Operations Manager
About the role
Collider is hiring an Operations Manager to build, scale, and run the systems that keep our hub functioning. We are looking for a generalist who enjoys digging deep into processes, which for the hub will underpin a seamless member experience, streamline space operations, and empower the hub management team.
The person coming into this role will inherit some pilot processes that will scale, some that won’t, and others that don’t yet exist. We're looking for someone who can triage all three, decide what to fix first, and put in place infrastructure that is responsive to hub needs and scales dynamically.
What you'll do
Internal Systems & Tools Build and maintain the tools, templates, and workflows the team uses every day - project management, vendor tracking, and similar infrastructure. Pick the right tools, set them up well, and keep them tidy.
Operations Partnership Partner with the Experience Manager on day-to-day office operations. You'll analyze member and team feedback and translate it into responsive operational solutions - some simple, some complex. A simple experience might be a seamless room-booking flow. A complex one might be our member application process which branches often and leads into onboarding.
Program Partnership Partner with the Program Manager to support program logistics. Run the operational backbone of fellowships, workshops, retreats, and events - stipend and honorarium payments, participant contracts and agreements, travel and visa coordination, vendor logistics, and day-of execution.
Finance Support Handle accounts payable, expense management, and budget tracking, and serve as the internal point person coordinating with our external bookkeeper/accountant on monthly close and reporting.
People Ops Support Manage onboarding and offboarding and contractor agreements, and act as the internal liaison with our payroll and benefits vendor, keeping policies consistent across the team.
Compliance & Legal Coordination Support entity filings, insurance, contracts, and data/privacy basics, working with outside counsel when needed.
Vendor & Contractor Management Negotiate, onboard, evaluate, and renew vendor and contractor relationships. Keep a clear picture of what we're paying for and whether it's working.
Documentation & Process Improvement Turn ad-hoc processes into documented workflows, identify what's slowing the team down, and ship improvements.
Physical Space As we grow, you may help coordinate physical space logistics: working with contractors and vendor coordination. This isn't the core of the role, but interest here is a plus.
What we're looking for
Required
3+ years of operations experience at a startup, nonprofit, research organization, or similarly small, multi-functional environment.
Strong systems thinking: able to look at a messy process, identify the underlying structure, and design a cleaner one without over-engineering it.
Strong operational instincts: reliable follow-through, consistent attention to deadlines, and a track record of running back-office functions smoothly.
Comfortable onboarding, configuring, and customizing operational tools (e.g., Mercury, Asana, Notion, Airtable, Slack), and able to learn new platforms as needs evolve.
Clear communicator and collaborator: writes clearly, shares context proactively, and keeps teammates, vendors, and partners aligned.
Discretion and good judgment: comfortable handling sensitive financial, personnel, and legal information with appropriate care.
Comfortable with ambiguity and ownership: able to work without an established playbook and to propose solutions rather than wait for direction.
A hospitality mindset. You think about how members experience the space, not just how the process runs on paper, and you're energized by helping people make the right connections in a multi-cause community.
Nice to have
Experience scaling operations at a scaling start-up
Prior experience at an AI lab, AI safety organization, research institute, or other mission-driven organization in adjacent fields.
Interest in AI, technology, or research environments - not required, but you'll find the work more rewarding if you're curious about what the people around you do.
Experience with, or interest in, light construction and build-out management, as we anticipate growing our physical footprint.
Logistics
Location: Hybrid NYC
Compensation: $100k to $125k
Reports to: Director
Start date: As soon as possible
Our hiring process
Application Review
Screening Interview
Paid Take-Home Exercise
Final Interview
In-Person Paid Work Trial
Reference Check + Offer
How to apply
Apply through Ashby. We will prioritize applications received before August 1. You're welcome to apply after that date, but we may be slower to review and respond.
Equal opportunity
Collider is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, including the New York State and New York City Human Rights Laws.