Internal Application: Senior Director, Operations - International Social Impact

Sesame Workshop seeks a dynamic process-oriented Senior Director of Operations to lead the International Social Impact Department (ISI). 

The Senior Director, ISI Operations will provide strategic management and operational support for the International Social Impact (ISI) team, working across three core functions: (1) department strategy (2) process and operations, and (3) Country Office support.

The Sr. Director oversees department-wide initiatives and planning, serves as a strategic resource for the ISI Senior Management Team, and ensures the operational effectiveness of the department. The Senior Director is responsible for scaling the operations and systems within ISI to set Sesame Workshop up for success and growth, ensuring that the department’s management, systems, and ways of working meet the needs of our complex and evolving social impact programs through our HQ team and Country Offices in India, Bangladesh, and South Africa. 

Sesame Workshop currently follows a hybrid work model with designated in-office days determined based on the functional nature of the role. This position is based in New York, NY and may require up to 15% travel internationally. 

The Sr. Director reports to the SVP, International Social Impact and serves as a member of the ISI Senior Management Team. The Senior Director will directly supervise the Manager, ISI Operations.

Please Note: The stated salary range in this posting is an average and may not be reflective of individual circumstances. We will review specific salary information during the interview process. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Department Strategy

• Support ISI strategic planning, working closely with SVP, ISI and SW Strategy team to ensure alignment with evolving organizational strategy
• Lead development of departmental goals, articulating ISI-wide priorities and key performance indicators and supporting in the cascading of these goals across ISI’s functional teams
• Manage department budgeting and resource planning process, working closely with SVPs, ISI to ensure financial plans are aligned with departmental priorities
• Oversee workplan development and implementation to execute against annual departmental goals and strategic initiatives, monitoring progress and responding to real-time needs to ensure success, with support from Manager, ISI Operations
• Manage communication related to strategic priorities and progress (including Board Deck, Global Advisory, and other routine internal communications)
• Drive department-wide learning opportunities (including across ISI projects, programs, and functional teams), drawing on ISI’s strategic plan and learning agenda to support continuous improvement of our social impact programming
• Lead strategic initiatives within the department, as needed

Department Process & Operations

• Working with Finance, ensure effective budget management and efficient resource utilization through annual financial planning processes and routine analysis to guide SVP decision-making
• Develop, implement, and oversee improvement of key departmental systems, including Project Management tools, Knowledge Management tools, and Partnership database with support from Manager, ISI Operations
• Maintain critical departmental tools and oversee day-to-day operations across areas including personnel management, communications and reporting, legal, and finance, with support from Manager, ISI Operations (e.g. recruitment and onboarding of new staff, annual goal-setting and performance management processes, PTO management, Staff Allocations, Resource Center, Funded Projects Library, 990 reporting, legal priorities, etc.)
• Develop and oversee implementation of departmental policies and procedures, including the creation of associated tools and templates and delivery of training (e.g., Travel policy, Recruitment procedures, Onboarding procedures, Contract generation, etc.)

Country Office Support

• Service Country Offices to support development and monitoring of Long-Range Plans, acting as a thought partner to Managing Directors
• Provide day-to-day operational support to aid success in the following areas to ensure effective execution of Sesame Workshop’s programming in international country offices:
  • Financial planning and management
  • Resource planning and management
  • Functional operational support and alignment with NY
  • Board and advisory meetings
  • Strategic planning and internal reviews
• Maintain momentum and delivery of results on key strategic initiatives ongoing in ISI, including engagement and alignment with One Sesame strategy, addressing gaps/issues raised in the Country Office Functional Assessment, organization-wide employee engagement process, and decolonization/localization efforts
• Drive connection and shared learning between COs and rest of SW on global work, including through developing country MD cohort and cross-office priorities, and establishing global communities of practice by function

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Master’s degree in Public Affairs, International Affairs, Business Administration, or relevant field
• 8+ years of experience in an operations, strategy, or project management role ideally in an international non-profit or media setting
• Experience of devising and implementing business strategies involving quantitative analysis, conceptualization, and communication of strategic solutions
• Organized self-starter able to take initiative and work independently and make decisions with limited oversight
• Experience managing a team, including proven experience training and supporting the growth of junior team members
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly matrixed organization with a sense of urgency
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, demonstrated ability to aggregate and synthesize complex data and concepts into concise, persuasive, and credible communications
• Strong analytical skills and ability to identify information sources, gather and interpret data, execute analysis, and present findings to team members and stakeholders
• Superior process management skills, including exceptional time management and follow-through, experience with deadline-driven projects in a fast-paced environment, strong attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships and work with key internal and external stakeholders of all levels
• Ability to handle sensitive and/or confidential information and operate with discretion
• Deep understanding of international development, education in low-income and crisis contexts, and/or children’s media

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW - INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL IMPACT (ISI)

Sesame Workshop’s International Social Impact department develops and implements Sesame’s powerful initiatives to serve children and families around the world.  Building upon the familiarity and appeal of the trusted, beloved Sesame Street characters – and their global counterparts – we create and disseminate unique educational resources and tools for families most in need.  Sesame’s research-driven initiatives reach many children who would otherwise have little or no access to early childhood education, and support all aspects of children’s development – including healthy habits; cognitive development in areas such as early literacy and math; mutual respect and understanding; and social-emotional well-being and resilience. We reach and engage children ages 3 – 8 and the important adults in their families and communities using multiple media platforms and innovative strategies – from television and radio to digital media, mobile technologies, classroom materials, teacher/provider training, social media, and more. 

ABOUT SESAME WORKSHOP

Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, the pioneering television show that has been helping kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder since 1969. Today Sesame Workshop is a global educational force for change with a mission to reach the world’s most vulnerable children. We’re in more than 150 countries, serving children through a wide range of media and philanthropically funded social impact programs, all grounded in rigorous research and individually tailored to the needs and cultures of the communities we serve.  

Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity