Director of Operations

The New York State Defenders Association (NYSDA) is seeking an experienced operations professional with human resources experience, and a passion for justice. The Director of Operations will be responsible for overseeing human resources, information technology, and other operations of the Association.

NYSDA’s mission is to improve the quality and scope of publicly supported legal representation to people who cannot afford counsel. NYSDA supports and enhances the quality of public defense across the state of New York by providing training, publications, and case consultation for New York's public defense community through its Public Defense Backup Center, Veterans Defense Program, Public Defense Recruitment and Retention Program, and Public Defense Case Management System. NYSDA offers high-quality training to public defense attorneys, investigators, social workers, and other members of the public defense community. NYSDA is a strong, stable organization with a budget of approximately $6 million and 32 staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

Human Resources

• Institute best practices in all aspects of human resources administration.
• Manage recruitment and hiring processes for new personnel, including support for drafting job postings, reviewing applications, and interviewing candidates.
• Develop and implement orientation and onboarding programs for new hires.
• Collaborate with the Association’s Business Manager on employee benefits administration, including medical insurance and retirement (403(b)) plan.
• Develop a system for consistent performance evaluations for staff and ensure that evaluations are completed in a timely manner.
• Create and maintain an effective system for digital and paper copy personnel files.
• Ensure that the Association’s employment policies and procedures comply with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and regularly review policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Draft updates to the Association’s Policies and Procedures Manual as needed.
• Serve as the point person for staff regarding human resources issues and questions.

Information Technology

• Ensure strong Information Technology support by serving as the liaison between staff and the Association’s managed IT service provider.

Compliance Management

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Business Manager on contract, budget, and vendor management.
• Ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements and prepare reports for submission to funders.

Operations

• Analyze current operational processes and recommend solutions for improvements where necessary.
• Oversee office communications, such as social media, website, and email communications to members by reviewing content and ensuring timely updates to information.
• Supervise membership program, including member services, enrollment, and renewals.
• Serve as the backup point of contact for building management and maintenance at NYSDA’s offices.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, personnel management, or a related field.
• Experience working in or supervising human resources.
• Experience working in an operations role.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated passion for justice and interest in NYSDA’s mission to improve the quality and scope of representation to individuals who cannot afford counsel and advance equitable and racial justice.
• Experience working in a non-profit environment preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $100,000 - $125,000, depending on experience. NYSDA offers a generous benefits package, including paid vacation, personal, and sick time, and parental leave; health, dental, and vision insurance coverage; FSA; and 403(b) with employer contribution after one year.

The Director of Operations will work at NYSDA’s main office in Albany with the opportunity to work remotely two days a week from within New York State. The position involves occasional travel to training programs, meetings, and professional development events. The position is classified as “exempt,” and some evening and weekend hours may be required.

Apply online at https://apply.appone.com/job/699f5c16ec1666254fac4d9f. Applicants must upload a resume and a cover letter. Applications without the required materials will not be considered. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

NYSDA is an equal opportunity employer. NYSDA values diversity, equity, and inclusion and strongly encourages candidates of all identities, orientations, experiences, and communities to apply.

NYSDA offers a generous benefits package, including paid vacation, personal, and sick time, and parental leave; health, dental, and vision insurance coverage; FSA; and 403(b) with employer contribution after one year.