Business Manager, Grameen Technology Center, Seattle, WA

Position: Business Manager, Grameen Technology Center

Status: Full-Time, Regular

Location: Seattle, Washington

FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime Pay)

Date: May 2010

Job Description:  The Business Manager will actively engage in strategic, tactical and operational issues that span initiatives of the GTC.  The Business Manager will also work with in-country initiative leaders and leaders across Grameen Foundation on business and strategic issues related to the Technology Programs managed out of the Grameen Technology Center.  

Reporting and relationships:  Reports to the VP of Technology. 

Availability: The Business Manager will be expected to work a standard 37.5-hour workweek plus additional hours as necessary to get the job done.  The position may require 10% travel within the US and abroad.

Essential Job Functions

• Deliver excellent support to the GTC Leadership Team (VP and Program Directors) 
  • Manage priorities and actions informally, and formally via quarterly reviews and monthly dashboards, to drive decision-making, visibility into progress, awareness of gaps, and opportunities for delegation and program strengthening
  • Prepare VP for public speaking engagements and key meetings through strategic guidance and content development 
• Develop, own and manage business operations functions for the GTC
  • Work with Program Directors to help manage and track their metrics for measuring program success
  • Partner with our Legal Team to prioritize and drive progress against legal issues
  • Serve as a bridge to Finance during budgeting and throughout life of strategic projects to achieve financial objectives
• Play critical role in driving organizational excellence 
  • Partner with HR on recruitment, organizational structure and professional and leadership development 
  • Work with the GTC Leadership team to help improve their effectiveness via removal of roadblocks where possible, improvement in communication, feedback and guidance based on GTC priorities
• Become a thought leader and key contributor to GTC Leadership Team and GTC/GF strategy 
  • Develop business plans for new areas and work with Program Directors across GF on key initiatives.  Manage quarterly business reviews and actively engage in strategic discussions with the GTC Advisory Council and the GF Board
• Other responsibilities, as needed

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep commitment to eradication of poverty and alignment with Grameen Foundation’s mission
• Proven experience managing complex projects
• Strong strategic, financial and analytical skills and a great problem solver.  Ability to drive analytical rigor in decision making
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – coupled with strong partnership and collaboration skills
• Self-motivated, agile thinker with ability to juggle multiple priorities
• Demonstrated business acumen and leadership skills
• Enthusiasm and passion for our work – with strong mission alignment  
• Practical experience in developing countries – and eager to learn from different cultures
• Solid understanding of information and communication technology and software development 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in economics, public policy, engineering or related field.  Master Degree preferred.  
• Five years of directly relevant experience
• Three years of project management and strategy development experience – ideally with a top consulting firm, technology company or leading NGO
• Demonstrated operational business experience
• At least two years working and living in a developing country, preferred
• Technology experience (in technical, project management or product management role), preferred

Physical and Environmental Conditions

This position does not require unusual demands for physical effort.  This position may occasionally require physical effort to lift and transport boxes weighing no more than 50 pounds.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of places such as offices, meeting or training rooms, residences, or commercial vehicles; e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations and traffic signals.

Additional Comment

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Reasonable accommodations maybe made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Interested candidates may apply by email to jobs@grameenfoundation.org. Please put “GTC Business Manager” in the subject line.  No Calls Please.