and impact reporting.
• Create and manage partnership materials such as proposals, sponsorship decks, and impact reports.
• Coordinate planning and logistics for donor and partner events.
• Track partnership outcomes, measure ROI, and ensure fulfillment of sponsorship commitments.

Leadership, Culture & Team Development

• Supervise staff, consultants, and interns; provide coaching, accountability, and growth opportunities.
• Lead cross-functional coordination and ensure clear communication of priorities.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance management processes.
• Foster a culture of transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration across teams
• ​​Support the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and performance management of staff.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• The CEO can focus on vision, fundraising, and external leadership.
• Strategic initiatives are executed efficiently with measurable progress and strong team alignment.
• Internal operations and systems run smoothly with clear accountability and documentation.
• Donor and corporate partnerships are managed consistently, with strong stewardship and outcomes.
• Staff feel supported, empowered, and connected to the mission.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience in operations, strategy, or nonprofit management
• Proven ability to translate strategic goals into actionable plans and oversee execution across multiple teams or departments
• Experience managing donor relations, sponsorships, or corporate partnerships preferred
• Strong project management, organizational, and analytical skills 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing board materials and executive presentations
• Proficiency with digital tools such as Google Workspace, Asana (or equivalent PM software), and CRM systems (e.g., Little Green Light, Dubsado)
• Experience leading staff and volunteers, including recruitment, onboarding, and performance management
• Passionate about advancing gender equity and educational opportunity through programs that empower girls

Pay & Benefits (after 90 days of employment)

• Salary Range: $80,000–$90,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Retirement: 403(b) with employer match after three years of service.
• Work Environment: Fully remote role with regular onsite responsibilities and occasional travel.
• Health & Wellness: Monthly stipend for medical, dental, vision, fitness, or mental health services; remote‑work support.
• Time Off: Generous PTO package including 12 paid holidays, 4 optional respite days, sick leave, Summer Fridays, and a two-week winter break.
• Professional Development: Annual stipend; mileage/per diem for approved travel.

Career Growth

A high‑impact pathway with visibility to the Board and major partners; potential to evolve into a COO role as the organization scales.

How to Apply

Submit all application materials in a single PDF file. To ensure delivery, submit a copy of the same PDF file via email to [email protected]  with subject line: Director of Partnership, Strategy & Operations Application – [Your Name] including:

• Cover Letter: Outlining your method for turning strategy into systems that scale and highlighting your experience leading organizational systems, managing partnerships, and guiding operational growth.
• Resume: Detailing your strategic, technical, and cross‑functional management qualifications relevant to this role.
• Assessment (one, single-spaced page): Draft a 90-day plan outlining your top priorities for strengthening systems, staffing, compliance, and internal infrastructure to ensure successful stewardship of a transformational gift during a period of accelerated growth.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged. If selected to move forward, candidates will participate in a two-part interview process that includes a 30-minute introductory interview and a 20-minute live presentation with Q&As.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Play Like a Girl is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We encourage applications from rural residents, people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others from historically marginalized groups.