fathom.org

Compensation

Full Description

Location: Washington DC or Berkeley, CA About Fathom Fathom is an independent 501(c)(3) whose mission is to find, build, and scale innovative governance solutions that foster public trust in AI, while unleashing the power of American innovation. We are architects of AI oversight focused on co-designing a better AI future for all. This requires that everyone – from businesses and NGOs to the public – has a say in what that world looks like. Fathom creates solutions and pursues the policy change required for a positive AI future by building consensus across stakeholders and communities, pursuing state and federal advocacy, convening experts, and funding research and polling. Role Overview We seek a Vice President of Operations to build and scale Fathom’s operating backbone, reporting to the CEO. You will convert strategy into execution: planning, resourcing, systems, controls, and cross‑functional rhythms that enable our policy, research, convening, special projects, coalition building, and fundraising work to move fast without breaking. This is both strategic and hands-on. You’ll partner daily with the CEO and executive team on priorities like implementing the IVO policy program, state legislative work, coalition operations, and major convenings—while building up processes, tools, and teams that deliver measurable results, while providing team transparency, alignment and focus along the way. Key Responsibilities 1) Operational Excellence Translate Fathom’s strategy into annual/quarterly plans, OKRs, and KPIs across programs (policy/MRO, research & grants, convenings), development, and communications. Translate operations into a clear cadence and reporting structure that aligns the team, creates focus, drives accountability and impact that supports quarterly and annual goals. Build, lead, and manage a high‑performing operations function spanning BizOps/Program Ops, Development Ops (fundraising operations), People Ops, Finance Ops, and Rev/Stakeholder Ops (CRM & coalition operations). Architect and own the core ops stack (e.g., CRM for stakeholders/donors/coalitions, grants & project management, finance, HRIS, knowledge management, secure document control). Support executive team to drive process mapping and continuous improvement across the lifecycle—from research commissioning and events to policy engagement, advocacy, and public communications. 2) Planning, Budgeting & Performance Management Partner with co-founders and executive team on multi‑year modeling, scenario planning, and headcount plans; align budgets to policy and program roadmaps (e.g., MRO milestones, state‑level campaigns). Design dashboards that give leadership real‑time visibility into impact (legislative progress, coalition growth, research outputs), organizational health (capacity, hiring), and financials (runway, burn vs. plan). Oversee payroll operations for all employees, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with organizational policies and legal requirements. Prepare operational and financial materials for the Board. 3) People, Culture & Organizational Design Refine best practices around; recruiting, onboarding, performance management, leveling, and career development suited to a high‑trust, high‑bar nonprofit. Codify Fathom’s culture of stewards to society, cross‑ideological collaboration, and bias‑to‑implementation into hiring, reviews, and decision‑making norms. Design organizational structures, role clarity, and team operating models that support scale, cross-functional collaboration, and rapid execution. Architect and drive annual performance management process and reviews, as well as employee engagement programs. 5) Risk, Compliance & Governance Implement controls, policies, and audit trails that protect mission and brand: lobbying compliance, state filings, grant restrictions, privacy, cybersecurity, and record retention. Maintain clear operational boundaries between the 501(c)(3) and the 501(c)(6) used for lobbying, with high‑integrity reporting. Establish and manage contract processes (vendor, partner, and grant agreements) that ensure legal compliance, financial safeguards, and operational clarity. Oversee annual financial and compliance audits, coordinating with the CEO and external auditors to ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality audit processes. Qualifications 10+ years in Operations/BizOps/Program Management or equivalent, with 5+ years leading teams and building functions that scale. Track record scaling operations in at least one of: policy/advocacy, research nonprofits/think tanks, philanthropy, civic tech, or mission‑driven startups. Experience standing up company‑wide planning and operating rhythms; comfort with metrics, cohorts, and unit‑economics‑style thinking applied to impact and sustainability. Demonstrated ability to operationalize complex, multi‑stakeholder initiatives (e.g., legislative campaigns, standards bodies, or large convenings). Experience overseeing payroll, benefits, and HR compliance in mission-driven organizations. Experience in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving operating environment with high stakes and little margin for error. Nice to have: experience operating dual entities (501(c)(3) + 501(c)(6)) and related compliance; familiarity with AI governance, standards, or evaluation ecosystems. Skills & Competencies Operator’s mindset: systems thinker who simplifies, standardizes, and ships. Strategic & hands‑on: able to architect the plan and debug the spreadsheet. Data‑driven, outcome‑oriented: designs metrics that matter and moves them. Clear communicator: synthesizes complexity for technical and non‑technical audiences. People leader: sets a high bar, gives direct feedback, and develops talent. Bias to action: iterates quickly while safeguarding quality and compliance. Compensation & Benefits Starting annual base salary range: $250,000-275,000 USD Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401K with match, and other competitive employer-provided benefits.