Product Management Director - Property Tax (Durham)

What You'll Do Avalara is seeking a Director, Customer Engineering to lead the customer-facing technical engineering function for Avalara Property Tax. Reporting directly to the General Manager of Property Tax, this leader will be the senior technical point of accountability for complex application integrations, strategic customer setup, implementation assurance, and partner technical excellence. Avalara Property Tax is a high-growth application addressing an estimated $5 billion total addressable market. Success requires a Customer Experience motion that gives new customers confidence from the start: the right integration strategy, the right technical architecture, strong partner guidance, and a clear path from setup to value. This role will serve as the technical bridge between customers, certified implementation partners, Product, and Engineering. The Director will lead complex integrations involving APIs, MCP servers, Snowflake, Blackhole API, and major ERP connector ecosystems, and will also serve as the technical leader of the Center of Excellence for the certified implementation partner program. Customer Engineering will be the tip of the spear for innovation. Product Engineers on the team may use AI-enabled development tools, such as Cursor and code-assist agents, to prototype customer workflows, test integration patterns, and create near-production-ready accelerators. Product and Engineering will then move validated prototypes through roadmap prioritization, architectural review, security and control validation, hardening, and release management. What Your Responsibilities Will Be Customer Engineering Leadership Build and lead a Customer Engineering function that combines solution architecture, implementation engineering, product-engineering prototyping, partner enablement, and customer-facing technical communication. Establish operating standards, review practices, documentation expectations, and governance that accelerate strategic setup without bypassing Product, Engineering, the Architecture Review Board, Security, or compliance controls. Serve as the senior technical voice for strategic accounts, complex implementations, partner escalations, and customer executive assurance. Complex Integrations and Solution Architecture Lead technical discovery, solution design, and architecture review for complex Avalara Property Tax integrations, including APIs, MCP servers, Snowflake, Blackhole API, and major ERP connector ecosystems. Guide customers through data flows, authentication and authorization, ERP connectivity, observability, testing, security, data-handling, and supportability considerations. Create reusable reference architectures, implementation blueprints, integration test plans, and go-live readiness checklists. Innovation and AI-Enabled Prototyping Lead an AI-enabled prototyping discipline using tools such as Cursor, code-assist agents, automated test generation, API mocking, and documentation generation to accelerate validated learning. Define near-production-ready handoff criteria for Product and Engineering, including the customer problem, business value, technical design, test results, security considerations, data impacts, and supportability notes. Convert customer and partner implementation friction into quantified product insights and reusable accelerators that reduce time-to-value across the customer base. Certified Implementation Partner Center of Excellence Serve as the technical leader for the Center of Excellence supporting the certified implementation partner program. Create technical certification standards, enablement materials, sandbox/lab exercises, reference builds, architecture guidelines, and quality review gates. Train and certify partners on Avalara Property Tax integration patterns, APIs, data flows, ERP connector ecosystems, and implementation best practices. Establish partner escalation paths, technical design reviews, implementation QA, and continuous-improvement mechanisms that measure partner readiness, quality, capacity, and customer satisfaction. Cross-Functional Operating Model Partner with the GM to inform product direction through customer signals, market feedback, implementation learnings, partner feedback, and technical feasibility. Partner with Product to prioritize validated prototypes, roadmap candidates, workflow gaps, and implementation friction. Partner with Engineering and the Architecture Review Board to ensure production releases meet architectural standards, secure SDLC requirements, scalability, reliability, controls, and supportability expectations. Partner with Customer Experience, Sales, Solutions Consulting, Support, and Managed Services to create a seamless journey from opportunity through renewal. What You'll Need to be Successful Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Business, or a related field; equivalent practical experience considered. 10 years of experience in enterprise SaaS, customer engineering, solution architecture, integration engineering, technical services, implementation, or professional services. 5 years of people leadership experience, including hiring, coaching, and leading senior technical talent in a matrixed organization. Proven experience leading complex customer-facing technical engagements, including executive-level architecture discussions and escalations. Deep understanding of API-based integrations, enterprise application architecture, data flows, SaaS/cloud patterns, identity and access management, integration testing, observability, and secure implementation practices. Experience with enterprise data platforms such as Snowflake and with major ERP systems or ERP connector ecosystems. Ability to guide technical teams using modern AI development tools responsibly, including AI-assisted prototyping, test generation, documentation, and code review workflows. Strong operating discipline around prototype governance, supportability, security review, and handoff to Product and Engineering. Excellent