Senior Manager, Operations and Administration

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seek 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.

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.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Support board meetings, internal meetings,…