About Dikan

Dikan is a nonprofit cultural and educational institution based in Accra, Ghana. It is committed to shaping the next generation of African storytellers, researchers, educators, and creative leaders. Through its work, Dikan provides access to knowledge, protects cultural memory, and creates spaces for learning, creativity, and public engagement. At the heart of Dikan is a deep belief in the power of African stories—stories that must be preserved, studied, and told by Africans themselves.

We are building an ecosystem that fosters integrity, leadership, and excellence across education, research, conservation, and creative practice. This is an opportunity to contribute to an institution rooted in purpose and impact.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager serves as Dikan’s chief administrative and operational steward—responsible for translating institutional vision into strong internal systems. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Operations Manager will oversee finance, people, culture, procurement, infrastructure, technology systems, and compliance. This role demands a strategic thinker with hands-on leadership who can build structures, manage multidisciplinary teams, and support the growth of a purpose-driven institution.

Dikan seeks an ethical, collaborative, and mission-aligned professional with sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and a strong background in nonprofit management. The Operations Manager must be committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and respect across all teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy, Vision & Leadership

  • Serve as a core advisor to the Executive Director on financial, operational, and institutional planning matters.

  • Collaborate with leadership to develop budgets and forecasts for all programs, departments, and capital projects.

  • Oversee and Contribute to the development of Dikan’s strategic goals, sustainability and objectives as well as the overall management of the organization;

  • Ensure operational alignment with Dikan’s strategic plan and long-term growth.

  • Represent Dikan in external relationships with funders, auditors, regulators, and partners on operational matters.

  • Maintain open lines of communication with the Executive Director and Board, keeping leadership informed of all critical internal matters.

2. Financial, Operation & Compliance Oversight

  • Provide general counsel on business and financial matters, ensuring fiscal discipline and statutory compliance.

  • Supervise the finance team in budgeting, grant management, reporting, and internal audits.

  • Oversee procurement systems, payment processing, payroll, and financial reporting.

  • Establish and maintain robust internal controls, institutional policies, and risk mitigation systems.

  • Lead annual external audits and ensure all compliance requirements are met for nonprofit registration, labor law, tax, insurance, and donor agreements.

  • Upgrade and implement an appropriate system of policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures.

3. People, Infrastructure & Systems Management

  • Lead HR functions: recruitment, onboarding, contracts, performance evaluations, workplace culture, and staff development.

  • Upgrade and implement an appropriate system of policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures - Oversee the day-to-day operations of the institution.

  • Promote a culture of high performance and continuous learning that reflects Dikan’s mission and values.

  • Mentor and manage cross-functional teams, assign responsibilities, and monitor outcomes.

  • Oversee Dikan’s physical infrastructure (Main Campus, Dikan Annex), ensuring that spaces are safe, functional, and aligned with program needs.

  • Lead the implementation of digital tools (Asana, HR software, accounting systems) to strengthen systems and increase efficiency.

  • Work with Director and team leaders to establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments.

4. Governance, Reporting & Institutional Development

  • Prepare quarterly and annual reports on operations, finance, and HR for the Board of Directors.

  • Support governance processes, internal reviews, and the work of Board committees as needed.

  • Provide operational inputs to support resource mobilization and funding proposals.

  • Champion institutional growth through systems-building, organizational learning, and operational excellence.

Qualifications & Competencies

·       Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Nonprofit Management, or a related field required.

·       6–10 years of senior leadership experience within nonprofit, cultural, or academic institutions, including a minimum of 3 years overseeing operations, finance, or administration.

·       Extensive knowledge of financial planning, HR management, internal controls, compliance, and systems design in mission-driven organizations.

·       Demonstrated success in leading organizational change, improving workflows, and mentoring cross-functional teams.

·       Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with an adaptive, ethical, and collaborative leadership style.

·       Strong understanding of nonprofit finance and Ghanaian regulatory frameworks.

·       Deep commitment to Dikan’s mission and values, with a passion for African heritage, education, and creative expression.

·       Energetic, flexible, and proactive team leader with the ability to drive both strategic and tactical initiatives in finance and administration.

·       High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.

·       Proven ability to foster progressive organizational development and change management in growing institutions.

·       Strong mentoring and coaching experience, supporting teams with varied levels of expertise.

·       Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to multitask effectively in a dynamic environment.

·       Superior management skills, with the ability to influence and engage both direct reports and peers.

·       Self-reliant, results-oriented, and an excellent problem solver.

  • Passion for Dikan’s mission. Deep commitment to Dikan’s mission of advancing African creativity, education, and heritage, with sensitivity to the cultural context and values that shape our work.

Skills & Attributes

  • Sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and integrity

  • Strong organizational and project management skills

  • Ability to manage teams and complex operations in dynamic environments

  • Strategic, solutions-oriented thinker with attention to detail

  • Mission-aligned and values-driven

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive salary based on experience

  • Opportunities for professional development and international engagement

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit the following as a single PDF:

  1. Cover Letter mentioning academic background, career summary, core competencies, and professional certifications (if any)

  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  3. One-page statement on your leadership and management philosophy

Send to: people@dikancenter.org
Subject line: Application – Operations Manager
Deadline: 30th June, 2025
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.