People and Operations Director

The Director of People and Operations leads NMCLP’s efforts to build a great work culture, recruit and develop a diverse and talented staff that are dedicated to advancing social and economic justice, and make innovations in operations. The position is a key member of NMCLP’s core leadership who drives employee wellness and engagement, leads the Operations team to strengthen people-centered office, technology, and financial systems, and fosters an equitable, inclusive, and collaborative workplace.

NMCLP is a nationally recognized non-profit law firm that engages in systemic advocacy and impact litigation to advance the health, economic, and educational wellbeing of New Mexico’s families. We partner with our communities to provide advocacy and representation through the courts, the legislature and administrative agencies, community education, and media. To learn more about NMCLP, please visit our website at www.nmpovertylaw.org.

Responsibilities

• Directs all aspects of human resources and guides employees through hiring, onboarding, training and development. Serves as a trusted adviser to positively address workplace issues.
• Nurtures a strong culture that values people and community, keeps employees connected and engaged, supports staff to pursue personal wellness goals, and encourages social interactions and stronger relationships. Stays closely attuned to employee needs and identifies areas for growth.
• Supports the organization with developing equitable and inclusive policies, practices, structure and decision-making. Oversees internal learning about racial justice and equity in the workplace.
• Oversees the design of competitive and equitable compensation, benefits programs, and time off and leave policies, and supports the operations team with administering payroll, benefits, and employee programs. 
• Designs and implements innovative programs to promote employee growth and development, and enhance skills, internal communications, and collaboration. Ensures employees, including those with management responsibilities, have access to tools, training, coaching or other resources to succeed in their roles and develop their leadership.
• Manages the Operations team to design and implement innovative and people centered operations – including office, administrative, technological, and financial systems – to support employees with doing their work efficiently. Stays updated on up and coming trends, such as using new technologies to modernize systems. Supervises employees on the Operations team within an inclusive and collaborative environment. 
• Oversees and strengthens hybrid work processes to upkeep and maintain NMCLP’s office building as an inspiring and productive workplace and community hub while supporting remote work operations and collaboration.
• Ensures proper policies, practices, documentation and record-keeping for business operations, HR, benefits, and office systems to ensure employee safety, confidentiality, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Supports adherence to proper financial controls and standards.
• Plays a crucial role within NMCLP’s core leadership team to envision and lead organizational planning, strategies, and budgeting to manage resources. Ensures organizational policies and procedures align with NMCLP’s values and goals.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Demonstrates a deep understanding and commitment to NMCLP’s mission, and economic and racial justice for New Mexico’s communities.
• Experience and passion for strategies to promote employee wellness, strengthen culture and foster justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• At least 5+ years in human resources management, with relevant training and on-job experience.
• Demonstrated experience advising and coaching staff in an HR capacity.
• At least 3+ years in a management, supervisory or leadership role, with experience supervising multiple people at once and a demonstrated understanding of best practices.
• Keen awareness of regulations and standards governing HR, benefits and financial systems, and experience managing operations with proper record-keeping, controls and confidentiality.
• Familiarity with nonprofit financial management with relevant training/on job experience.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse staff.
• Desire to engage in shared leadership, team-based projects and collaborative decision-making.
• Ability to deal with conflict effectively and to manage difficult situations confidently.
• Passion for developing efficient, effective systems, technological solutions and processes that help staff succeed in their jobs.  
• Excellent writing and verbal communications skills.

Things to know about the job: 

• Full-time (40 hours).
• Position is based in Albuquerque, NM and requires some physical presence at the office and ability to attend in-person meetings. 
• We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a healthy, collaborative, and inclusive work environment for a diverse staff. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Native, and indigenous people, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+, and New Mexicans and individuals of multiple backgrounds and identities.
• We offer a competitive salary and a healthy benefits package: paid vacation, sick, and other leave (13 holidays including Juneteenth, Indigenous People’s Day and your birthday), paid parental level, 401k retirement plan, and opportunities for professional development.

Not sure if you meet all of the qualifications listed?  We recognize that no one person will. If you are interested in this job, we encourage you to apply in confidence by emailing a resume and cover letter that describes what interests you about the mission of NMCLP to contact@nmpovertylaw.org.  Position will be open until filled, with first consideration given to applications received by September 23, 2024.