Director of People & Operations

Overview

ABOUT CRE

We believe that healthy, thriving nonprofits are the cornerstones of communities and lead the way for positive social change. For over 40 years, CRE’s promise has been to offer nonprofits the strategic guidance, transformative coaching, and expert training they need in areas like planning, people and culture, and DEIA, to grow stronger, reach further, and dream bigger. As a nonprofit consulting and coaching organization focused on organizational development and change management, we collaborate with nonprofits to strategize, navigate shifts, develop and empower their leaders, and garner the support they need to maximize impact in their communities.

In doing our work, CRE upholds our values of:

• Collaboration: We are smarter and more creative when we work together (and it’s more fun too).
• Diversity, Equity + Inclusion: We believe that true impact can only be achieved when we lift up diverse voices that have not always been heard.
• Accountability + Excellence: We promise excellence in all that we do and hold ourselves accountable to the community, the people we serve, and each other.
• Reflective Practice: We appreciate the big questions, tough discussions, and unexpected answers.
• Power of Change: We believe that change is always possible and unleashes opportunity and the potential for creative solutions that improve communities.
• Courage: We embrace bold ideas and risks that allow us to partner with clients as they overcome challenges and move toward change.

ABOUT OUR TEAM

Our team of 15 program/consulting and operations staff is more than a group of colleagues; we are dynamic, diverse, mission-aligned thought partners, deeply invested in driving social change. We co-create, transform, and challenge organizations to reach their full potential. We value our people, the journey, and the promise of change. We believe all communities are rich in ideas, capacity, and care. We lead with an unapologetic commitment to equity, especially in times of stress and uncertainty. For more, see our staff page.

This position is based in New York City. The team follows a hybrid work schedule, with in-person work required at least two days per week, or more as needed based on work demands. CRE observes COVID-19 protocols at the workplace and requires all employees to be fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination is required for employment.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a key member of CRE’s Management Team, the Director of People & Operations (DPO) plays a strategic role in overseeing CRE’s human resources (People) and managing and implementing internal systems and functions, including technology and data management, and operations. The DPO will partner with the Management Team to provide strategic and analytical support to help CRE achieve its strategic goals, ensuring that internal operations are efficient, aligned with our mission, and support our team’s ability to deliver high-quality services.

The DPO is a systems-oriented leader with a deep understanding of how organizations evolve and navigate change. They view human resources development as essential to advancing CRE’s mission and strategy. The DPO will plan and execute necessary improvements to maintain high standards of accountability, productivity, and effectiveness. They are a self-starter, passionate about solving problems, designing and implementing procedures, and collaborating to produce meaningful outcomes that support CRE’s mission and bottom line.

The DPO reports to the President & CEO.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES

People (Human Resources) Management

• Foster an organizational culture that attracts and motivates an exemplary, diverse staff; supports their growth and development; and enables collaboration, continuous learning, and high performance.
• Apply a racial equity lens in all aspects of HR.
• Set and implement CRE’s HR strategy, ensuring systems and resources align with strategic goals.
• Update and maintain the Employee Handbook, ensuring that policies are compliant and supportive of the team.
• Evaluate, negotiate, and oversee all staff benefits including leading the annual open enrollment process.
• Supervise payroll and oversee statutory benefits to ensure compliance.
• Manage recruitment efforts including job postings, candidate screening, interviewing, and onboarding.
• Handle employee relations including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Implement and oversee performance management processes including goal setting, performance reviews, and professional development plans.
• Liaise with the Personnel Committee of CRE’s board.

Technology & Data Management

• Manage IT functions, including systems administration, cybersecurity, and technology support.
• Oversee the effective use of CRE’s IT and data management systems, supporting programs and operations, and planning for future needs.
• Working with outsourced technology service providers, ensure the ongoing maintenance and improvement of CRE’s information systems and infrastructure.
• Establish and improve technology policies and procedures, and support staff training as needed.

Operations Management

• Partner with the finance team to inform budgeting and support reporting.
• Oversee facilities management, ensuring that CRE’s physical and virtual workspaces are safe, efficient, and conducive to productivity.
• Develop and manage vendor relationships, including contracts and service agreements.
• Oversee legal activities, including contracts, leases, and other legal documents.
• Engage pro bono legal counsel as needed on contracts, employment matters, policies, and compliance to protect CRE’s business interests.
• Supervise procurement, including managing and monitoring business insurance.

Organizational Leadership

• Carry a small client load predominantly as an advisor to talent and culture related client-work on an as needed basis.
• Serve as a member of the Management Team, contributing to the development and execution of CRE’s strategic goals, and acting as a trusted advisor on HR and operational matters.
• Partner with other leaders to integrate HR and operational strategies with organizational priorities.
• Partner with the Director of Programs to support the consulting team in meeting its goals by providing coaching, guidance, and training, and ensuring that team members are working effectively to deliver high-quality client work.
• Lead internal initiatives that strengthen CRE’s operational efficiency, financial health, and service quality.

QUALIFICATIONS + DESIRED EXPERIENCE

The DPO is committed to CRE’s mission, social change, and to our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The DPO is eager to share what they know and contribute ideas, to learn from others, and to work with a team to seize opportunities and address challenges. The DPO builds relationships across lines of difference with ease and enters relationships with curiosity. The DPO also brings these skills:

Core Attributes

• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Strategic, critical, and systems thinking with the ability to set and inspire long term vision.
• Proven track record of achieving organizational objectives, driving operational efficiencies, and high-quality performance.

Essential Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing HR functions, including compliance, recruitment, employee relations, and performance management.
• Demonstrated commitment to direct and candid leadership and collaboration.
• Knowledge of nonprofit financial management, budgeting, operations, technology, and risk management.
• Knowledge of best practices in nonprofit governance and compliance.
• Experience working with diverse populations and engaging them on a range of equity issues.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Adept at navigating change management to support the organization in periods of transition.
• Able to effectively manage competing priorities while remaining flexible and adaptable.
• Strong project management, well-organized, and careful attention to detail.
• Ability to envision and implement proactive measures to problem solve, mitigate conflicts, and troubleshoot a broad range of complex situations.
• Strong commitment to data to inform decision-making.
• Demonstrated commitment to high standards of honesty, integrity, and equity.

Preferred Experience

• 10+ years progressively responsible leadership experience overseeing and managing finance and administrative operations of a nonprofit or social justice organization, of which at least 5 years were at a senior leadership level.
• Familiarity with New York City and State government regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience with Google Workspace and Salesforce are preferred but not required to succeed in this role.

Education

Bachelor’s degree required. An advanced degree in business, nonprofit management, public administration, human resources or related fields is desirable.