by Leah Proctor-Ford, Outlier Media
November 24, 2025
Outlier Media is seeking a Director of Operations and Finance to build the systems and structures that will carry Outlier into its next chapter. This role is ideal for a mission-driven, detail-oriented leader with nonprofit experience who thrives on turning complexity into clarity and growth into stability.
You’ll partner closely with the Executive Director and Editor in Chief to ensure Outlier’s finances, operations, and internal systems align with our mission, values, and future goals. You’ll also regularly work with Outlier’s HR and finance consultants and manage Outlier’s Operations Manager.
Key responsibilities
Financial Management (50%):
- Oversee all financial functions, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and cash flow management, in partnership with Outlier’s external accounting firm.
- Lead the annual budgeting process and provide clear, actionable financial analysis for leadership and the Board.
- Manage relationships with auditors, accountants, and financial institutions.
- Ensure compliance with nonprofit financial standards and funder requirements.
- Develop tools and processes for grant tracking, expense allocation, and financial transparency.
Operations and Organizational Systems (40%):
- Build and refine internal systems to improve efficiency, communication, and accountability across a growing team.
- Oversee HR functions in partnership with external providers (benefits administration, payroll, onboarding, and compliance).
- Strengthen and document organizational policies, procedures, and workflows.
- Support strategic planning and implementation to align operational capacity with editorial and community goals.
- Oversee Operations Manager and provide departmental strategy
- Attend quarterly board meetings and prepare updates to present to the board
- Ensure compliance with funders by filing and managing grant reporting and assisting with applications.
Leadership and Culture (10%):
- Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the Executive Director and Editor in Chief
- Help foster a workplace culture rooted in equity, transparency, and care.
- Contribute to leadership discussions around sustainability, growth, and organizational resilience.
Qualifications
- Belief in Outlier’s mission and values
- 8+ years of experience in nonprofit operations, finance, or administration (media or journalism sector experience a plus).
- Proven ability to manage budgets of $3M+ and build scalable financial systems.
- Strong understanding of nonprofit compliance, audits, and restricted/unrestricted funding management.
- Experience implementing or improving operational systems for growing teams.
- Collaborative leadership style with excellent communication skills and a commitment to Outlier’s mission and Detroit’s communities.
- Experience or demonstrated interest in service journalism
- Self-directed, comfortable working in ambiguity and ready to learn
- Desire to collaborate and build consensus with various team members
- Enthusiasm about working in an environment that appreciates and reflects the diversity of Detroit, along with skills to navigate a diverse workplace
Compensation
The annual salary for this position is $90,000 USD. Outlier also offers a benefits package that includes:
- 100% employer-covered health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) plan with employer match.
- Generous PTO and flexible hybrid schedule.
- Annual professional development stipend.
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to Kerry Buffington at kerry@peoplepartner-hr.com.
Applications must be submitted by December 12, 2025.
About Outlier Media
Outlier Media is a national leader in service journalism design and a local reporting powerhouse in Detroit. Founded in 2016, the team at Outlier has spent several years developing methods and new products to fill information gaps in low-wealth communities. We have collaborated with local and national outlets to publish reporting that holds people, government and corporations accountable for neglect or abuses of power. We strive to provide information to individuals that makes self-determination more possible. Our reporting is responsive to Detroiters and based on the information, accountability and connection gaps identified through surveys and being in constant community with the city’s residents. We are reinvigorating local journalism to sufficiently hold powerful people and institutions accountable.
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