Senior Director, Operations

About Yoga Alliance

Yoga Alliance is a global nonprofit membership organization serving yoga professionals, practitioners, and advocates. Its mission is to expand access to yoga, reduce barriers to practice, and strengthen the community that surrounds it. The organization supports everyone from new learners to experienced teachers, as well as community leaders, organizations, and businesses using yoga for social good.

Yoga Alliance emphasizes a workplace culture built on diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. Team members are encouraged to lead, experiment, learn, and grow in an environment that values collaboration and treats learning from setbacks as important as celebrating success.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Senior Director, Operations will serve as the senior operational leader responsible for bringing together and overseeing the organization’s core infrastructure functions. The role is intended to make internal operations dependable, responsive, innovative, and aligned with programmatic and strategic priorities.

This position provides day-to-day oversight across technology operations, finance operations outside the CFO function, and risk, compliance, and legal affairs. It also oversees broader operational systems and processes in a matrixed hybrid setting. In addition, the role includes operational responsibility for facilities and headquarters infrastructure, working closely with the COO and the Executive Assistant, who handles daily office logistics and on-site coordination.

The ideal candidate will be both a practical manager and a systems thinker, using modern tools, automation, and strong collaboration practices to improve how the organization works.

What You Will Do

• Recruit, coach, and develop a varied operations team aligned to near-term priorities and long-term goals.
• Lead the functions covering risk, compliance, and legal coordination, including contract workflows, operational risk, compliance oversight, and liaison work with outside counsel.
• Oversee technology operations such as internal support, vendor management, systems administration, cybersecurity posture, staff technology fluency, and evaluation of emerging tools.
• Guide finance operations, including payables and receivables workflows, expense tracking, reporting coordination, and budgeting support in partnership with outsourced CFO support.
• Work with Human Resources on performance engagement and development processes, including goals, one-on-ones, mid-year reviews, and annual feedback.
• Give frequent, specific feedback and promote a culture where feedback flows in both directions.
• Model collaboration within the operations team and across the organization to improve alignment and knowledge sharing.
• Maintain and improve policies, tools, and team norms that support effective hybrid work across in-person, remote, and distributed staff.
• Ensure that technology platforms, file systems, and communication practices support accessibility, transparency, and productivity in a hybrid workplace.
• Support documentation, onboarding, and resource-planning workflows in a dynamic distributed environment.
• Oversee the physical workspace, including the Arlington, Virginia headquarters.
• Manage facilities vendor relationships such as building management, security, cleaning, and equipment providers, while ensuring service quality and needs are met.
• Lead facilities planning, improvements, and related budget oversight.
• Develop and maintain facilities policies, procedures, and contingency plans covering safety, emergency readiness, and space planning.
• Partner with the Executive Assistant to keep headquarters operations running smoothly and to ensure a welcoming experience for staff and visitors.
• Evaluate current systems and processes and lead redesign efforts where needed to better support organizational needs.
• Create and document standard operating procedures, shared workflows, and process maps that improve clarity, coordination, and consistency.
• Strengthen cross-team and organization-wide operational coordination using tools such as AI, Salesforce, Monday.com, SharePoint, and Microsoft 365.
• Partner with team leads to ensure operational procedures and internal systems are documented, efficient, and aligned with organizational values.
• Identify and implement automation opportunities that reduce manual work, streamline operations, and expand organizational capacity.
• Stay current on operational best practices, emerging technologies, and innovations that can modernize internal systems.
• Pilot new tools, support adoption, and ensure technology is used responsibly and ethically.
• Act as a solutions-oriented leader who can design systems and processes that create sustainable and efficient pathways.
• Lead cross-functional projects related to systems, infrastructure, and internal process improvement.
• Develop project plans, manage timelines, involve stakeholders, track deliverables, and maintain strong documentation and internal communication.
• Support change management with clarity and empathy so staff can transition smoothly and stay engaged throughout implementation.
• Continuously identify ways to improve employee operations experiences through thought leadership, industry awareness, and network engagement.
• Identify and reduce operational risks across technology, finance operations, and internal systems.
• Maintain internal controls and safeguards that support continuity and long-term sustainability.
• Oversee non-programmatic vendor contracts, service agreements, and compliance records.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external counsel as needed to maintain alignment and manage risk.

Requirements

• At least 12 years of progressively responsible operations experience in a mission-driven environment.
• At least 5 years of experience coaching and leading cross-functional operations teams that may include technology, finance operations, and compliance/legal functions.
• Experience building or managing operational infrastructure during organizational growth or change.
• Background in business continuity planning, risk mitigation, and vendor or contract management best practices.
• Proven ability to improve systems, workflows, and processes in a hybrid or distributed workplace.
• Hands-on experience using emerging technologies and automation tools to improve productivity or operations.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to build trust across functions.
• Clear, professional communication skills with the ability to provide context and insight across levels.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive legal, financial, or confidential matters.
• Ability to design operational systems that support accountability, clarity, and follow-through.
• Experience leading complex projects and change initiatives with steady execution.
• Strategic and systems-oriented thinking with the ability to connect operational details to broader organizational goals.
• Working fluency with Salesforce, Microsoft 365, and Monday.com.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging.
• Ability to work on-site at the Arlington, VA headquarters for up to 70% of the time.
• Availability for occasional evenings or weekends when events or urgent issues require it.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in nonprofit membership or credentialing environments.
• Experience with nonprofit compliance, risk, or finance operations.
• The organization welcomes applications from candidates who do not meet the preferred qualifications.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive health insurance with premiums fully covered for employees and 65% covered for dependents.
• Matching 401(k) plan.
• Generous paid leave, including parental leave and sabbatical leave.
• Reimbursement for professional development opportunities.
• Casual dress code and a supportive workplace centered on wellbeing.
• A collaborative office culture that may include group meditation, quiet time, and group yoga.

Location and Work Arrangement

This is a hybrid position requiring in-office presence up to 70% of the time. The office is located in Arlington, Virginia, within view of the northwest area of Washington, DC. Employees are welcome to work from the office whenever they are in the area.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $155,000 to $175,000, depending on experience. This is a full-time exempt position.

Application Process and Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled. A cover letter is required and will be reviewed as part of the selection process. No phone calls or walk-ins, please.

Inclusive Workplace Commitment

Yoga Alliance is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment. Applications are welcomed from people of all backgrounds, without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.