Director of Operations

Mission and Philosophy

The Shalom Hartman Institute is a leading research and educational center serving Israel and world Jewry. We work to enrich the moral and spiritual life of Israel and the Jewish people, deepen the commitment to pluralism and Israel’s Jewish and democratic character, and rebuild the covenant between Israel and the Jewish world.

Through our community of outstanding scholars and educators, the Institute develops innovative responses to the challenges of our time, cultivates a new generation of leaders and change agents, and builds transformational educational projects that help inspire a better Judaism and a better Israel for the 21st century.

Position

The Director of Operations plays a key role in ensuring the strategic design and smooth running of technical and logistical systems and platforms for both in person and hybrid events and activities run out of our NY office. This individual is responsible for project management processes and overseeing the smooth running of the NY office as well as managing strategic physical plant office functions and liaising with building contractors and vendors. Supervising at least two operations and IT staff, this is a role for a fast-paced, strategic, and resourceful team player – someone who is both analytic and relational, very detail-oriented and able to see the big picture, and a fantastic troubleshooter. Based in our New York office, four or five days per week, and reporting to the VP for Talent Development and Strategic Impact, the ideal candidate will be able to work collaboratively with colleagues both across North America and in Israel, and will possess a strong understanding of and commitment to SHI’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Physical Plant
  • Administer, coordinate and project manage the smooth running of office physical plant systems, including overseeing necessary purchases and repairs, orderliness, security, as well as HVAC, A/V, and IT systems;
  • Ensure work environments are adequate, safe, and compliant, overseeing expansions, upgrades, and renovations when needed;
  • Oversee the purchasing of program and office supplies and inventory systems;
  • Manage systems for supporting day-to-day office use and equipment;
  • Manage office budget lines with an eye towards identifying savings and fiscal responsibility;
  • Serve as primary liaison with our landlord and maintenance team
  • Evaluate and recommend new tools, platforms, and vendors in line with organizational goals;
  • Improve upon and maintain emergency preparedness, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans;
  • Serve as a point person for operational responses to emergencies or major disruptions.
• Events and Programs
  • Partner with program staff to ensure the smooth running of programs and events inside the NY office;
  • Create and manage systems for supporting in-office programs and conferences and use of office by outside groups and organizations;
  • Ensure our efforts are aligned with best practices, conduct research as needed, and serve a quality control function;
  • Accountable for staff who support A/V and IT needs for events inside the NY office.
• System strategy and design
  • Create efficient systems, policies, and procedures for vendor management, purchasing, travel, insurance, and equipment that will improve day-to-day operations;
  • Manage organizational risk through ensuring legal compliance, appropriate insurance, etc.;
  • Provide budgetary supervision and support with financial reporting as needed;
  • Design and lead trainings/onboarding on systems, safety procedures, and processes as needed;
  • Oversee processes to manage contracts, payments, and insurance;
  • Lead coordination and integration of efforts among operations, technology, and program departments to produce smoother workflows and more cost-effective business processes vis-à-vis knowledge and content management systems;
  • Ensure compliance with workplace safety, accessibility, and data/privacy regulations;
  • Coordinate with HR and Finance as needed on compliance matters.

Qualifications

• Superior track record with complex project planning and execution, including creating and managing timelines and work plans; sourcing vendors; managing speakers/faculty; and team management.
• Ability to delegate to and supervise others appropriately.
• Track record of demonstrating sound judgment by making appropriate decisions, knowing when to take initiative in identifying problems and devising solutions, and when to ask for help.
• 10 - 15 years of relevant professional experience.
• Excellent communication skills, fiscal acumen, and supervisory experience.
• Strong proficiency with Salesforce or a similar CRM system.
• Familiarity and/or proficiency with physical plant elements and systems.
• Flexible work style with the ability to work under tight deadlines and with shifting priorities.
• Exceptionally organized and detail-oriented; able to manage multiple complex tasks.
• Inquisitiveness and an openness to learning, including new software and technologies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including a proven ability using advanced functions of Excel.
• Familiarity with Jewish communal landscape a bonus.
• MA or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to travel occasionally and to staff evening and weekend programs.
• Good sense of humor.

Salary range and benefits: $120,000 - $140,000, commensurate with experience. Very competitive benefits package.

To apply:

Please submit both a resume and cover letter through this link: https://jobs.crelate.com/portal/shalomhartman/job/y6a6p64z5uxumnz5wtgyph4phr. The cover letter should include descriptions of positions with relevant experience, and demonstration of successful expertise in the core demands of the position. No phone calls please.

We deeply value the diversity of insight, perspective, and experience brought by people from backgrounds typically underrepresented in Jewish institutions. We also welcome applications from people of diverse religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds. The organization provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, national origin, disability condition, marital status, status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. In addition, the organization affirmatively seeks to advance the principles of equal employment opportunity as it applies to all policies and procedures relating to recruitment and hiring, compensation, benefits, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

We thank you for your interest in career opportunities with The Shalom Hartman Institute. Due to the anticipated high volume, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Candidates who will be interviewed can expect a response within 3-4 weeks.