Operations Manager

About Limelight Foundation

Limelight Foundation is an independent philanthropic organisation focused on supporting the information ecosystem. We fund and support journalism and civil society organizations across Europe that focus on:

• producing and distributing independent quality information;
• providing the infrastructure that is necessary for journalists to do their work; and
• the wider enabling environment within which quality information can flourish.

Last year, Limelight Foundation made 30 donations. It currently has over 50 active grantee partnerships. We ideally give multi-year funding which helps improve the sustainability of our grantee partners. Read more about our work in our Annual Report.

About the role

Working closely with the team and external service providers, the Operations Manager is essential to the seamless daily operations of Limelight. As part of a small but growing team, the role is broad. The Operations Manager provides essential administrative support and works closely with the external finance office to ensure sound financial management. The Operations Manager is also responsible for HR and IT, liaising with external service providers where necessary, ensures the smooth running of the office and compliance with laws and regulations.

Main responsibilities

• Finance. Support Limelight’s day-to-day financial operations, the preparation of annual budgets, quarterly financial reporting to the board, annual accounts, and the annual audit. Help ensure a robust control environment.
• Office management. Manage the incoming mail and the general email inboxes, act as the primary point of contact for service providers and book travel for team members.
• IT. Ensure effective IT support, digital safety and the integrity of information held by Limelight. Further automate the grantmaking process. Liaise with the website developer.
• Human Resources. General HR management and administration, including liaising with the external finance office regarding payroll, supporting recruitment and onboarding new colleagues.
• Executive support. Ensure the smooth running of board meetings and events.
• Grants administration. Maintain a sound grants administration, including organising the signing of contracts and keeping records up to date.
• Other. Perform other duties commensurate with the post.

Person specification

• At least five years’ work experience in a relevant role.
• A bachelor’s degree or qualified by experience.
• Strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage a varied workload and competing priorities, and eye for detail.
• Affinity with IT.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Dutch.
• Positive, proactive, can-do attitude.
• Proven experience of working with and relating to a diverse range of people and a pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues, partners and suppliers.
• High level of personal integrity and commitment to Limelight’s mission.
• Right to work in the Netherlands.
• Experience of and interest in working in the not-for-profit or philanthropic sector or international media environment is desirable.

What we offer

• A competitive salary, based on background and experience
• 27 leave days (when working full time) and an 8% holiday allowance
• A one-year contract, with possibility of extension
• Generous pension scheme
• A compensation scheme for the costs of your commute
• Excellent opportunities for personal development
• We combine home working with at least two days per week of office-based working from our office in central Amsterdam, depending on individual and organisational needs
• A 32 hour working week is negotiable

How to apply

Equal opportunities and diversity are fundamental to our mission. We are committed to the recruitment and retention of individuals from diverse backgrounds and who reflect the communities in which we operate.

If you are enthusiastic about this role and recognise yourself in the person specification, you can apply until 30 October 2024 by sending your CV and motivation letter to enquiries@limelight.foundation. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you have any questions, please contact Alinda Vermeer (Director) at alinda@limelight.foundation.

The first round of interviews will take place on 7 and 12 November in Amsterdam.