Think of Us is a systems change organization helping accelerate the transformation of the child welfare system into a Child and Family Well-Being System — one that helps youth and families heal, develop, and thrive. We focus on driving structural change and cultural transformation across the ecosystem — shifting how government systems operate, make decisions, and define success. This work builds on a series of national and state laws, regulations, and policy directions that have created the opportunity for child welfare systems to operate in drastically different, more family-centered ways.
Our work spans innovation, collaboration, and implementation to strengthen reform efforts that help children, youth, and families build stability, connection, and well-being. We partner with government, philanthropy, and communities nationwide to accelerate reform — grounding every effort in lived experience, guided by data, and strengthened by technology.
We translate lived experience into actionable insights, embed those with firsthand experience in the work of change, and co-design strategies that bridge practice and policy. When gaps appear in the ecosystem, we develop — or help others develop — proof points that show how the system can work differently. And when we learn what works (or what doesn’t), we bring those lessons to policymakers and leaders to shape new laws, regulations, and practices that make lasting change possible. We tackle the most challenging problems and innovation risks that others can’t - working to make child and family well-being the organizing goal of the nation’s child welfare system.
Here’s what this looks like:
Our team members share a commitment to driving systems change through creative problem-solving, obsessive curiosity, and a love of quickly driving innovative, measurable, and impactful results.
Department: Operations
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Direct Reports: none
Location: Hybrid, Washington, DC; up to 4 days in office weekly
Category: Full-time, Exempt
We are seeking a mission-aligned and solutions-oriented Senior Associate, Operations to help strengthen and scale the systems that power Think of Us’ work. Reporting to the COO, this role will play a key part in ensuring the organization’s operations and finance infrastructure are effective, efficient, and positioned for growth.
This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys bringing structure to complexity and thrives in environments that are still being built. You’ll work closely with the COO and Senior Director, Finance to connect strategic goals with operational execution—helping to design and refine processes across finance operations, facilities, and organizational systems.
You will succeed in this role if you’re proactive, resourceful, and energized by improving how things work. Ideal candidates will bring both operational discipline and creativity, leveraging technology—including AI—to streamline workflows, strengthen collaboration, and support making data-driven decisions.
Operational Systems & Process Improvement
Finance & Resource Operations
We recognize that candidates may not meet every listed qualification. Studies show that individuals from underrepresented groups are more likely to opt out of applying if they don’t meet 100% of the criteria. If you believe you can succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply so we can learn about your unique strengths.
At TOU, we believe that taking care of our people is foundational to the impact we aim to make. Our compensation philosophy is rooted in transparency and a holistic understanding of people’s needs. We believe fair, market-competitive pay is essential to attracting and retaining the exceptional talent needed to achieve our ambitious goals. As a not-for-profit organization, we design our compensation packages—including both salary and benefits—with care and in alignment with our financial sustainability.
The annual salary for this role is $70,000 - 75,000. Starting salaries for new hires will be determined based on a combination of the new hire’s relevant experience and market demands.
TOU’S benefits go beyond the basics. They’re designed to support your well-being, growth, and sense of purpose at work and beyond. From comprehensive health coverage to professional development support and meaningful time off, our benefits reflect our commitment to nurturing a workplace where people can thrive, both personally and professionally.
As part of your application, please submit a resume outlining your skills and experiences relevant to this role.
We are accepting applications through December 4, 2025. Applications submitted by that date will be reviewed, and candidates will receive updates on their candidacy by the week of December 15, 2025. Only complete applications will be considered.
Please note: We do not accept phone inquiries about this position in order to ensure a fair and consistent hiring process for all applicants.
Think of Us is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and value applicants of all backgrounds, knowing that diverse perspectives strengthen our work with children, youth, and families. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and for applicants’ religious practices as required by law.