Carson City’s multi-faceted non-profit FISH is growing, and in need of a new operations manager

Friends In Service Helping, also known as FISH, has long been a staple in the Carson City community after it opened its doors in 1979 with a mission to help those in need.

Executive Director Jim Peckham joined FISH in 2009 following 25 years in the corporate world and helped revitalize the non-profit and transform it into a multi-faceted, self-sufficient organization.

FISH operates on about a $3 million per year budget, with 98 percent coming directly from the community through donations and grants as opposed to relying on government services.

Over the years, FISH has grown substantially, offering food, instruction, shelter and healthcare to rural communities with its mission of “a hand-up, not a hand-out,” as its leading guide.

While FISH grows, so too does its need for additional staff. One of the reasons FISH is able to work well with its budget, according to Peckham, is due to the fact that it operates using a small, effective staff.

FISH is currently searching for a new Operations Manager to help with both the organization’s current growth as well as future growth and expansions. Peckham is hoping to find someone that, like himself, has a background in the corporate world but wants a change of pace by entering into non-profits.

After spending 25 years in the corporate world, Peckham found himself becoming disillusioned.

“As I was getting older in the corporate world, I found that they didn’t like people that were older because they made too much money so they thought ‘let’s hand this off to someone else,’” said Peckham. “When I was growing up in the U.S. you were told, find a good solid corporation, stay there for 30 years, get a gold watch and retire. That started to transition and now it’s all about cutting budgets, outsourcing to China. I worked between 12 and 16 hour days, slept 4 or 5 hours a night, went home, ate dinner, sent emails til midnight, got up at five to exercise so I could function, back to the office at six, and I spent an awful amount of time making other corporations successful.”

Peckham had to give up certain benefits that the corporate world offered when he switched to non-profits, such as airline miles, corporate bonuses, 401Ks, but found himself far more fulfilled by making a real impact in his community.

“We’re building hope,” said Peckham. “Once someone has hope, they change their behaviors and once they change behaviors, they change their life. To see someone come from a really bad place, to help them and have them come back a few years later saying, ‘I want to give you this hundred dollars to pay back and help you how you helped me,’ being able to see that kind of life change … that’s the big difference.”

The ideal Operations Manager candidate will have knowledge of diverse business or nonprofit subjects such as finance, IT, fundraising and capital campaigns, marketing, medical practices, client case management, retail sales, human resources, public speaking and relations, training and development, warehousing, etc.

An effective manager will assist in the development of staff, volunteers, and clients.

“FISH provides a hand-up to clients, ensuring the client actively participates in appropriate behavioral change that will result in life change,” said Peckham. 

One of the recent initiatives that offer a “hand-up” to clients has been Fast Forward 4 Families, which “adopts” individuals working minimum wage jobs, who have an interest in going to college but wouldn’t be able to achieve it on their own.

The program gives the prospective housing, pays all of their bills and partners with Western Nevada College to offer schooling, as a way to help both the individual as well as the local economy by filling sought-after industry positions.

For individuals who may be interested but who might not have experience dealing with diverse populations or those in need, Peckham says simply: Get some.

“Volunteer at a food bank. Become a coach for little league. Engage with the community and you’ll gain experience working with those in poverty.”

The full list of requirements for the Operations Manager Position is as follows:

Operations Manager

Looking for a collaborative, organized, multi-tasking, hands-on leader who can tactfully implement strategic change throughout our organization and community.  Position reports to Executive Director.  

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of diverse business/nonprofit subjects such as finance, IT, fundraising/capital campaigns, marketing, medical practices, client case management, retail sales, human resources, public speaking/relations, training/development, warehousing, etc. An effective manager will assist in the development of staff, volunteers, and clients.

FISH provides a hand-up to clients, ensuring the client actively participates in appropriate behavioral change that will result in life change.  Manager will regularly interact with board members, staff, volunteers, donors, customers, government, partner agencies, and clients.  

Responsibilities

* Prepare, and manage the organizational strategy/vision communications in support of community needs

* Help establish a culture of excellence, inclusiveness, and accountability in everything we do

* Keep abreast of changing trends and opportunities to optimize organizational responsiveness

* Utilize data, quantitative skills, and technology to measure results and to guide organizational/individual change

* Develop written policies and provide training for effective implementation

* Deal with ideas/complaints from customers, volunteers, and clients to maintain positive community relations 

* Plan and oversee promotional events, public speaking events, etc.

* Make financial decisions so donors see the vast majority of their funds go to services, while providing a safe and efficient work environment.

* Produce weekly reports including statistical and numeric data 

* Lead cross-functional teams as needed

* Assist in the development of “action/development plans” for clients and employees

* Fill in for Executive Director as needed


Requirements

* BS/BA in business, healthcare, or education, MBA/Masters preferred.

* 5 years of leadership experience and 10 years work experience preferred.

* Outstanding communication, listening, interpersonal abilities, and experience partnering with other organizations

* Excellent leadership skills, including the ability to develop trust and credibility, lead by example, and motivate various high-performing teams/individuals

* Strong Computer skills, ability to function with very limited or no clerical support

* Financial fluency and analysis to enhance decision making

* Ability to juggle multiple priorities in a complex environment.

* Multi-lingual English/Spanish a plus

* Prior experience working with drug/alcohol/behavioral issues a plus.

 
To learn more about FISH, visit https://www.nvfish.com/