Interim Director of Operations & Planning | Research Nonprofit

This 4-6 month interim engagement supports an independent nonprofit serving the global academic and scientific research community through a period of significant growth and transition. The incoming Director of Operations and Planning will work directly alongside the CEO and senior leadership to translate strategic priorities into an actionable 2027 organisational plan, building the systems, trackers, dashboards, and workflows required to carry that plan forward.

This is a hands-on implementation role, not a strategic advisory position. The successful candidate will have personally built and deployed planning and accountability systems, and will be comfortable facilitating cross-functional planning discussions, assessing existing operational gaps, and recommending sustainable support structures for the longer term. The role is primarily remote, with occasional onsite meetings in New York City, and requires availability during Eastern Time business hours. Candidates must be based in New York or New Jersey.

• Partner with the CEO and leadership team to develop and implement an actionable 2027 organisational plan.
• Translate strategic priorities into defined workstreams, milestones, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
• Create planning documents, trackers, dashboards, reporting tools, and operational workflows directly.
• Establish systems to track progress, improve cross-team coordination, and reinforce accountability.
• Facilitate cross-functional planning discussions and support leaders in adopting consistent processes.
• Assess existing operational practices, identify gaps, and implement practical improvements.

• 8-10 or more years of relevant operations experience, including substantial senior-level responsibility at Director level or above.
• Proven record of personally building and implementing organisational planning, project management, and accountability systems.
• Strong hands-on project management skills, including developing dashboards, trackers, reporting processes, and workflows.
• Experience partnering with senior leadership and coordinating work across departments.
• Background supporting organisations through periods of growth, transition, or change.
• Experience in nonprofit, academic, research, or mission-driven organisations preferred; must be based in New York or New Jersey and available during Eastern Time hours.

TSS is a staffing and search firm specialising in connecting skilled professionals with foundations, nonprofits, and mission-driven organisations across the New York metro region and nationally. The firm places candidates in temporary, temp-to-perm, and direct hire roles, with a strong focus on building lasting relationships and making well-matched placements.