Operations Associate

Full-Time Position
Start Date: August 18, 2025

Who We Are

CROP (Creating Restorative Opportunities and Programs) is an Oakland-based 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to reimagining reentry through a holistic and human-centered model. Driven by innovative approaches to education, advocacy, housing, personal leadership development, and workforce pathways, CROP works to reduce recidivism and create opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. Founded by leaders with direct lived experience in the criminal justice system, CROP’s programs aim to transform lives and communities.

What You’ll Do

The Operations Associate plays a crucial role in supporting CROP’s office and operational functions to ensure seamless internal processes. This position is responsible for handling key operational tasks, including but not limited to staff technology support  (account creation and troubleshooting across organizational platforms), inventory tracking, general administrative support, and front desk management. The Operations Associate will collaborate with various departments to provide logistical and operational support that enhances efficiency and collaboration across the organization.

ADMINISTRATIVE & OPERATIONAL SUPPORT 

• Manage CROP's inventory systems by tracking technology assets, coordinating procurement, ensuring adequate equipment is maintained across the organization, and providing basic IT support to staff

• Oversee office supply systems, including stock assessments and purchasing

• Conduct research and develop proposals or summaries to support decision-making on operational needs such as furniture, internet providers, and other vendor services

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of administrative requests across departments, including ordering supplies, coordinating logistics for program activities, and communicating relevant operational updates to the team

• Support the execution, and in some cases planning, of organizational events, including staff gatherings, community meetings, and program activities

• Monitor and respond to CROP’s general email inbox, including triaging and coordinating timely responses to internal and external inquiries

• Coordinate and deliver training for staff and contractors on financial processes, including invoicing and reimbursements, to ensure understanding and adherence to organizational policies.

RECEPTION & FRONT DESK MANAGEMENT

• Serve as the primary receptionist during regular business hours by answering calls, greeting and directing visitors, and managing sign-in/sign-out procedures in accordance with CROP’s protocols and standards for safety and professionalism

• In collaboration with Director of Operations, coordinate coverage for the front desk during absences, including lunch breaks, vacation time, meetings, and other commitments, ensuring continuous reception services during operating hours

• Manage incoming and outgoing mail, packages, and deliveries, ensuring proper documentation and notification to recipients

• Maintain a clean, welcoming reception area and environment that reflects CROP’s values and professional standards while upholding organizational protocols and procedures

OFFICE & FACILITIES COORDINATION

• Coordinate office/facility usage and set up spaces for internal and external gatherings, including arranging furniture, basic tech set-up, and food/refreshments

• Develop and maintain systems or procedures to streamline office operations (ie: create a meeting room reservation system, upgrade mail log sheet, etc.)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all office or facility maintenance issues including logging staff reports and tracking requests and resolution 

• Coordinate with necessary parties (including internal staff, Fellows, and/or external vendors) to schedule repairs and service calls as needed

• Conduct phone inquiries to various vendors to gather information, request services, or follow up on outstanding items as needed

• Ensure completion of facility cleaning procedures and checklist

TEAM COLLABORATION & ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

• Support staff engagement and recognition activities including team outings, birthday celebrations, work anniversaries, and other events and celebrations

• Support staff and participant onboarding including, but not limited to, distributing equipment, issuing necessary forms, and creating necessary organizational accounts 

• Contribute to a positive, mission-driven work culture by modeling CROP’s values in interactions with colleagues and external partners.

• Support various operational projects and initiatives as needed to advance CROP’s strategic goals.

Who You Are

You are an organized, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a dynamic environment where operational efficiency is key. You enjoy problem-solving, streamlining processes, and providing behind-the-scenes support that helps teams function smoothly. You're passionate about CROP's mission and eager to contribute to a nonprofit organization that creates meaningful opportunities for justice-impacted individuals.

We believe great talent comes from many backgrounds and career paths - whether you've followed a traditional career trajectory or taken a unique route to this point in your professional journey. We encourage candidates to apply even if they don't meet every qualification listed below. If you're excited about this role and our mission and think you could be a great fit, we'd love to hear from you.

ROLE FOUNDATIONS

For this role, there are a few essential requirements:

• 2+ years of experience in operations, administration, or a related field.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.

• Demonstrated technical proficiency with workplace technology platforms (Google Workspace, Slack, etc.) and basic IT troubleshooting.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

CORE COMPETENCIES

We're especially excited about candidates who demonstrate key competencies that are essential for success in this role:

Knowledge

• Operational Systems: Understanding of administrative best practices and office management procedures

• Inventory Management: Familiarity with inventory tracking methods, supply ordering procedures, and asset management best practices

• Front Desk Operations: Knowledge of reception best practices, visitor management protocols, and professional phone etiquette

Skills 

• Administrative Coordination: Experience managing logistics, tracking assets, and handling day-to-day operational tasks

• Data Entry & Reporting: Ability to maintain organized records and provide accurate reports on inventory and operational activities

• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot minor IT issues and develop efficient solutions for operational challenges

Abilities 

• Attention to Detail: Ability to track multiple operational elements while ensuring accuracy and compliance

• Customer Service Orientation: Ability to create a welcoming environment and interact professionally with diverse stakeholders including staff, program participants with justice system involvement, external partners, and visitors

• Adaptability & Initiative: Comfortable in a fast-paced environment where priorities may shift

• Collaboration: Strong ability to work cross-functionally with different teams and provide necessary support

Additional Details

Compensation & Benefits

This full-time, non-exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, holidays, and paid time off. The hourly wage range for this position is $33.17 to $36.58 per hour.

Schedule

This is a full-time, 40 hour per week, in-person position in our Oakland office. General hours of employment are 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday. The role may require occasional travel to our LA office.

Supervision

This role is supervised by the Director of Operations.

Application

CROP is committed to hiring talented and qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds for all of its roles, with an emphasis on uplifting the proximate leadership of talent with criminal records. CROP believes that the gathering and celebration of unique backgrounds, qualities, abilities and cultures strengthens our workplace and supports the success of our programs. CROP also is deeply committed to equity and as such never discriminates on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, class, conviction history, immigration status, age, ability, or mental health. 

Application Submission Includes

Please submit a resume and cover letter. 

Applications will be received and reviewed until July 6, 2025. After this time, we may continue to review applications on a rolling basis, however, encourage candidates to apply before the deadline and/or as soon as possible. If you have any questions about the application or the position, please contact Matt Braden at mattbraden@croporg.org.