The Data Tank is looking for an Operations Manager

Position Title: Operations Manager

Organisation: The Data Tank

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Employment Type: Full-time, unlimited employment contract 

Start Date: as soon as possible

About us:

The Data Tank is an organisation with an ambitious mission and a global vocation. A non-profit think-and-do tank based in Brussels, Belgium, our work is dedicated to serving the common good together by using data differently. Our vision means a significant shift in how we think about data, how we access it and what we do with it. We work with partners worldwide to unlock data’s potential: gathering, accessing, and re-using it responsibly—to better equip us to tackle the pressing issues of our time. 

Our first two programs seek to innovate how we access and re-use data for public good initiatives while establishing legitimacy and trust in how it is being re-used. Within the Social License Lab program, we will develop mechanisms to acquire acceptance and legitimacy for data use and reuse beyond existing consent management approaches. This will be done by coordinating pilot projects across application domains and geographies. Our Data Stewardship Program aims to professionalise the use and re-use of data for the public good by building an association for data stewardship professionals and offering professional development services such as training courses.   

Role Overview:

We are at a critical junction where we need to strengthen the operational and process support for our leadership team and operational staff. As a think-and-do tank, our operational efficiency is of paramount importance.

To help us grow while maintaining our standards of excellence, we’re seeking an experienced operations manager to oversee daily activities and work closely with the leadership team. This person will be highly skilled in human resources, finance, and IT management, and be able to develop and maintain an environment of trust, diversity, and inclusion within the team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain constant communication with staff, leadership team, and partners (funders, project partners etc.) to ensure proper operations of the organization and a thriving and caring working environment

• Increase the efficiency of existing HR, accounting and other operational processes and procedures to enhance our internal capacity

• Ensure that operational activities remain on time and within budget

• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable and create necessary reports

• Assist and communicate with the leadership team in decision-making, program management, HR, and initiative implementation

• Review, design, and execute improvements to organisational structure; find knowledge and skills gaps and help address them, supporting existing employees and hiring new employees as needed.  

Background and Qualifications:

• Two or more years of proven success in an operations management role, overseeing key aspects like HR and accounting

• Strong skills in budget development and oversight and project reporting

• Proficiency in conflict management and business negotiation processes

• Knowledge of business productivity software and an aptitude for learning new applications

• Experience in planning and leading strategic initiatives

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in business administration or similar field

• Experience in data analysis and budget management

Personal Profile:

• You are self-driven and have a strong capacity for independent work

• You are passionate about interdisciplinary research and innovative thinking

• You are passionate about thriving teams and healthy working environments

• You are an effective team player, are open to feedback, enjoy collaboration, and value working with colleagues from all over the world.

• You are empathetic and a keen supporter of diversity in the workplace, centering care and respect in how you interact with others.

• You are highly motivated to contribute significantly to the success of The Data Tank.

• You are ideally Brussels-based.

We Offer:

• Competitive salary aligned with experience

• Comprehensive benefits package.

• Remote work with flexible working hours and access to an office in the heart of Brussels.

• Opportunity to join a mission-driven non-profit start-up and to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment with a global impact.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit the following by 29th September 2024, 23:59 CET:

• A one-page motivation letter, including salary expectations.

• A detailed CV

Applications can be sent via email to Jasmin Menten, (jasmin.menten@datatank.org), with "Operations Manager" in the subject line.