executive communication, stakeholder management, and ability to influence across Product, Engineering, Customer Experience, Sales, and partner teams. Preferred Qualifications Property tax, tax compliance, finance, or regulated workflow domain expertise. Experience with Avalara products or related compliance automation platforms. Hands‑on familiarity with MCP server architectures, Snowflake, Blackhole API, ERP connectors, data migration, and implementation automation. Experience building a certified implementation partner program, technical Center of Excellence, partner academy, or partner quality framework. Experience in high-growth enterprise SaaS environments with complex implementation, integration, and adoption motions. Professional Services, Customer Success Engineering, Forward Deployed Engineering, or Managed Services leadership experience. MBA or advanced technical degree a plus. Success Measures Faster time-to-value and strategic setup completion for new Avalara Property Tax customers. Higher integration quality, fewer preventable implementation escalations, and reduced post-go-live defects. Increased certified partner capacity, quality, independence, and customer satisfaction. Stronger conversion of customer and partner insights into validated product roadmap inputs. Higher customer confidence and implementation satisfaction through visible technical leadership. How This Role Aligns Product and Engineering This role accelerates discovery, validation, and technical learning; it does not bypass Product or Engineering ownership. Customer Engineering owns prototypes, implementation patterns, technical enablement, and evidence gathering. Product owns roadmap prioritization, market fit, packaging, user experience, and release decisioning. Engineering owns production architecture, code quality, security, scalability, controls, and release readiness. The goal is to reduce ambiguity before Engineering commits, give Product better validated evidence, and give customers confidence that Avalara has deep technical expertise guiding strategic setup and integration success. Avalara is an AI-first Company You’ll bring experience using AI and AI-related technologies, ready to thrive here. You’ll apply AI every day to business challenges - improving efficiency, contributing solutions, and driving results for your team, our company, and our customers. You’ll grow with AI by staying curious about new trends and best practices, and by sharing what you learn so others can benefit too. How We'll Take Care of You Total Rewards In addition to a great compensation package, paid time off, and paid parental leave, many Avalara employees are eligible for bonuses. Health & Wellness Benefits vary by location but generally include private medical, life, and disability insurance. Inclusive culture and diversity Avalara strongly supports diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is committed to integrating them into our business practices and our organizational culture. We also have a total of 8 employee-run resource groups, each with senior leadership and exec sponsorship. What You Need To Know About Avalara We’re defining the relationship between tax and tech. We’ve already built an industry-leadin

Managing Director of Media Engagement (Washington)

Position Summary Groundwork’s impact has grown considerably in recent years, including through the launch of our Economic Speakers Bureau, which is helping diversify the expert voices shaping news coverage of the economy. Groundwork seeks a Managing Director of Media Engagement to serve as a senior leader responsible for driving Groundwork’s press and media operations and expanding the reach and influence of our economic narrative work. This is a new role within the Groundwork communications team that integrates leadership of the Economic Speakers Bureau with management of our in-house press operation to build great connectivity and increase our ability to launch and sustain surround‑sound communications campaigns. Key Responsibilities Oversee all press and earned media operations at Groundwork, ensuring a coordinated, proactive, and high‑impact approach to earned media coverage across traditional, digital, and new media platforms. Translate Groundwork’s overarching communications strategy into targeted media campaigns, rapid response operations, and proactive press outreach efforts. Directly manage the press team (2‑4 staff), providing editorial direction, day‑to‑day supervision, and hands‑on support to build a high‑performing press operation. Lead and manage the Economic Speakers Bureau, working with the ESB’s pitching and booking operation to expand and steward Groundwork’s roster of expert spokespeople, coordinate placements, provide wraparound support to experts, and track impact across media channels. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers, bookers, and hosts across national broadcast, print, digital, and new media outlets. Serve as a senior editorial voice on press materials, helping craft and edit press releases, media advisories, op‑eds, statements, talking points, and briefings, ensuring they are crisp, strategic, and on message. Monitor and analyze the daily news cycle and evolving media landscape to identify opportunities for Groundwork experts and research to shape national economic conversations. Work in coordination with Groundwork’s digital strategy team to ensure seamless integration and cross‑amplification between the digital and press operations to expand Groundwork’s communications footprint. Collaborate closely with the Policy, Advocacy, and Research and Partnerships teams to develop and execute integrated rollout plans for Groundwork reports, campaigns, major announcements, events, and partnerships. Advise the SVP of Communications on emerging press opportunities, risks, and trends, including shifts in the new and alternative media ecosystem. Represent Groundwork with media partners, coalition allies, and other external stakeholders as appropriate. Perform other duties as