People and Operations Manager

The Trace is a nonprofit newsroom exclusively dedicated to reporting on our country’s gun violence crisis. We’re looking for a People and Operations Manager to play a critical role in fostering a positive organizational culture, strengthening organizational effectiveness, managing the employee experience, and running day-to-day operations.

This role combines oversight of people-centered practices in recruitment, HR processes, employee engagement, performance management, professional development, and compliance, as well as overseeing daily financial and administrative processes.

The ideal candidate is an empathetic colleague who is committed to creating a positive, supportive, and inclusive work environment. They are a self-starter who combines a systems-oriented mindset with a strong attention to detail. With experience managing complex projects, they take initiative, anticipate organizational needs, and continuously seek ways to improve workflows, policies, and processes. They enjoy balancing hands-on administrative responsibilities with longer-term organizational planning and are eager to serve as a thought partner to the Director of Operations in building the structures, practices, and workflows that enable The Trace team to thrive.

Core Responsibilities:

People Processes

• Manage and strengthen the employee experience, bringing an inclusive and people-centered approach as well as standardized workflows to recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding. Manage the hiring process including applications, scheduling, and candidate communications.
• Manage core HR processes with ADP, including conducting payroll and adjustments, benefits administration, COBRA, PTO, and leave programs. Support employees through qualifying life events, leave processes and open enrollment.
• Build relationships with staff and serve as a trusted resource, being their point of contact and answering day-to-day questions about HR policies, benefits, support, and expense processes, and escalating when appropriate.
• Support the development, implementation, and communication of personnel policies, recommending improvements that reflect organizational values, staff wellbeing, and organizational effectiveness.
• Work with the Director of Operations to partner with managers and support staff growth and performance, providing guidance on coaching, feedback, conflict resolution, performance management, and other matters.
• Enable equitable pay practices by executing annual pay adjustments, equity audits, and rewards statements.
• Maintain HR systems and employee records, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and data retention compliance.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with organizational policies and federal, state, and local laws, proactively identifying risks and executing solutions.

Operations Management

• Partner with the Director of Operations to translate the strategic plan and goals into effective operations practices or initiatives.
• Identify and execute cross-team opportunities to improve systems, streamline workflows, strengthen internal communication, close knowledge gaps, and support the organization’s growth.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures in the operations department and an organization-wide knowledge hub for organizational policies, processes, documentation, and resources.
• Oversee operations resources including our facilities, technology, and equipment, regularly working with our IT vendor. Support external bookkeeper and accountant.
• Support organizational safety, security, and risk management efforts.
• Manage staff expense systems, vendor payments and contracts, and contractor compliance. Help managers track budget usage.
• Project manage roll outs of updates to policies, processes and systems.
• Serve as a key resource for staff, managers, and vendors, providing troubleshooting, training, and support for key organizational systems and tools including Google Workspace, Slack, Bill, and Bill Spend & Expense.

Employee Engagement

• Design and lead employee engagement, recognition, and wellness initiatives to foster a positive company culture. Partner with the staff Wellness Committee and leadership to coordinate skills trainings and workshops, annual retreats, staff surveys, recognition efforts, and other initiatives that strengthen wellbeing.
• Manage and continuously improve the performance review process, including scheduling and tracking annual reviews, goal setting, and regular feedback conversations.
• Help develop and administer professional development programs that provide equitable access to learning, training, and growth for all staff.
• Develop dashboards to track critical employee engagement data.
• Support clear and consistent internal communications that keep staff informed and connected.
• Stay informed on emerging best practices in employee engagement, wellness, and safety, particularly among nonprofit news organizations.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• 4-7 years of experience in operations or people operations
• Excellent project management, organization, prioritization, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Strategic thinking, while being able to accurately and efficiently execute day-to-day tasks
• Ability to work independently, identify opportunities for improvement, and follow through
• Good judgement to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and empathy, escalating when necessary
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to develop and present clear presentations
• Proficiency working in a hybrid environment utilizing Google Workspace, Slack, and Airtable

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience in a newsroom, nonprofit, startup, and/or on small operations or HR teams, particularly in a multi-state organization
• Experience managing hiring, onboarding, offboarding, payroll, performance reviews, and compliance
• Strong understanding of local, state, and federal employment law and regulations, or a willingness to learn
• Demonstrated ability to establish and strengthen processes, systems, and workflows, including an understanding of appropriate use of AI in people operations
• Preference will be given to candidates in New York City (The Trace has remote staff across the U.S. and its New York office has a hybrid work structure)

Compensation and Benefits:

• $90,000-$100,000 annually (or $100,000-$110,000 annually in New York City or the Bay Area)
• 100% covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and dependents
• 401(k) with match up to 5%
• Vacation Days (20 a year)
• Sick Days (10 a year)
• Personal Days (2 a year)
• Paid holidays (15 a year, encompassing federal holidays and one week end of year closure)
• Paid Family Leave (16 weeks)
• Professional development support
• Phone and wifi stipend
• Life Insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary benefits include: Health and Dependent Care FSA, Commuter Benefits, Legal Plan, Critical Illness, Accident, AD&D, and Hospital Indemnity Coverage

To Apply:

Please fill out this application form. In lieu of a cover letter, we ask that you answer a few questions to showcase your skills and experience, as well as submit your resume.

The deadline for applying is August 3 at 10am ET.

After applications close, we will endeavor to respond to all applicants. However, due to the large number of applications we receive, this may take time. If you have questions about this opportunity please email jobs@thetrace.org.

At The Trace, we are committed to producing and supporting journalism that is equitable and inclusive. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds to apply.