Date Posted	August 12, 2025
Industry	Digital Media
Specialty	Not Specified
Job Status	Full-time
Salary	$70,000 to $75,000

Description:

Underscore Native News (UNN) is looking for an organized, self-motivated, systems-thinker to join our team as Operations Director. This role wears many hats—serving as the organization’s bookkeeper, HR department of one, contract specialist, and right hand to the Executive Director. A well-rounded background in nonprofit management and willingness to pitch in wherever the team needs additional support is a must.

Who We Are

UNN is a small, but mighty team of eight producing Indigenous-centered journalism that illuminates the intersections of sovereignty and justice and portrays the rich diversity of Native communities in the Pacific Northwest. 

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a one-person human resources department

• Administer payroll and employee benefits;

• Manage the employee experience from recruitment to separation; and

• Ensure all personnel policies and procedures are developed and executed in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

• Manage the organization’s operating budget of nearly $1 million

• Lead the annual budgeting process;

• Manage accounts payable and receivable;

• Forecast, monitor and manage organizational spending down to the project-level;

• Report financial activity and maintain the integrity of financial records with a third-party accounting firm;

• Ensure financial transparency by filing taxes and arranging regular audits

• Develop strategic plans and annual impact reports for the organization, in partnership with the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

• Assist with fundraising activities including grant proposal preparation, event planning, and project management of individual giving campaigns like NewsMatch.

• Manage the team’s digital collaboration platforms (e.g. Airtable, Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, etc).

• Maintain the organization’s contact database.

You’re a Strong Candidate If

• You have at least five years of experience working in nonprofit administration or management roles.

• Your organization, planning, and project management skills are top notch.

• You know your way around a budget and aren’t afraid to get into the nitty-gritty details of financial reports and spreadsheets. 

• You are committed to cultural competence. Your self-awareness and openness to feedback mean you work well within diverse teams and communities. 

• You bring a deep knowledge of human resources processes and best practices to the organization.

• You’re a self-starter who reliably meets deadlines and proactively communicates if project timelines need to shift. 

• You have excellent communication skills—both written and verbal.

• You have some previous experience planning fundraising campaigns and/or events.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Pacific Northwest-based. UNN is headquartered in Portland, OR and candidates must live in or be willing to relocate to either Oregon or Washington.

• Computer-focused. This role requires prolonged periods of working on a computer and looking at digital screens.

• Hybrid. Employees are welcome to work from home, but we do encourage staff to come to the office regularly for weekly team meetings and spontaneous collaboration.

• Communal. Our office suite is open floor-plan style and features an editing studio, private conference room, and spacious kitchenette. Everyone has their own desk.

• Accessible. We are located on the fourth floor of an ADA-accessible building in NW Portland. Our office suite can be accessed by elevator or stairs.

Salary and Benefits 

• $72,000 annual salary

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans at low- or no-cost to employees and their families

• Retirement savings plan with a 3% match

• 20 days of PTO, annually

• Remote work and flex time options

How to Apply 

Think you’re right for this role? Apply today! We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and hope to have someone start in the role as soon as September 2, 2025. Questions? Contact the hiring manager, Myers Reece, at mreece@underscore.news.

Apply

https://airtable.com/appG92DafCnT9y0NJ/pagau7CtG8xltbMCu/form