Application Guide
How to Apply for Director or Vice President of Operations
at Cortico
🏢 About Cortico
Cortico is a non-profit using AI and human listening to amplify underheard voices and foster constructive dialogue. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven team that values genuine connection over scale, with a focus on tech for social good.
About This Role
As Director or VP of Operations, you'll own Cortico's financial and operational backbone—from budgets and compliance to HR and CEO support. Your work ensures the organization can focus on its mission without operational friction, making you a critical enabler of impact.
💡 A Day in the Life
You might start by reviewing cash flow and approving vendor payments, then hop on a call with the PEO to resolve a payroll issue. Midday, you'd meet with the CEO to prioritize upcoming grant reporting deadlines, and wrap up by updating budget forecasts and ensuring compliance docs are audit-ready.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Cortico Is Looking For
- 5+ years in nonprofit or mission-driven ops/finance, with hands-on budget and compliance experience (e.g., 990s, grant reporting).
- Comfortable with PEO management, payroll, and HR administration, acting as the primary vendor relationship manager.
- A proactive, detail-oriented systems thinker who can juggle multiple workstreams and know when to escalate vs. run independently.
- Skilled at bridging CEO priorities with team needs, translating strategic goals into operational plans.
📝 Tips for Applying to Cortico
Highlight specific examples of managing nonprofit financial audits and 990 filings.
Show how you've used PEOs or similar HR platforms to streamline payroll and compliance.
Emphasize your experience working directly with a CEO to prioritize and translate team dynamics.
Mention any familiarity with grant reporting or board governance in a small nonprofit context.
Tailor your resume to show end-to-end ownership of financial operations, not just oversight.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for Cortico's mission of amplifying underheard voices through technology.", 'Concrete examples of building and managing budgets in a nonprofit setting.', 'Your ability to serve as a trusted operational partner to a CEO, handling both strategy and details.', 'Experience with compliance, audit readiness, and regulatory reporting for 501(c)(3) organizations.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read Cortico's blog or annual reports to understand their projects and impact metrics.
- → Review their technology platform (e.g., how they combine AI and human analysis) to grasp operational needs.
- → Look at their board of directors and any recent grant announcements to understand funding sources.
- → Check their Glassdoor or nonprofit reviews for insights into culture and team size.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't focus solely on for-profit experience without drawing clear parallels to nonprofit operations.
- Avoid vague descriptions of 'managed budgets'—be specific about dollar amounts and scope.
- Don't overlook the human side: this role requires emotional intelligence to bridge CEO and team, so emphasize soft skills.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!