Director of Operations

Steinbacher Goodall & Yurchak•State College, PA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak is seeking a hands-on, people-focused Director of Operations to lead employee experience and day-to-day operational effectiveness at its State College and Altoona offices. The Director must be based in one of those offices, maintain a visible and accessible presence at both, and travel frequently between them. The role also supports select firmwide operational initiatives, with occasional travel to other firm offices potentially required. The Director has primary responsibility for hiring, onboarding, employee development, performance accountability, corrective action, and separations for the teams supported. The role oversees daily office operations and helps create a respectful, solutions-oriented workplace grounded in quality, care, commitment, and accountability. The Director works with firm leadership and HR resources on employee-relations matters, operational improvements, strategic initiatives, reporting, vendor management, and special projects, while maintaining strict confidentiality. The firm offers competitive compensation based on experience, qualifications, leadership scope, and demonstrated ability to deliver results. Benefits include paid time off, holiday pay, jury pay, birthday off, bereavement leave, health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, a retirement plan, gym membership, student loan assistance, and tuition assistance. Eligibility and plan terms are governed by applicable firm policies and benefit plans.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, management, human resources, organizational leadership, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and substantial relevant experience.
Five or more years of progressive operations and people-leadership experience, including hands-on responsibility for hiring, coaching, performance management, corrective action, and employee separations.
Experience leading teams across multiple locations.
Working knowledge of employment practices and confidence partnering with leadership or HR on Pennsylvania and federal employment matters.
Excellent judgment, discretion, communication, organization, conflict-management, and follow-through skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and the ability to learn modern HR, reporting, and workflow systems.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for frequent travel between State College and Altoona.

Nice To Haves

Professional-services or law-firm experience.
SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or a comparable credential.

Responsibilities

Lead employees across the State College and Altoona offices with a visible, accessible presence in both locations.
Assess staffing needs and lead recruiting, interviewing, selection, offer coordination, and onboarding for the two offices.
Set clear expectations, conduct regular check-ins, coach employees and supervisors, and build practical development plans.
Lead performance management, including goal setting, reviews, recognition, documented coaching, corrective action, and progressive discipline when appropriate.
Partner with firm leadership and HR resources on employee-relations matters and make well-supported recommendations regarding retention, promotion, discipline, and termination.
Coordinate respectful, consistent, and appropriately documented employee separations.
Oversee daily office operations, including staffing coverage, workflow coordination, communication, facilities, vendors, supplies, and professional standards.
Implement and reinforce firm policies, procedures, systems, and client-service expectations across both locations.
Identify operational or people-related issues, address root causes, and lead practical improvements with clear ownership and follow-through.
Assist partners and firm leadership with firmwide process improvement, strategic initiatives, reporting, vendor management, and special projects.
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding employee, client, compensation, and firm information.