Director of Operations

Philadelphia VIP is a nonprofit that recruits and supports volunteer attorneys to represent low-income Philadelphians who face critical legal issues but cannot afford a lawyer.

Since 1981, VIP has been the hub of pro bono in Philadelphia, annually supporting over 1,500 volunteers assisting hundreds of low-income clients in four priority areas: preventing homelessness, preserving income, supporting family stability, and promoting community economic development. VIP is the “agency of last resort” for our clients. Our staff of eighteen consists of attorneys, case managers, and other professionals and is highly collaborative, creative, and passionate about our capacity-building model of service. VIP values a diverse work environment and encourages people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ, and people with disabilities to apply.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Director of Operations plays a critical role in advancing VIP’s mission of leveraging the power of the community to provide high-quality volunteer legal services and expand access to justice for low-income Philadelphians. The position oversees core internal functions, including human resources, financial operations, and employee relations, and is responsible for creating and maintaining systems that foster engaged, high-performing employees and support their professional growth.

This position is full-time (38–40 hours per week) and exempt, with a salary range of $85,000–$93,000, and an outstanding team atmosphere. The Director of Operations does not directly supervise staff but provides leadership and coordination across the operations team, which includes the Data and Contracts Manager, Development Manager, and Administrative Assistant.

VIP offers a generous benefits package, including medical and dental insurance (with the employee medical premium fully paid by VIP); a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions; short- and long-term disability and life insurance; flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care; industry-leading paid time off, including substantial vacation and sick leave, 12+ paid holidays, and paid parental leave; an individual budget for professional development; and alternative work arrangements, including generous telework hours and scheduling flexibility.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

A strong director of operations candidate will demonstrate: a passion for supporting VIP’s volunteer-based service model; aptitude for leading human resources, financial management, and professional development efforts; excellent written and oral communication skills; and a demonstrated ability to design, implement, and refine administrative processes and systems. Further qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s Degree or commensurate experience
• Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience, with at least five years of total professional experience
• Demonstrated experience in financial management and planning, including budgeting, forecasting, expense oversight, and GAAP compliance
• Experience in human resources and employee relations; labor relations experience a plus
• Proven track record of increasing leadership and management responsibilities
• Strong organizational skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with a high degree of independence and accountability
• Strong aptitude for technology, including familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, and accounting software
• Collaborative leadership approach and ability to build effective working relationships with staff across the organization

KEY FUNCTIONS

Management and Leadership:

• Advances inclusive and respectful service delivery and fosters a supportive, engaging office culture.
• Encourages and facilitates planning and implementation of teamwide and individual professional development.
• Offers guidance to the leadership team to promote positive, effective, and productive team dynamics across the organization.
• Coordinates the Board Human Resources Committee and participates in other relevant Board committees, meetings, and initiatives, as needed.
• May supervise relevant Operations team positions, as needed.
• Attends regular meetings and performs all other duties, as assigned.

Human Resources, Employee Relations, and Benefits Administration:

• Leads recruitment and hiring efforts, including coordinating interviews and overseeing onboarding.
• Serves as the primary organizational liaison to VIP’s Collective Bargaining Unit.
• Leads the implementation, and periodic refinement of personnel-related policies, procedures, and practices.
• Coordinates benefit offerings, enrollment and administration, and paid time off.
• Manages VIP's performance development and professional development processes.

Finance and Business Services:

• Ensures timely, accurate, and compliant processing of all bills, payroll, benefits, and annual audit requirements.
• Serves as the primary liaison with external finance contractors and auditors, coordinating day-to-day financial operations and deliverables.
• Manages vendor relationships, insurance coverage, compliance, and organizational risk management.
• Monitors, analyzes, and reports on organizational and program budgets; supports budgeting and forecasting; and identifies opportunities for cost savings and strategic investment.

Facilities Management, Operations, and Technology:

• Oversees facilities operations, including building and equipment maintenance and repair, security, and safety.
• Collaborates heavily with Data and Contracts Manager who manages VIP’s technology, including computers, equipment, internet connectivity, and other IT needs.

HOW TO APPLY:

E-mail cover letter, resume, and references to jobs@phillyvip.org. References will not be contacted without prior permission from candidate. No calls, please.

What to include in your cover letter: All cover letters should include a salary requirement and potential start date. Applicants are invited to include a statement about how the applicant’s unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of VIP’s staff and legal practice.

Deadline & Timeline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those received by Tuesday, February 3, 2026. First-round interviews will be virtual and occur during the weeks of February 9 and 16. Second-round interviews will be in-person and occur during the week of February 23. Due to the volume of applications received, we will only be able to follow up with candidates invited for an interview.

VIP offers a generous benefits package, including medical and dental insurance (with the employee medical premium fully paid by VIP); a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions; short- and long-term disability and life insurance; flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care; industry-leading paid time off, including substantial vacation and sick leave, 12+ paid holidays, and paid parental leave; an individual budget for professional development; and alternative work arrangements, including generous telework hours and scheduling flexibility.