Operations Director position

6 minutes read | First published: June 3, 2026

Would you like to join the core team of an established international NGO and help build its foundations? Tactical Tech is developing the skills needed by society to address the social and political impacts of AI and digital acceleration. We focus on the impact of technology on children and young people, equip journalists and media professionals with the skills needed to navigate a changing landscape, combat misinformation, and develop critical AI literacy.

We are an international non-profit that builds the critical literacy of civil society and decision-makers on the social, political, and environmental impacts of technology globally. Founded in 2003, Tactical Tech has pioneered work on digital security and privacy, digital investigation and advocacy, and now on critical literacy and AI. We have designed award-winning public engagement projects that have been replicated in more than 90 countries.

Working closely with partners worldwide, we turn complex debates about technology into resources that practitioners working in the public interest can use, adapt, and apply.

As an organisation that has been exploring the impact of technology on society for over 20 years, we have a lot to share: an established network of partners from across the world, a track record of pioneering, forward-looking, and award-winning projects, and a constant enthusiasm for meeting new audiences.

Purpose of the role

Tactical Tech has an immediate opening for an Operations Director who will work closely with the Co-Executive Directors and be responsible for the smooth running of Tactical Tech’s core operational functions. The role will oversee, review, and evaluate organisational working practices and policies, and develop proposals for improvement.

The Operations Director provides cross-organisational support across finance, administration, HR, legal, and compliance, and supports the Co-Executive Directors on governance, fundraising, and business development.

The role is ideally full-time, although other flexible arrangements equivalent to a 40-hour work week will be considered. This is preferably a fixed-term role of up to three years, with the possibility of extension. The contract type will be tailored to the successful candidate’s location.

Primary responsibilities

Organisational finance and project support

Oversee annual audits and grant-related reports and budgets, maintaining financial management to the highest standard, including for multi-partner EU grants.
Lead financial and resource planning on an annual, quarterly, and ad hoc basis, providing reports and advising the Co-Executive Directors in preparation for Executive Board meetings.
Put in place structures and provide support to fundraising and project teams on developing, tracking, and resolving budget planning and financial questions for ongoing projects and future funding proposals.
Coordinate internal and external financial support to staff and contractors, including finance assistants, accountants, auditors, payroll, payments, invoicing, and banking.
Execute and maintain the four-eye principle on all financial transactions, including banking and invoices.

Resource planning and oversight

Work with the Co-Executive Directors and team members to plan resources and organisational capacity, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of projects at both operational and strategic levels.
As a member of the Senior Management Team, contribute to the strategic development of organisational operations, including improving efficiency and processes.
Own all HR processes, including recruitment, onboarding, contracting, benefits, appraisal and performance management, employee well-being, professional development, and compliance with employment law and health and safety requirements.
Manage Tactical Tech’s office service needs at Publix and related internal IT facilities.

Legal, compliance, governance, and administration

Oversee and update internal policies and procedures to ensure that core operational functions achieve their objectives.
Ensure systems and compliance related to grants, contracts, and procurement processes.
Support the Co-Executive Directors in monitoring organisational administrative and financial risks and opportunities.
Serve as the main point of contact for external contractors, including law firms, auditors, accountants, and other operational service providers.
Under the direction of the Co-Executive Directors, coordinate improvements in governance structures and support the registration of new legal entities, ensuring ongoing compliance with German non-profit law.

Profile

The following offers an aspirational view of our ideal candidate profile. We encourage applications from candidates with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented groups.

Experience

Proven track record in a senior operations role, such as Director of Operations or Head of Operations, ideally within a non-profit, NGO, or civil society organisation.
Hands-on experience managing complex, multi-partner budgets from proposal stage through audit and project close-out.
Direct ownership of annual statutory audits and board-level financial reporting.
Experience managing the full HR lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, professional development, and employee support.
Working knowledge of German employment law (Arbeitsrecht) is an advantage; familiarity with Dutch non-profit law (Stichting) is also an advantage.
Experience managing relationships with external contractors and service providers, including auditors, accountants, legal counsel, payroll providers, and IT services.
Experience working directly with organisational leadership, such as an Executive Director, in a strategic capacity.

Skills and qualifications

Experience with multi-donor grant budget management and financial controls.
Proficiency in accounting or financial management software and HRIS systems.
Knowledge of GDPR compliance and data protection administration.
Professional-level German is strongly preferred.

Personal traits

A strategic thinker who is equally comfortable working at the operational and detail level.
A strong communicator with a collaborative working style.
Adaptable and proactive in identifying and escalating organisational risks.

What Tactical Tech offers

Tactical Tech offers a truly collaborative, lively, and international work environment for people who are intellectually curious and committed to tackling some of the most pressing issues in technology and how it shapes society.

We have a flexible way of working and a team culture that values participation, ensuring that everyone has a voice and a role in shaping the work that we do.

Our team values diversity and inclusion, and we offer flexible hybrid working arrangements. We expect team members to work from our Berlin office at Publix at least three days per week and to be available for most work activities between 10:00 and 16:00 during the workweek.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV/resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in this job announcement.

Please ensure that your application documents follow the naming convention:

CV: full_name_CV_org_name_role
Cover letter: full_name_role_CL

If you have any questions about the role or organisation and would like an informal conversation before submitting an application, please contact Tricia Placido at tricia@upsallinternational.com.

Please note that, to ensure the security of your application and compliance with GDPR regulations, applications submitted via email will not be accepted.

Application deadline: Monday, 6 July 2026, 09:00 CET.