VP of People and Operations

About ASSISTments Foundation

The ASSISTments Foundation is a fast-growing nonprofit that spun out of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in 2019 to expand the reach and impact of ASSISTments, a proven K–12 math practice and assessment platform that helps teachers deliver high-quality feedback and data-driven instruction.

Created by former math teachers who saw the need for more effective and scalable classroom feedback tools, ASSISTments enables educators to assign rigorous math content, collect real-time insights, and personalize instruction — all at no cost to schools.

With more than 100,000 students reached last year, ASSISTments is one of the most rigorously studied and evidence-backed education technologies in the country. The Foundation drives innovation and scale through two core priorities:

• Scaling impact through adoption and partnership with districts and states.
• Advancing research and innovation through collaboration with the ASSISTments Lab @ WPI.

We are entering a new phase of growth: expanding reach, refining our operating model, and ensuring that our people, systems, and resources are fully aligned to achieve our mission. Visit assistments.org for more information.

Opportunity for Impact

ASSISTments is seeking a strategic, operational, and people-centered executive to serve as its first Vice President of People and Operations —a pivotal leadership role that will ensure the organization’s infrastructure, culture, and financial systems are positioned for scale and impact.

Reporting to a Co–Executive Director, Britt Nehaus, and serving as a member of the leadership team, the Vice President will lead three integrated functions: People, Operations, and Finance. This role will oversee the Senior Director of Finance, a part-time Finance Manager, and future hires in HR and Operations. The ideal candidate brings a combination of strategic foresight, systems thinking, and hands-on execution. They will design and lead the systems, processes, and culture that enable ASSISTments to grow sustainably, attract and retain top talent, and deliver on its mission to advance student learning nationwide.

What You’ll Help Us Do:

Lead an integrated strategy across People, Operations, and Finance

• Develop and execute a unified functional strategy that aligns people, systems, and resources with ASSISTments’ mission and growth goals.
• Partner with the Executive Directors and leadership team on strategic planning, budgeting, and performance management.
• Set clear OKRs, monitor progress, and analyze data to inform decisions and improve organizational effectiveness.
• Build strong relationships across staff to stay connected to needs, ensuring systems and structures are responsive and equitable.
• Assess and mitigate organizational risk across finance, HR, and operations; strengthen policies and processes to ensure compliance and scalability.

Finance & Fiscal Stewardship

• Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and audit preparation.
• Supervise the Senior Director of Finance to ensure transparent, compliant, and strategic fiscal management.
• Oversee annual and multi-year financial planning, ensuring alignment between financial systems, staffing plans, and strategic priorities.
• Ensure proper management of grants and restricted funding, compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, and timely reporting.
• Partner with leadership on risk management and sustainability planning to support long-term impact.

Note: The below responsibilities will be either directly owned by the VP or delegated to an additional hire. The VP will assess and design the optimal role to hire once onboarded.

People & Talent Strategy

• Lead the full lifecycle of people management: workforce planning, recruitment, hiring, onboarding, development, performance, and retention.
• Partner with leaders to forecast staffing needs and align organizational design with strategic and financial goals.
• Build equitable, transparent systems for compensation, performance evaluation, and professional growth.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers on team structure, performance feedback, and change management.
• Ensure a positive, inclusive employee experience by fostering belonging, recognition, and continuous learning.
• Oversee HR compliance, benefits administration, and policies, including handbook updates, multi-state labor law adherence, training, and broker relationships.
• Lead annual benefits enrollment, manage vendors and consultants, and ensure compliance with all employee documentation, PTO, and leave policies.
• Partner with leadership to reinforce ASSISTments’ culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

Operations, IT & Organizational Infrastructure

• Oversee operational systems, processes, and technology infrastructure that enable efficiency and collaboration.
• Manage procurement, vendor relationships, and contracts, including data privacy agreements and state or district vendor approvals.
• Ensure compliance with all grant, contract, and reporting obligations, maintaining strong institutional documentation and knowledge management systems.
• Oversee planning and logistics for board meetings, all-staff events, and other key organizational gatherings.
• Ensure data security, system integrity, and accessibility across digital platforms.
• Proactively identify and implement tools, systems, and process improvements that streamline work and support growth.

Who You Are:

• A results-driven strategist. You can operate in an iterative environment and are comfortable with change and ambiguity — you know how to lead through it, prioritize, and keep the team focused on what matters most. You are adept at identifying trade-offs grounded in short- and long-term impact, and engage stakeholders effectively to arrive at a clear and right decision.
• An expert in talent management and culture building. You have a clear sense of what great looks like, and know how to partner with executives and bring a strong, informed point of view to the table — but you also have humility. You know how to listen, adapt, and build trust over time. You know how to meet a team where they are, guide thoughtfully, and scale what's already working well.
• An operational leader who thinks in systems and plans. You're always a few quarters ahead, mapping needs to business goals and making sure we're set up for what's next.
• A team-player with a “do what it takes” attitude. You are not afraid to zoom in, roll-up your sleeves and execute when needed, even as a senior leader.
• A values-driven, empathetic, high-integrity leader who cares deeply about equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as TAF’s mission to advance math achievement.

What You’ve Done

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in HR, operations, or finance, with at least 3 years in an executive or senior strategic capacity.
• Proven success leading organizational growth or transformation in mission-driven or high-growth settings.
• Expertise in HR management, compliance, and multi-state employment law.
• Demonstrated ability to implement systems and processes that strengthen efficiency, culture, and results.
• Strong financial acumen and experience overseeing complex budgets and reporting requirements.
• Experience managing high-performing teams and developing emerging leaders.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, HR management, or a related field.
• Preferred:
  • Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or equivalent) or credentials such as SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or CPA.
  • Experience in education, edtech, or nonprofit sectors.
  • Familiarity with grants management and restricted funding.
  • Track record of effective organizational design and change management.

Working at ASSISTments:

ASSISTments is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and flexible work environment that enables every team member to thrive.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $160,000–$195,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• FSA and HSA options.
• Retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid parental leave.
• Life and short-term disability insurance.
• Five weeks of PTO, five sick days, and sixteen paid holidays annually.
• Flexible work hours and fully remote U.S.-based work structure.
• Annual home office stipend.

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit a resume and cover letter (both required) to Careers@assistments.org. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and employment. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact Suzanne Grace at careers@assistments.org to discuss your needs.

Additional Info & Compensation

The salary range for this position is $160,000-$195,000. The actual offer will be determined based upon level of experience and relevant skills.

All applicants must reside in the United States and must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The ASSISTments Foundation is unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa status, now or in the future.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, The ASSISTments Foundation seeks not just to accept differences, but to celebrate and embrace them for the benefit of our staff, our product, and our community. Employment is based solely on someone’s merit and qualifications directly related to their professional competence. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law. As an organization, we are committed to an equitable and inclusive work environment because we believe it’s the right way to treat people.