Director - Operations and Administration

The World Justice Project•Washington, DC

2d•$98,500 - $136,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The World Justice Project (WJP) is seeking a highly organized, collaborative, and solutions-oriented professional to join our team as a Director, leading the organization’s operations and administration portfolio. Working closely with the Executive Director, senior leadership team, and colleagues across the organization, the Director provides operational leadership across human resources, business operations, compliance, technology, and administrative services, helping ensure WJP has the systems, processes, and organizational support needed to advance its global mission. The Director oversees a small operations team, including the Human Resources Manager, and is responsible for ensuring that core operational services are delivered efficiently, consistently, and in alignment with organizational priorities. Working across a dynamic, globally distributed organization, the Director develops, implements, and strengthens the policies, systems, and operational infrastructure that support WJP’s day-to-day operations and long-term effectiveness. The Director drives organizational operations by leading and advancing human resources, compliance, procurement, technology, facilities, and other administrative functions; partners with departments throughout the organization to support effective planning, implementation, and execution of WJP’s global programs and institutional priorities; and establishes practical, scalable operational approaches that enable departments to work effectively while promoting consistency across the organization. Combining strategic oversight with hands-on execution, the Director identifies operational challenges, develops practical solutions, personally leads implementation of key initiatives, and helps ensure that WJP’s internal operations effectively support the organization’s programs, people, and long-term sustainability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, nonprofit management, human resources, organizational leadership, or a related field and eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible professional experience in operations, administration, human resources, organizational management, or a related field; or a Master’s degree in a related field and six (6) or more years of progressively responsible professional experience.
Experience leading organizational operations, administrative functions, or complex operational initiatives with increasing scope and responsibility.
Experience supervising, coaching, and developing high-performing teams through performance management, workforce planning, and professional development.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgment, and successfully lead complex initiatives from planning through implementation.
Experience developing and implementing organizational policies, systems, and operational processes that improve organizational effectiveness.
Strong knowledge of business operations, human resources, compliance, procurement, contracting, facilities management, technology administration, and related administrative functions.
Experience interpreting and applying organizational policies, donor requirements, and legal or regulatory obligations, including implementing effective internal controls and managing operational risk.
Demonstrated ability to build consensus, influence outcomes, and collaborate effectively across departments and stakeholders, including without direct supervisory authority.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships with colleagues, senior leadership, vendors, consultants, and external partners.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify challenges, develop practical solutions, and drive implementation.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 and demonstrated ability to evaluate, implement, administer, and optimize organizational technology, including enterprise business systems, AI solutions, collaboration platforms, and other operational technologies.
Experience managing technology vendors and organizational accounts, developing technology governance, and leveraging technology to improve operational effectiveness.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee business operations, including consultant administration, travel administration, vendor management, and other institutional administrative services.
Lead WJP's facilities and workplace operations, including lease administration and negotiations, landlord relationships, office planning, relocations, workplace safety, business continuity, and stewardship of organizational facilities, equipment, and other organizational resources.
Develop and maintain operational tools, templates, and administrative processes that strengthen organizational effectiveness and support day-to-day operations.
Identify operational challenges and develop and implement practical solutions that improve organizational efficiency, consistency, and outcomes.
Directly supervise Operations personnel, providing leadership, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
Oversee and strengthen the administration of WJP's employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation administration, and professional development.
Oversee the administration of HR operations, including personnel records, HR systems, employee benefits administration, immigration and employment authorizations, and other employment-related processes.
Oversee organizational payroll administration, ensuring appropriate controls, compliance, reporting, and continuity while serving as the operational backstop for payroll processing and issue resolution.
Develop, implement, and maintain organizational policies, procedures, and standards that strengthen governance, promote organizational accountability, and ensure compliance with donor requirements and applicable employment, procurement, privacy, and other legal and regulatory obligations.
Lead WJP’s procurement and contracting functions, including development and implementation of procurement procedures, review of organizational agreements, oversight of contracting processes, and coordination of organizational registrations and related compliance requirements.
Identify operational risks, evaluate alternatives, and develop and implement practical solutions that strengthen organizational resilience and compliance.
Lead and actively manage WJP's technology infrastructure, enterprise systems, technology vendors, organizational accounts, and institutional technology platforms.
Develop, implement, and maintain governance related to cybersecurity, SharePoint, artificial intelligence, enterprise applications, data privacy, records management, and the secure administration of organizational technology.
Evaluate organizational technology needs; recommend and implement technology solutions and operational improvements; and provide training, guidance, and resources that enable staff to use technology securely and effectively.
Partner with departments across the organization to coordinate operational priorities and support implementation of organizational initiatives.
Build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen communication, coordination, and organizational effectiveness.
Provide operational guidance and support to supervisors and staff on organizational policies, procedures, and administrative practices, building consensus, fostering collaboration, and helping teams navigate complex operational issues across departments and project teams.