Senior Manager, Operations and Administration

Job Description

Job Description

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion. 

Position Overview:
We are hiring a Senior Manager, Operations and Administration to lead the day-to-day management of all operational functions that enable the Brennan Center to operate efficiently across its New York and Washington, DC offices. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this role serves as the operational leader for workplace operations, facilities, organizational systems, vendor management, capital projects, and cross-functional initiatives that improve employee experience and organizational effectiveness. 

The position partners closely with Office of the President, Finance, IT, HR, and departmental leaders to develop scalable operational processes, oversee strategic projects, and ensure operational excellence across the organization.

The Senior Manager, Operations and Administration supervises the Office Manager and Administrative Assistant (Reception & Office Operations) in the New York office and provides operational leadership to the Washington DC Administration and Projects Manager to ensure consistent standards and service delivery across locations. 



 

Note:   This position is in-office 5 days/week and is based at our headquarters in New York City. This role may occasionally require supporting early morning or evening events.  

Responsibilities: 
Operational Leadership 

• Lead day-to-day workplaces operations across the New York and Washington DC offices 
• Develop and continuously improve operational policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and service standards 
• Build scalable operational processes that improve efficiency and employee experience 
• Identify operational risks and implement solutions to improve service delivery 
• Partner with department leaders to anticipate operational needs and organizational growth 

Facilities & Workplace Management 

• Serve as primary liaison with building management, landlords, contractors, and facilities vendors
• Oversee office maintenance, repairs, furniture, workplace technology coordination, and vendor performance 
• Lead office expansion, renovation, relocation, and capital improvement projects 
• Develop workplace standards that promote collaboration, safety, accessibility, and productivity 
• Ensure compliance with workplace safety, emergency preparedness, and security procedures 

Project & Program Management 

• Lead cross-functional operational initiatives from planning through implementation 
• Develop project plans, timelines, milestones, and reporting for strategic initiatives 
• Convene and facilitate cross-departmental working groups 
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and ensure accountability across stakeholders
• Support organizational change management and implementation of new operational systems 

  Budget & Vendor Management 

• Manage Operations departmental budget 
• Monitor operational expenditures and capital project budgets 
• Review invoices, purchase requests, and payment approvals 
• Lead vendor sourcing, contract negotiations, and ongoing performance management 
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining high service levels 

Organizational Systems & Continuous Improvement 

• Oversee organization-wide operational systems including:
  • Travel program
  • Internal communication tools
  • Shared calendars
  • Workplace procedures
  • Operational documentation
  • Staff resources libraries
• Partner with HR and IT to improve onboarding and operational workflows
• Evaluate and implement workplace technologies that improve efficiency 

Employee Experience 

• Support board meetings, internal meetings, and organizational events 
• Develop operational standards that create a consistent employee experience
• Partner with Office of the President, Development, HR and Communications to support organizational events and employee experience initiatives 

People Leadership 

• Manage Supervises the Office Manager and Administrative Assistant (Reception & Office Operations) in the New York office.
• Provides operational leadership to the Washington DC Office Administration and Projects Manager.
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members.
• Establish performance expectations and operational standards.
• Ensure consistent service delivery across both offices. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 8-to-10 years of experience in Operations, Workplace Operations, Facilities Management, Office Administration, or Business Operations.
• Experience leading cross-functional operational projects.
• Demonstrated success building operational processes and improving organizational efficiency.
• Experience managing vendors, facilities, and budgets.
• Experience supervising administrative or operations staff.
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Provide influence across departments through building relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and modern workplace technologies 
• Preferred:
  • Experience implementing project management systems. 
  • Experience managing capital improvement projects. 
  • Knowledge of workplace operations, facilities management, or organizational effectiveness. 

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to make a career transition, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application.   

If you’re uncertain about meeting 100 percent of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. In your cover letter, please describe your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested applicants to apply early, as the position will be filled once a qualified candidate is identified. 

Application Instructions: 
To apply, please visit >> this link << and upload the following documents: (1)  a cover letter, (2) resume, and (3)  contact information for three references.

Please, no phone calls or faxes;  it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty uploading these items as one document, e-mail them to View email address on us.fitly.work with “Senior Manager, Operations and Administration” in the subject line.   

Compensation and Benefits:   
The Brennan Center is a fantastic workplace! We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that is regularly assessed based on workplace trends and employee feedback.   

The salary range assigned for this role is $150,000 – $160,000 and has been determined based on market competitiveness. We determine our salary ranges based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. The salary offered a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s experience, qualifications and internal equity considerations. Additionally, we offer generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.  

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. To this end, we welcome all qualified applicants to apply.

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