assigned. Key Qualifications 10–15 years of progressive experience in advocacy, political or nonprofit external communications roles, with a significant portion in senior or leadership positions and a strong track record of generating high‑impact press coverage at the national level. Experience creating infrastructure, building teams, and working in close collaboration with other teams/verticals to advance organizational objectives. Deep, established relationships across the national media landscape, including broadcast bookers, producers, reporters, editors, and emerging voices in new and alternative media. Thoughtful approach to coaching, feedback, and professional growth; experience motivating teams to perform at a high level in dynamic environments. Sharp, fast writer and editor who can turn complex economic policy into compelling, accessible media content under deadline pressure. News‑fanatic who closely tracks economic and political narratives across a wide range of media outlets and understands what makes a story break through. Fluent in the new and alternative media space, including newsletters, podcasts, and media content creators; smart ideas for reaching audiences in a fragmented information environment. Savvy strategist who anticipates the news cycle, identifies the right moments for Groundwork’s voice, and builds the partnerships needed to amplify impact. Well‑versed in complex economic topics such as inflation, tax policy, or labor markets; energized by translating them into messaging that resonates with broad audiences. Organized, detail‑oriented, and thrives in fast‑paced, dynamic environments. Familiar with the progressive economic policy, think tank, and advocacy community in Washington, D.C., and on the Hill. Committed to a just, inclusive, and robust economy that delivers opportunity and dignity to all. Preferred Qualifications Experience running or overseeing a speakers bureau, surrogacy program, or similar expert deployment initiative. Senior press or communications leadership role in an advocacy organization, political campaign, congressional office, or government agency. Deep background or expertise in economic policy issues, including fiscal policy, labor, trade, or financial regulation. Strong existing relationships in new and alternative media, including podcast producers, content creators, and influencer networks. Salary & Benefits Salary range: $160,000 – $180,000 annually. Benefits include five weeks of vacation and personal leave, two week‑long office closures, additional time off for floating and federal holidays, zero‑premium health insurance, a generous HRA, a retirement contribution of up to 6%, up to 16 weeks parental leave, health club and cell‑phone reimbursements, and more. Location & Schedule Washington, D.C. Hybrid workplace: two days a week in the office and three days remote, with occasional in‑person work for events and special projects. Exempt position. Reports to Senior Vice President of Communications J-18808-Ljbffr

Chief of Operations (Berkeley)

Welcome to the Management Commons Job Board! Below you will find career opportunities with dynamic fiscal sponsors and other innovative organizations! Administrative Management Non-Profit/Volunteering Capacity Building Strategic Planning Job Type : Full Time Work Location: Hybrid About the Job Position Overview: Role Summary: The Chief of Operations (COO) is the primary architect, integrator, and deliverer of Earth Island’s organizational infrastructure. Reporting directly to the CEO as one of two equal pillars of tactical execution, the COO is responsible for the how of organizational success: ensuring that Finance, HR, Legal, and IT systems are robust, compliant, and scalable. This role oversees the functional department heads (Chief Financial Officer, Chief People Officer, and General Counsel) and the office manager. The COO is responsible for ensuring the compliant, reliable, and standardized delivery of operational services, adhering to established organization-wide standards and success metrics. The COO works in close partnership with the Chief of Project Support and Services, transforming infrastructure into an enabling asset that supports Earth Island and its fiscally-sponsored projects. Reporting Structure: Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Status: Regular, Exempt, Full-Time Primary Responsibilities Key Duties & Responsibilities: 1. Organizational Infrastructure Architecture, Integrator, & Services Delivery (40%) Direct the strategic design, implementation, and maintenance of all organizational infrastructure, including IT/technology systems, facilities/office management, and data/cybersecurity protocols. Identify and problem-solve operational interdepartmental needs necessary for organizational success. Collaborate closely with the Chief of Project Services and Support to ensure standardized, compliant, and responsive project support services, providing input on operational capabilities and constraints. Manage the delivery of all operational aspects of project support services to ensure they meet the agreed-upon standards and success metrics. Monitor performance against standards and success metrics with respect to the operations departments, and support the creation and implementation of solutions when needed. Stay current on trends in non-profit and fiscal sponsor technology, data security, and operational best practices, ensuring Earth Island remains a leader in operational excellence within the nonprofit and fiscal sponsorship sectors. 2. Oversight of Operational Teams (30%) Directly supervise and mentor the functional department heads: Chief Financial Officer, Chief People Officer, and General Counsel. While these individuals hold technical expertise, the COO is accountable for their respective department's compliant and efficient delivery of services in accordance with all standards and success metrics. Directly supervise the Administrative Assistant/Office Manager and manage IT/Technology contractors and office management contractors. Set professional standards and cultivate a strong culture of service excellence and responsiveness within the operations departments. Ensure that the office environment is safe, comfortable, and functional for the organization’s needs. 