Director of Operations

Director of Operations

The Shalom Hartman Institute of North America

Mission and Philosophy

The Shalom Hartman Institute is a leading research and educational center serving Israel and world Jewry. We work to enrich the moral and spiritual life of Israel and the Jewish people, deepen the commitment to pluralism and Israel's Jewish and democratic character, and rebuild the covenant between Israel and the Jewish world.

Through our community of outstanding scholars and educators, the Institute develops innovative responses to the challenges of our time, cultivates a new generation of leaders and change agents, and builds transformational educational projects that help inspire a better Judaism and a better Israel for the 21st century.

Position

The Director of Operations plays a key role in ensuring the strategic design and smooth running of technical and logistical systems and platforms for both in-person and hybrid events and activities run out of our NY office. This individual is responsible for project management processes and overseeing the smooth running of the NY office as well as managing strategic physical plant office functions and liaising with building contractors and vendors.

Supervising at least two operations and IT staff, this is a role for a fast-paced, strategic, and resourceful team player - someone who is both analytic and relational, very detail-oriented and able to see the big picture, and a fantastic troubleshooter. Based in our New York office, four or five days per week, and reporting to the VP for Talent Development and Strategic Impact, the ideal candidate will be able to work collaboratively with colleagues both across North America and in Israel, and will possess a strong understanding of and commitment to SHI's mission.

Responsibilities

Physical Plant

• Administer, coordinate and project manage the smooth running of office physical plant systems, including overseeing necessary purchases and repairs, orderliness, security, as well as HVAC, A/V, and IT systems;
• Ensure work environments are adequate, safe, and compliant, overseeing expansions, upgrades, and renovations when needed;
• Oversee the purchasing of program and office supplies and inventory systems;
• Manage systems for supporting day-to-day office use and equipment;
• Manage office budget lines with an eye towards identifying savings and fiscal responsibility;
• Serve as primary liaison with our landlord and maintenance team
• Evaluate and recommend new tools, platforms, and vendors in line with organizational goals;
• Improve upon and maintain emergency preparedness, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans;
• Serve as a point-person for operational responses to emergencies or major disruptions.

Events and Programs

• Partner with program staff to ensure the smooth running of programs and events inside the NY office;
• Create and manage systems for supporting in-office programs and conferences and use of office by outside groups and organizations;
• Ensure our efforts are aligned with best practices, conduct research as needed, and serve a quality control function;
• Accountable for staff who support A/V and IT needs for events inside the NY office.

System Strategy and Design

• Create efficient systems, policies, and procedures for vendor management, purchasing, travel, insurance, and equipment that will improve day-to-day operations;
• Manage organizational risk through ensuring legal compliance, appropriate insurance, etc.;
• Provide budgetary supervision and support with financial reporting as needed;
• Design and lead trainings/onboarding on systems, safety procedures, and processes as needed;
• Oversee processes to manage contracts, payments, and insurance;
• Lead coordination and integration of efforts among operations, technology, and program departments to produce smoother workflows and more cost-effective business processes vis-à-vis knowledge and content management systems;
• Ensure compliance with workplace safety, accessibility, and data/privacy regulations;
• Coordinate with HR and Finance as needed on compliance matters.

Qualifications

• Superior track record with complex project planning and execution, including creating and managing timelines and work…