COVER LETTER
Kerrie Mitchell DPSCD Foundation
Fisher Building Ste. 1004
Detroit, MI 48202
October 26, 2024
Kerrie,
Thank you for the opportunity to share this proposal for Strategic Planning and Fractional Operations Support with the DPSCD Foundation. For over ten years, I’ve successfully led noteworthy operational transformations for nonprofits serving historically excluded communities, and as a Detroit Public Schools alum, I would consider working with you and your team a professional privilege
In the following document, I’ve outlined my understanding of the engagement and have proposed a scope of work for your review. Based on our discussions, this proposal reflects a three month engagement with the option of extending up to six months. I look forward to working with you to develop a more detailed version that will comprehensively address the Foundation’s needs.
Best,
Racheal Allen CEO, OPSIDIA
OPSIDIA is a woman, minority owned management consultancy specializing in providing fractional operations support, program design and technical assistance services. Through our diverse network of culturally competent practitioners, OPSIDIA helps our clients operationalize their visions by prescribing the precise interventions needed while managing costs. We're unapologetic about our desire to support initiatives that are led by or serve historically excluded communities. Founded in 2022 by Lean Six Sigma certified consultant Racheal Allen, OPSIDIA has quickly grown into a highly sought after firm due to our niched expertise in the areas of operations and program management. Our services include:
Capacity Building Services
Process Improvement
Performance Measurement
Change Management
Operational Plans
Systems Development
Standard Operating Procedures
Organizational Strategy
Program Design
Technical Assistance Support
Strategic Planning
We have a reputation for providing quality service and reliable advice. Our experience provides us with tools, techniques, and strategies that allow us to focus on the timely delivery of credible results.
RACHEAL ALLEN PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT
Racheal Allen is a Lean Six Sigma certified operations expert with twenty years of experience. In 2019, she created Operations School, a nonprofit with a mission to train, empower and equip BIPOC startup and nonprofit leaders with the skills to successfully manage and scale their organizations leveraging systems, automation and delegation strategies.
As CEO of OPSIDIA, Racheal leads a diverse team that empowers organizations to build capacity via program design and fractional operations support. Racheal is also co-founder of Centric Place, a first of its kind incubation space for Black arts, culture and entrepreneurship.
As a executive and consultant, she’s led operations for educational districts, foundations and complex nonprofits including Rebuild Foundation, Racquet Up Detroit, Midtown Detroit Inc. and Downtown Boxing Gym to name a few. Allen previously served as the founding Chief Operating Officer for Marygrove Conservancy, a transformational cradle to career initiative that represents the Kresge Foundation’s largest investment into a single project with a commitment of over $75M.
Recent recognition includes being named Small Business Hero of the Year by Connect313, a Young American Leader at Harvard Business School, Oakland County’s 40 Under Forty, DBusiness’ 30 in Their Thirties, Crain’s Detroit Business’ 40 Under Forty, Great Expectations Award by the Detroit NAACP Branch and Notable Black Business Leaders by Crain’s Detroit Business. She is also the author of “Get Your Business Legit: A Guide to Starting, Launching and Scaling Your Startup”.
ALYSSA WILLIAMS PROJECT MANAGER
Alyssa Williams is an experienced and dynamic project management and nonprofit professional with 7+ years of experience in program design, program facilitation and community engagement. Throughout her career, Williams has been regarded as a natural leader, having held both manager and director roles under the age of 27. Driven by her commitment to supporting the creation of stronger communities, Williams is dedicated to supporting black and brown organizations in scaling and deepening their impact while staying true to their mission.
Williams received multiple honors including the Constructive Leadership Award from BuildOn Inc, Distinguished Leader Award from Eastern Michigan University, BMe Vanguard, and was featured in the documentary “Journey of Stories: Detroit X”. Williams is a proud product of Detroit Public Schools and went on to receive her Bachelor's in Psychology from Michigan State University, a Masters in Women’s and Gender Studies from Eastern Michigan University and is currently working towards a Master’s Degree in Social Work at Wayne State University.
William’s main focuses are mental health and wellness practices that centers on culturally relevant, trauma informed, evidence based practices. Williams is passionate about supporting black and brown folx in creating happier and healthier realities. By prioritizing mental health, radical wellness and rest, Williams empowers individuals and groups to create more sustainable lives.
SCOPE OF WORK
After discussion with Executive Director Kerrie Mitchell, OPSIDIA understands DPSCD’S current needs as follows:
STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION(S) WITH BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Foundation requires a strategic plan to help its Board of Directors gain clarity and alignment on the organization's mission, goals, and priorities This plan will also equip the Executive Director with the necessary support to drive and sustain ongoing organizational change.
FRACTIONAL OPERATIONS SUPPORT
Operational Assessment:
While the Foundation has effectively managed its day-to-day operations in the past, it now needs upgraded technology, strengthened internal controls, and updated policies and procedures to increase efficiency
OPSIDIA will perform an operational assessment to identify opportunities, address gaps, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the current operations to ensure the highest-impact results.
Operational Capacity:
Once a thorough assessment is completed, DPSCD Foundation needs additional capacity to augment policies, procedures, handbooks, etc. This will provide the Executive Director with the bandwidth and expertise to produce these materials on an accelerated timeline.
