Vendor Strategy and Operations Manager at standtogether

Stand Together is a philanthropic community that helps America’s boldest changemakers tackle the root causes of our country’s biggest problems, from education to the economy, broken communities, and toxic division, among dozens of other pressing issues. We provide our partners with access to resources including funding, thought leadership, a network of peers, and a playbook for applying proven principles to transform lives and society.  We are seeking a Vendor Strategy and Operations Manager to support our Marketing & Communications (MarComms) team. In this role, you will oversee the day-to-day operations that enable effective engagement with external vendors, ensuring processes are efficient, scalable, and aligned with organizational needs.  Reporting to the Director of Vendor Strategy & Operations, you will play a critical role in managing vendor workflows, maintaining data integrity, supporting onboarding and sourcing efforts, and delivering reporting and insights that inform decision-making.  This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving operational challenges, and is passionate about improving how teams and partners work together.  How You Will Contribute Vendor Operations & Workflow Management • Manage vendor request workflows, including coordination with internal stakeholders and external partners • Ensure requests are complete, accurate, and aligned with approval and documentation requirements • Track tasks, timelines, and deliverables related to contract lifecycle Project & System Management • Create and manage vendor-related projects within a work management system (e.g., Workfront) • Maintain accurate project setup, task assignments, and financial tracking • Monitor project progress and ensure alignment across teams Invoicing, Payments & Purchase Orders • Support invoice processing, including validation of deliverables and proper coding • Partner with Finance and Procurement teams to create purchase orders and resolve discrepancies • Ensure vendors are properly set up for payment and address issues as they arise Vendor Data & Reporting • Maintain accurate vendor records, including contracts, pricing, and performance data • Ensure data consistency across systems and support reporting needs • Produce regular reports on vendor activity, spend, and performance Vendor Onboarding & Support • Coordinate onboarding activities, including distribution of agreements and required documentation • Provide vendors with access to tools, resources, and operational guidelines • Maintain onboarding materials and ensure a consistent vendor experience Vendor Sourcing & Coordination • Support vendor research, sourcing, and evaluation processes • Assist internal teams in identifying vendors that meet project needs • Facilitate communication between vendors and internal stakeholders Performance Tracking & Continuous Improvement • Support vendor performance evaluation processes and maintain documentation • Identify process inefficiencies and recommend improvements • Contribute to the development of scalable vendor operations practices What You Will Bring • 2-4 years of experience in operations, vendor management, project management, or a related field • Experience working cross-functionally with teams such as Finance, Procurement, or Legal • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities • High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment Standout Candidates Will Bring • Experience with enterprise work management tools (e.g., Workfront) • Familiarity with contracting, procurement, or vendor management processes • Experience building reports, dashboards, or operational insights • Demonstrated ability to improve processes and drive operational efficiency What We Offer • Competitive benefits: Enjoy a 6% 401(k) match with immediate vesting, flexible time off, comprehensive health and dental plans, plus wellness and mental health support through Peloton and Talkspace. • A meaningful career: Join a passionate community of over 1,300 employees dedicated to improving lives and driving innovative solutions to complex social challenges. • Commitment to growth: Thrive in a non-hierarchical environment that empowers employees to discover, develop and apply their unique talents. • Competitive compensation: Our approach rewards the value you create through competitive salaries and bonus opportunities, allowing you to share in the success you help drive. Our Values: Working for an organization within the Stand Together philanthropic community is different from many other places. The culture is deeply rooted in Principle Based Management® (PBM®), a framework guided by the principles that drive human progress, such as dignity, openness, and bottom-up empowerment. PBM® empowers employees to be entrepreneurial, to innovate, and to continually drive transformation.      We believe diversity fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success.  That is why we’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and strive to treat all employees and applicants with honesty, dignity, and respect.