3. Organizational Accountability & Risk Management (20%) Coordinate comprehensive, organization-wide risk assessment and mitigation strategies, collaborating with the Chief Financial Officer for financial risk and the General Counsel for legal risk. Serve as the primary liaison to the Board’s Audit and Risk Committee, providing regular reports on organizational risk, infrastructure health, and compliance status. Assume ultimate oversight for Insurance Renewals, Technology/Data Security, Office/Facilities Management, budgeting, contracting and grants management. 4. Programmatic & Client Enablement (10%) Consult regularly with the Chief of Project Services and Support to ensure the fiscal sponsorship services are intentionally designed to further Earth Island’s strategic approach. Facilitate seamless cross-functional workflows and data sharing between the functional departments and the programmatic pillars (Journal, New Leaders Initiative, Advocates, Fiscal Sponsorship). Align operational capacity with long-term strategic goals, including aligning projected operational capacity with business development priorities. Other duties: Note: this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including women and people of color, to apply. Research has shown that these groups are often less likely to apply unless they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. At Earth Island, we value diversity and believe that a range of perspectives contributes to our success. If you have at least 60% of the qualifications listed and a growth mindset, we encourage you to submit your application. Job Requirements Qualifications: Proven track record of successfully leading multiple complex operational functions (Finance, HR, Legal, IT) ideally within a mature non-profit and/or fiscal sponsor environment. Extensive experience in comprehensive budget management, financial modeling, and long-term strategic planning to ensure organizational capacity matches growth. Proven track record of cultivating operational excellence while maintaining reasonable staff workloads and a positive work culture. Demonstrated commitment to shared and transparent decision-making models; proven ability to facilitate inclusive processes that gather meaningful input, communicate clear rationales, and build organizational buy-in and trust across all levels of the team. Deep expertise in building, implementing, and maintaining scalable organizational infrastructure, implementing robust internal systems, and managing institutional risk and compliance. Proven track record of successfully implementing and managing complex service agreements or similar performance metric frameworks. Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics, resolve interdepartmental conflicts, and communicate operational priorities to the CEO and a Board of Directors. Superior skills in systems thinking, process improvement, and managing internal service delivery. Supervisory Responsibilities and/or Key Relationships: Directly supervise and mentor the functional department heads: Chief Financial Officer, Chief People Officer, and General Counsel. Education and Experience: 10-15 years of progressive professional experience, ideally in a complex nonprofit, social enterprise, or mission-driven corporate environment. 5-10 years of experience in a senior leadership or operational management role, with a demonstrated ability to mentor and develop high-performing leaders. B.A./B.S. or higher degree, or equivalent experience. Salary & Benefits Work Hours, Working Styles, Travel Requirements, and Additional Benefits: Staff are required to work in the San Francisco Bay Area. We are 3 days/week in-office hybrid at the Earth Island Institute office in Berkeley, California. Schedule to be coordinated with the Chief Executive Officer. No travel is required for this position. Compensation: The salary for this position is $ 181,795 per year and is non-negotiable. Earth Island Institute has adopted a compensation philosophy and set of practices to promote equity, remove bias - whether implicit or explicit - in the salary adjustment process, and promote transparency around salaries. Each position has a grade and has a corresponding range of pay based on market pay practices and an employee’s tenure in a job. Salary Range 181795 About the Organization About Earth Island Institute: Earth Island Institute (EII) is a leading nonprofit environmental organization that has been at the forefront of efforts to protect the environment and its inhabitants for over forty years. EII supports grassroots activists through a powerful network of approximately 65 sponsored projects working in the United States and around the world. EII's projects safeguard forests, oceans, and wildlife; support youth and women’s environmental leadership and underserved communities; combat climate change; and promote environmental justice, sustainability, and resilience. EII further advances, informs, and inspires action through the New Leaders Initiative and its annual Brower Youth Awards, which provides youth leadership recognition and mentoring; Earth Island Journal, which provides unparalleled coverage of global environmental news and perspectives, both in a quarterly print issue and in daily stories online; and Earth Island Advocates, which uses the law to fight for the planet and its inhabitants. For more information, please visit earthisland.org. How to Apply To Apply: Please send your résumé and a cover letter expressing your interest in the position to [email protected] with Chief of Operations in the subject line. Applications received by July 20, 2026 will be considered for priority review. The position will be open until filled. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including women and people of color, to ap