Senior Manager, Operations and Administration

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, craft innovative policies, and fight for them — in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.

About the role

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 the 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 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.

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 workplace 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 and supervise the Office Manager and Administrative Assistant (Reception & Office Operations) in the New York office
  • Provide 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

• 5+ years of progressive experience in operations, facilities, or administration, preferably in a nonprofit or professional services environment
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Strong project management skills with experience leading cross-functional initiatives
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement operational policies and procedures
• Experience managing budgets, vendors, and contracts
• Proficiency with workplace technology and operational systems
• Experience supervising and developing staff
• Commitment to the Brennan Center’s mission and values

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, regularly assessed based on workplace trends and employee feedback
• Salary range: $150,000 – $160,000, determined based on market competitiveness and internal equity
• Generous time off program
• 401k plan
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• Wellness and office perks