Director of Operations

Director of Operations

ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 200 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Director of Operations will play a critical role in driving operational excellence and organizational efficiency to ensure the Innocence Project can effectively advance its objectives. They are responsible for optimizing all aspects of the IP’s day-to-day business functioning, overseeing the implementation of cross-functional tools and initiatives, and providing overall organizational support, facilitation, and coordination.  

The Director of Operations reports to the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief People and Culture Officer, oversees the Office Manager and works closely and collaboratively with the Director of Information Technology, as they support the vision, strategy, goals, integration and cohesion of the Innocence Project. 

The duties of this position require approximately 40 hours of work per week to be performed virtually/in-office. We currently have a hybrid in-office model, with all employees in the office three days per week and the remainder of the week remotely. Wednesday is our organization’s “anchor day” where all staff works in the office. The number of required in-office days is subject to change. 

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas and we are not an e-verify employer.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a strategic thought partner in understanding organizational needs and has a strong background in project management. They excel at streamlining processes and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders across departments with various opinions and needs. They are passionate about criminal legal reform and social justice and the mission of the Innocence Project. 

In addition, all Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff. We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in this type of environment. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Enterprise Maturity/Systems Strengthening and Improvement:

• At the direction of the Chief People and Culture Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, and in partnership with other senior leadership, develop and oversee organizational structures, strategies and processes, and implement systems that support the effective operations of the organization
• Monitor business trends in the market and serving as an expert on common (and emerging) methodologies, systems and tools for managing organizational needs

Organizational Standards, Practices and Compliance:

• Work collaboratively with the Chief People and Culture Officer, and other members of Senior Leadership to set and ensure operational standards of excellence for the organization and best practices across the board 
• Oversee the Office Manager in their building services duties and their oversight of front desk duties, ensuring a culture of excellence, efficiency, responsiveness, and utmost enablement of staff
• Serve as the strategic liaison with CFO and building management to plan long term projects regarding office moves, construction, and renovation; ensuring that such projects and related vendor interactions and communication run smoothly 
• In partnership with the Chief Financial Officer and Chief People and Culture Officer, create and standardize office policies that incorporate feedback from organization-wide stakeholders as appropriate

Business Efficiencies and Project Management:

• Identify operational challenges of shared organizational concern and identify appropriate structural solutions. Utilize an inclusive approach which gathers input and feedback from relevant stakeholders and takes multiple perspectives into consideration
• Streamline internal processes, reduce redundancies, and identify opportunities for greater efficiency and impact through use of organizational systems and tools
• Implement organization-wide project management best practices/services 

Strategic Planning and Annual Goal Setting Process Support:

• Provide process support and project mapping tools that will serve as scaffolding for the programmatic and substantive goals developed at various points in our work. This includes:
  • Work with the Executive Director and other senior leadership to coordinate the (tri-annual/quinquennial) strategic planning process, implementing a system for identifying milestones and tracking progress, and managing robust communication around the process with stakeholders and staff. (This is in partnership with the Chief Program Officer and other senior leaders who manage communication around substantive progress and achievements.)
• Work with Department Heads on their annual goal setting process, including a process for measuring progress/success toward goals and supporting with the corresponding assessment of budget and staffing needs.

Staff-wide Communications:

• In conjunction with the Chief Communications Officer, HR leadership and other senior leadership, set standards for the cadence, structure, format and tone for communication of information impacting all staff (ex. office wide closures, weather delay updates, implementation of new initiatives such as masking, in-office days, kitchen cleaning, etc.)

Business Continuity and Emergency Response:

• Serve as the primary “owner” of business continuity plan, including ensuring bi-annual review/revision
• Partner with senior leadership team and HR to respond to business and personnel emergencies, convene the “Emergency Team” for rapid response to crises
• Serve as interim support during supervisor-level vacancies, as needed, to maintain operations within their teams or the organization
• Oversee procurement and resource allocation policies and processes

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree, or other specialized plus 15+ years progressive experience
• 5+ years staff management experience
• Education in business administration, nonprofit management or organizational development a plus
• Specialized training or certification in project management and business improvement processes a plus
• Experience with project management methodologies and tools  
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES

• Exceptional business acumen
• Comfortable and effective at managing structural problems, difficult conversations and challenging situations
• Commitment to antiracism; demonstrated ability to center equity and inclusion in business practices
• Expert project management skills and abilities 
• Effective at consensus building with the ability to facilitate discussions among stakeholders to understand differing perspectives and reach common goals
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Familiarity with building
• Superior management and interpersonal skills
• Ability to remain calm and focused in stressful situations
• Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and criminal legal system reform, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest
• Shares in the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

The salary for this position is highly competitive and the Innocence Project offers an excellent benefits package, including fully-paid individual health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account, 401k plan with 6% company-match, paid disability and family care leave, adoption and fertility expense reimbursements, and company-paid transportation benefits.

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name in this format (last name_first name_cover letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email. 

*At the Innocence Project, we believe in recognizing talent and passion beyond formal educational qualifications. We are committed to considering a broad array of candidates with a range of professional and lived experiences and backgrounds. We know that transferable skills can be gained through a variety of ways that could enable a candidate to be successful in a role, not just formal education. For this position, if you have at least 21 years of experience in this or a related field, we encourage you to apply regardless of your educational background. So, whether you’re returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to transition to a new career path, or taking the next step in your professional life, we encourage you to apply if you have additional experience in lieu of the posted educational requirements.

**Applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis until the post is filled.** 

SALARY RANGE

$178,500 - $210,000 Salary commensurate with experience

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