Director of Operations

Director of Operations

The Director of Operations is a hands-on operational leader who ensures the organization runs efficiently, compliantly, and with a focus on supporting its people. This role blends operational oversight with a strong emphasis on human resources functions, including onboarding, compliance, policy management, and fostering a positive, collaborative workplace culture. Reporting to the administrative Vice President, the Director of Operations partners with staff at all levels to maintain smooth day-to-day operations while enabling team members to do their best work.

Key Functions

• Lead the onboarding process for all new hires, ensuring they receive clear orientation, resources, and support from day one
• Oversee HR compliance, ensuring all employment policies meet legal requirements and reflect best practices
• Update and maintain the employee handbook, aligning policies with organizational values and evolving standards
• Serve as a trusted point of contact for staff, listening to concerns, identifying issues early, and facilitating constructive solutions
• Coordinate professional development opportunities and team-building initiatives that strengthen culture and engagement

Responsibilities

Operations & Administration

• Partner with staff to anticipate operational needs and deliver timely, practical solutions
• Maintain and improve internal systems to ensure efficiency, clarity, and accessibility for all team members
• Organize and maintain internal resources, policies, and procedural documentation for easy access
• Coordinate organizational calendars, workflows, and operational priorities to keep projects aligned
• Supervise, support, and provide professional development for the Operations Associate, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and high-quality performance

Board Relations

• Serve as the primary staff liaison for board meeting, subcommittee meetings and communications, working closely with the administrative Vice President
• Prepare and distribute board meeting materials, agendas, and minutes in a timely manner
• Maintain accurate records of board decisions, committee activities, and governance documents
• Support board committees by scheduling meetings, tracking follow-up actions, and ensuring members have the information they need

Human Resources

• Oversee the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment to exit
• Develop and update HR policies in alignment with nonprofit mission, values, and compliance requirements
• Create job descriptions and manage job postings across relevant platforms
• Coordinate applicant screening, interviews, reference checks, and selection processes
• Facilitate onboarding, including new hire orientation, paperwork, and cultural integration
• Coordinate annual performance review cycles
• Draft annual compensation memos in collaboration with leadership
• Advise managers on employee relations, conflict resolution, and performance improvement plans
• Conduct exit interviews and compile findings to inform retention and engagement strategies

Internship

• Design, implement, and oversee an internship program with three annual cohorts, ensuring consistent quality and alignment with organizational goals
• Coordinate with universities, career centers, and partner organizations to promote opportunities and source talent
• Manage the application, interview, and selection processes for each cohort
• Ensure compliance with applicable visa and work authorization requirements for international participants
• Prepare and issue stipend invoices, ensuring timely and accurate payments
• Plan and deliver intern orientation sessions to onboard each cohort effectively
• Coordinate training, professional development, and mentorship opportunities for interns

Qualifications

• Experience in human resources, operations, or administration, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven environment.
• Knowledge of HR compliance, personnel management, and employee engagement strategies
• Strong project management, organizational skills, and the ability to create and maintain efficient processes
• Clear and empathetic communicator with strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities with a collaborative approach
• Proficiency in Salesforce, Slack and other modern workplace tools

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or work authorization required
• B.A. required
• Hybrid work schedule (current required 3 days in the NYC office; 2 days remote)
• Some evening and weekend work required
• Broad-based knowledge of China desirable

Director of Operations: Up to five years’ work experience; annual salary range is between $100,000-110,000