DPSCD Foundation would benefit from receiving C-suite level strategic operations support. This will help the Executive Director leadership with operational decision making and implementing best practices. Strategic Operations Support
SCOPE OF WORK
ENGAGEMENT I: STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION
To prepare for an effective strategic planning session with the Board of Directors, OPSIDIA will conduct the following activities:
PRE-SESSION PREPARATION
Data Collection
OPSIDIA will gather relevant financial, operational, and organizational data from DPSCD Foundation to provide a baseline for the session.
Stakeholder Interviews
Conduct one-on-one interviews with key board members and stakeholders to identify their priorities, concerns, and vision for the Foundation
Agenda Development
Design a focused agenda with key discussion points around finance, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. This agenda will be shared in advance for alignment.
FACILITATION APPROACH
Opening Session
We will begin with an overview of the current state of the Foundation’s finances and operations, acknowledging growth opportunities. We will establish a common understanding of DPSCD Foundation’s mission, values, and the need for strategic alignment
SWOT Analysis
Lead the board through a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to assess internal capabilities and external challenges. Use this to identify priority areas for improvement in finance, operations, and resource management
Visioning Exercise
Facilitate a collaborative discussion on the future vision for the Foundation, focusing on growth, sustainability, and impact.
Encourage board members to articulate their long-term goals and aspirations for DPSCD Foundation
SCOPE OF WORK
Goal Setting
Guide the board in setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timebound) goals based on the vision and SWOT analysis.
Prioritize financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and strategic growth.
Strategy Development
Help the board develop actionable strategies to achieve their goals, including resource allocation, leadership development, and performance metrics
Emphasize key areas such as financial transparency, donor engagement, and operational improvements.
POST-SESSION FOLLOW-UP
Strategic Plan Documentation
OPSIDIA will summarize the outcomes of the session into a comprehensive strategic plan that outlines the board’s vision, goals, and strategic priorities.
Implementation Roadmap
OPSIDIA will provide a high-level implementation roadmap, highlighting key milestones, resources, and timelines for operational and financial improvements
Ongoing Support
OPSIDIA will offer up to three (3) hours of continued fractional COO support and consulting to ensure the plan’s execution and to monitor progress.
Investment: $3,500.00
SCOPE OFWORK
ENGAGEMENT II: FRACTIONAL OPERATIONS SUPPORT
PART I: DISCOVERY
OPSIDIA will seek to understand the current state of DPSCD Foundations’s fiscal operations, identify key challenges, and gather relevant data to inform the analysis and implementation phases.
ACTIVITIES
Initial Consultation
Meet with key stakeholders to discuss DPSCD Foundation’s goals, challenges, and current operational status Identify specific areas of concern related to fiscal operations including bookkeeping, reconciliation, accounts payable/accounts receivable, reporting and compliance
Stakeholder Mapping
Identify key stakeholders and their roles within the organization Understand the decision-making processes and communication channels for change management.
Data Collection
Gather existing documentation on operational processes including policies, procedures, passwords, etc.
Conduct a high-level review of the collected data to identify immediate gaps and areas needing further exploration.
DELIVERABLES
Detailed discovery meeting/report outlining initial findings and key challenges
Stakeholder map and communication plan
List of data and documentation collected
SCOPE OFWORK
PART II: ANALYSIS
OPSIDIA will analyze the collected data to identify root causes of operational inefficiencies and develop strategic recommendations for improvement.
ACTIVITIES
Data Analysis
Review and analyze the data collected during the discovery phase Identify patterns, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies in operational processes
Benchmarking
Compare DPSCD Foundation’s current practices with industry best practices and standards Identify areas where the organization is underperforming or excelling
Root Cause Analysis
Use techniques such as SWOT analysis, cause-and-effect diagrams, and process mapping to identify the root causes of operational challenges Prioritize issues based on their impact on DPSCD Foundation’s day to day operations
Strategic Recommendations
Develop a comprehensive set of strategic recommendations to address identified challenges and improve operational efficiency
Provide specific action plans for swift implementation
DELIVERABLES
Comprehensive analysis report detailing findings and root cause analysis
Benchmarking report comparing current practices with industry standards
Strategic recommendations and action plans
SCOPE OFWORK
PART III: IMPLEMENTATION
OPSIDIA will execute the strategic recommendations to improve operational efficiency and support DPSCD Foundation’s goals
ACTIVITIES
Implementation Planning
Develop a detailed implementation plan with timelines, milestones, and responsible parties Ensure alignment with DPSCD Foundation’s strategic goals and stakeholder expectations
Policy and Process Development
Update or create fiscal policies to ensure compliance and best practices
Streamline processes to enhance ease of use for staff, end users and to improve efficiency/satisfaction
Change Management
Implement a change management strategy to ensure smooth adoption of new policies and processes
Conduct training sessions procedures to educate leadership/staff on new practices
Monitoring and Evaluation
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of the implemented changes
Regularly review progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure continuous improvement
DELIVERABLES
Detailed implementation plan with timelines and milestones
Updated fiscal policies and processes
Change management strategy and training materials
INVESTMENT SUMMARY
OPSIDIA proposes providing the above services according the following fee schedule:
Six Months of Fractional Operations Services:
Principal Consultant - Racheal Allen
Project Manager - Alyssa Williams
Administrative Support - Khadijah Johnson
As needed support from OPSIDIA network:
Up to a (60) minute weekly team meeting
MONTHLY INVESTMENT
$6,250.00
INVESTMENT: $37,500.00
