Senior Program & Operations Associate

Forward Justice is a nonpartisan law, policy, and strategy center dedicated to advancing racial, social, and economic justice in the U.S. South. We serve as a strategic partner for nonprofit organizations, coalitions, and networks at the forefront of movements organizing for a more just, equitable, and free South. For more information visit our website at www.forwardjustice.org

Position Overview:

Forward Justice is seeking an efficient, detail-oriented, and passionate Senior Program & Operations Associate to join our growing team. This role plays a key part in supporting the day-to-day operations of Forward Justice while coordinating programs and activities across departments. The associate will help ensure the smooth planning, coordination, and execution of organizational programs, events, and initiatives.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated leader who believes deeply in excellence and the racial justice mission of our organization. The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining strong attention to detail. This role is essential to supporting our team across departments, strengthening internal operations, and ensuring programs are implemented with care, consistency, and alignment to organizational values.

The Senior Program & Operations Associate will be responsible for overseeing logistical details, coordinating timelines and activities, supporting program teams, and helping maintain operational systems and workflows that contribute to overall organizational effectiveness and program success. This role will report to the Director of People and Culture.

Duties & Responsibilities

Operations & Administrative Support

• Work closely with the Executive Assistant and Operations team to provide a wide range of complex administrative and operational support to the program teams.
• Develop, implement, and administer office systems and procedures to support efficient organizational operations.
• Obtain vendor quotes, assess options, and provide recommendations for systems, tools, and process improvements.
• Co-create, update, and maintain internal operational procedures and ensure proper documentation and accessibility.
• Support both the C3 and C4 entities with operational and logistical needs related to programs and field events.
• Assist the Leadership team in identifying and resolving day-to-day operational issues.
• Support and help lead operations for an ongoing remote and/or hybrid work environment.
• Participate in internal and partner meetings; record, organize, and distribute meeting notes and follow-up items.
• Maintain organized digital and physical filing systems, including sorting, filing, and retrieving documents and reports as needed.
• Perform general administrative and clerical duties to support organizational effectiveness.
• Maintain logs, trackers, and spreadsheets related to office and operational activities.

Program Coordination & Support

• Collaborate with program teams across departments to support the planning, implementation, and ongoing refinement of programs aligned with organizational goals.
• Participate in weekly programming meetings to remain informed and prepared to support program needs.
• Coordinate communication across internal teams to ensure smooth program operations and timely follow-through.
• Organize and maintain program-related materials, documentation, and resources.
• Attend, support, and assist with organizational and partner community events.
• Serve as a point of contact at events, as needed, for vendors, partners, and supporters.
• Create a warm, welcoming, and organized experience for program participants and community members.
• Support program evaluation and documentation efforts, including distributing and collecting surveys and feedback tools.
• Additional duties as identified through the work.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Associate’s degree or a minimum of two years of related work experience preferred; experience in the nonprofit sector is strongly desired.
• Proficiency with computers and common workplace tools, including the Microsoft Office Suite and collaborative platforms used in remote or hybrid environments.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating activities, projects, and/or events across teams or departments.
• Exceptional time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with team, partners, vendors, and community members.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to working efficiently and accurately.
• Firm understanding of operational procedures and systems that improve organizational efficiency and workflow.
• Ability to troubleshoot issues proactively, identify solutions, and follow through to resolution.
• Professional demeanor, strong ethical standards, and a high level of discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to remain positive and focused in a fast-paced environment.
• A positive can do attitude and perspective to the work.
• Demonstrated dedication to fostering collaboration, teamwork, and a supportive organizational culture.
• Alignment with Forward Justice’s mission and values, including a commitment to equity, racial justice, and excellence in all aspects of work.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 100% employee premium coverage  
• 100% employer sponsored Short- and Long-Term Disability  
• 100% employer provided life insurance  
• 11 paid holidays + 2.5 weeks office closure at year-end  
• 15 days paid time off per year  
• 401(k) retirement option with employer contribution  
• Individual and team professional development opportunities  
• Casual, flexible work environment with a commitment to employee wellbeing and work/life balance, currently operating as hybrid in-person/remote