ESFL Operations Manager
Status: 0.75 FTE, exempt, varied hours (approx 30 hours a week)
Reports to: ESFL Executive Director
Salary Range: $40,000-$45,000 (depending on experience); benefits-eligible (health, dental, and vision coverage)
Priority Deadline: Friday, August 28th, 2025.
About the East Side Freedom Library
East Side Freedom Library is a builder and connector in a community which has suffered from silos of interests, capital disinvestment, and political neglect over the years. Founded in 2013, ESFL uses our collections and our programs to bridge the common histories of the people of the East Side (immigrants, working class, people of color, people living in poverty, and much more) to a shared understanding of moving forward together. Our special collection of over 35,000 books and materials provides a basis for all our work. We use these as a framework to support our neighbors as they create new knowledge and action in our communities. Our mission is to mobilize community knowledge for solidarity, justice, and equity for all. Our work is designed to be intersectional, with each program area connecting to multiple resources and communities.
Position Summary
The Operations Manager is a self-motivated, relational and detail-oriented individual with strong management and communication skills. This position is responsible for coordinating the Library’s day to day operations. This position will also work closely with contract accountants to support bookkeeping and financial processes, support tracking and financial reporting on grants, and coordinate the administrative aspects of human resources and employment processes. Living on the East Side of St Paul is a big plus.
The Operations Manager will work closely with all ESFL staff, as well as Finance, Fundraising and Facilities contractors. The Operations Manager reports to the Executive Director. This is a hybrid position, with the expectation to work onsite 2-3 days a week, and some evenings (for events). Exact schedule will be determined in consultation with staff leadership.
Essential Duties
Operations Management:
- Create and manage operational processes and systems to enhance efficiency, productivity, and secure confidential information.
- Provide administrative assistance, oversee vendors and contracts, and manage vendor accounts and relationships.
- Responsible for office management, including telephone, internet, postage, and supplies.
- Develop and maintain policies, documents, and invoices for space management in alignment with the organization’s mission and values.
- Ensure organizational liability policies and directors and officers insurance policies, are maintained and reviewed, and renewed.
- Coordinate employee benefits for ESFL staff, including healthcare, dental, vision, and payroll.
- Support hiring processes, including onboarding and employment paperwork.
- Create and maintain contracts for contractors.
Programming & Project Management:
- Manage a shared and centralized events calendar.
- Coordinate internal team and contractors to provide necessary support for library hosted events.
- Build and nurture relationships with collaborators, partners, stakeholders, community members, artists and other potential program partners.
Financial Management:
- Monitor grant-related financial information in collaboration with the Executive Director, accountant, and program team, including restricted grant funding.
- Process and track all forms of donations, with the support of contractors.
- With the contract accountant, coordinate timely accounts payable and track receivables.
- Coordinate with the contract accountant to ensure timely financial reporting, including providing documentation for monthly financial statements.
- Coordinate with the accounting firm and external auditors to complete annual financial audits and ensure compliance with regulatory filings.
Other Support:
- Support special projects, including annual appeal mailings, galas, and fundraising events.
- Assist ESFL’s board committees and fund/development team, as needed.
Skills, Wisdom & Experiences:
- Experience with nonprofit organizational administration.
- Experience with grant management.
- Experience including bookkeeping, financial reporting, and payroll, is a plus.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills.
- Detailed-oriented, strong time management skills, and proven drive to complete projects.
- Ability to toggle between relationship building and relational skills and detailed administrative tasks.
- Ability to employ flexibility and creativity in the face of ambiguity and change.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
- Experience working alongside and/or training a variety of team members that include staff, collaborators, and interns.
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and community building.
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse constituents and communities, preferably in Saint Paul’s East Side neighborhoods.
Does this position interest you? Email us at jobs@eastsidefreedomlibrary.org and tell us your story!
Be sure to include your contact information: name, email, and phone number. Please use the subject line “Operations Manager” and compile application materials into one PDF file:
- A document with your story and why you want this position—we are interested in hearing how your interests and journey intersect and why you think this position and ESFL are a good fit for you.
- Your resume, vita, or list of your experiences.
Open until filled; priority deadline for submitting your materials is Friday, August 28th, 2025.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The East Side Freedom Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ESFL does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of age, racialization, religion, gender identity, disability, or other marginalized identities.