Manager of Operations, Mexico

Supported by: Director of International Programs

Posting date: Feb. 25, 2025

Position Summary

This position has two primary responsibilities:

• Overseeing LiveDifferent’s operations in Mexico
• Engaging and supporting Build volunteers and Academy students

This position is based in Baja California, Mexico. It may also include seasons of time helping at other Build locations (ex: Dominican Republic) and frequent opportunities to work from Canada.

Responsibilities and Duties

Volunteer Engagement (50%): 

• Maintain tracking and follow-up of relevant Build and Academy leads.
• Plan the logistics of each Build based on volunteer numbers and desired outcomes including but not limited to; creating schedules, booking hotels, arranging transportation and coordinating with other staff.
•  Assist volunteers through the registration process, helping with fundraising, collecting flight details and travel planning.
• Connect with volunteers before their Build trip to ensure they feel prepared and understand what to expect.
• Follow up with volunteers after their Build trip to see how things went, provide updates on the families they built for, and seek ways for continued engagement.
• Prepare and deliver promotional presentations to various stakeholder groups, such as educators, group leaders, etc.
• Help develop and implement strategies to pursue leads and increase volunteer engagement and retention.
• Distribute and review program evaluations.

Program and Community Management (30%): 

In general, plan, host and facilitate the delivery of LiveDifferent’s Build and Academy programs including:

• Execute project construction according to approved budget, profile, timeline, and appropriate volunteer engagement on the worksite.
• Lead group orientations, debriefings and awareness tours.
• Hire and coordinate with local contractors around project details and schedule.
• Manage and supervise local staff.
• Hire, train, and supervise local translators, drivers and contractors.
• Facilitate a positive team dynamic in a supportive and encouraging culture.
• Conduct weekly team meetings with applicable staff.
• Collect and provide information to help with organizational communications and reporting.
• Ensure healthy engagement between communities and Build volunteers.
• Oversee facility rentals optimizing facility usage and ensuring there aren’t scheduling conflicts between Builds and Academy programs.
• Help reach departmental fundraising goals.
• Participating in fundraising events when required and if time permits.

Community Development Oversight (5%): 

• Have a thorough understanding and alignment of LiveDifferent’s Development Model.
• Work with the team in Mexico to oversee LiveDifferent’s development work in that area.
• Network with the local community, government leaders and LiveDifferent Leadership Team to help define and evaluate sustainable efforts.
• Work alongside community leaders in the family selection process.
• Be current with significant events within communities (conflicts, protests, funerals, development by other organizations, etc.).

Financial and Property Oversight (5%): 

• Responsible for overall fiscal management to ensure up-to-date and accurate financial tracking.
• Ensure the use of responsible spending practices subject to LiveDifferent’s Financial policies.
• Work within the Program Budget and individual Builds budgets.
• Ensure receipts and financial information are submitted in a timely and organized manner.
• Complete accurate project budgeting and collecting statistics.
• Assist LiveDifferent’s CFO regarding the legalities of the Mexico Civil Association to ensure all requirements are met.
• Conduct regular inspections of company vehicles and record them on the Inspection Sheet.
• Ensure up-to-date documentation and insurance for all vehicles and property in Mexico.
• Ensure drivers are well-trained and operate vehicles with a high standard of safety in accordance with the Vehicle Operation Policy.
• Oversee and maintain LiveDifferent’s property and houses in Mexico
• Oversee general staff and volunteer well-being and safety.

LiveDifferent Academy (10%): 

• Facilitate/oversee all program aspects including orientation, Spanish classes, community volunteering, social justice classes, ‘week-in-the-life’, building projects, activities and excursions, etc.
• Mentor and coach students in achieving the goals they have set for their program.
• Care for the physical and emotional health and overall experience of students
• Quickly and efficiently deal with and resolve conflict or personal issues
• Oversee accommodations (house cleanliness, meals, organizing, shopping, etc.)
• Review the program regularly including input from all stakeholders involved
• Creatively capture and compile all ‘happenings’ during the Academy via meaningful photos, and create engaging content to help communicate with groups, volunteers, donors, staff and board members

Qualifications:

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal and communication skills
• Professional level of verbal and written communication
• Comprehensive understanding of all of LiveDifferent’s Programs with a common vision and values
• Able to communicate effectively and adaptively with young people and adults
• Experience with Salesforce, Google Suite, social media, and spreadsheets is an asset
• Excellent organizational skills, including time management and prioritization
• Knowledge of and alignment with the values of Servant Leadership
• Fluency in English and Spanish (or a commitment to learning Spanish)
• Team leadership experience
• Similar hands-on international experience is an asset
• Valid driver’s licence (for driving a vehicle with 11 passengers or greater) and  passport that indicates the ability to travel internationally without restrictions
• Self-motivated, resilient, kind, and compassionate
• Basic fleet management and basic construction experience

If you’re passionate about youth empowerment and serving families and communities in need, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you’re a great fit for this role to Sarah at sarah@livedifferent.com with the subject line “Manager of Operations, Mexico Application – [Your Name].”

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We look forward to your application!