Director of Operations

Position Summary:

Democracy Forward is seeking a mission-driven, experienced, and high-integrity Director of Operations to lead our internal operations, facilities, and physical security strategy. This executive-level position plays a vital role in ensuring that Democracy Forward's workplace—both physical and virtual—is effective, secure, and aligned with our organizational values of inclusion, excellence, and efficiency.

The Director of Operations will lead a team responsible for internal operations and logistics, as well as oversee and implement the organization's physical security and safety strategies. This role requires a strategic leader who is equally comfortable thinking big-picture and managing details—from long-term infrastructure, planning to day-to-day operations and emergency preparedness. This role requires a skilled and resourceful problem solver who models a culture of proactive leadership, including taking on large and small tasks in order to support the Democracy Forward team.

This full-time position is based in Washington, DC, with an in-office presence required Monday - Friday each week. The Director of Operations manages operations staff and reports to the Chief of Staff and Operations / Deputy General Counsel and collaborates closely with staff across departments, including executive leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Organizational Operations Strategy

• Develop and execute a long-term vision for internal operations that supports organizational growth, hybrid work, and workplace culture.
• Provide operational and security recommendations to leadership grounded in data, emerging risks, and organizational needs.
• Oversee operational systems and workflows, ensuring clarity, efficiency, and continuous improvement across the organization
• Manage and mentor operations staff; foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
• Serve as a key strategic partner to senior leadership on cross-functional projects related to systems, space, and internal logistics.
• Lead redesign or office transition projects, including budgeting, vendor selection, and staff input processes.
  
  

Facilities, Vendor & IT Oversight

• Direct office and facilities management, including space planning, maintenance, security protocols, and access.
• Oversee vendor and service provider relationships, assessing performance and evolving partnerships as needed.
• Coordinate with IT vendors to ensure seamless technology onboarding/offboarding and office equipment tracking systems.
• Uphold a professional, inclusive, and values-aligned in-office experience for staff and visitors.
  
  

Security Strategy & Emergency Preparedness

• Manage physical security systems, processes, and personnel.
• Oversee daily office safety protocols, emergency procedures, and crisis communication plans.
• Work with security vendors to conduct risk assessments and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate with external security consultants and public safety officials; manage vendor relationships in the security space.
• Oversee implementation of travel safety protocols for staff and executive leadership.
• Serve as the organization's incident response lead for security-related issues, liaising with law enforcement and internal stakeholders as appropriate.
  
  

Culture, Collaboration & Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the People, Culture, and Operations (PCO) team to ensure that operational systems reflect our commitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
• Support internal training, documentation, and onboarding to build shared understanding of operational and security protocols.
  
  

Qualifications:

We recognize that strong candidates may not meet 100% of the qualifications listed. If you believe you can contribute meaningfully to our team, we encourage you to apply.

• 10+ years of progressive experience in operations, facilities, or administration, with 5+ years in a senior or people management role.
• Proven ability to lead organization-wide strategies across both internal operations and physical security.
• Experience managing vendors, budgets, infrastructure planning, and organizational safety.
• Crisis management, emergency response, and risk assessment expertise.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Strong judgment, discretion, and interpersonal skills, especially in high-stakes or time-sensitive environments.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and workplace systems.
• Commitment to Democracy Forward's mission and a high-performing, inclusive workplace.
  
  

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• This role may occasionally require lifting or moving materials up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to support individuals with disabilities in performing these functions.
  
  

The salary range for this position is $140,000 - $155,000 commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Democracy Forward is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We strongly encourage people of color; lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people; women; people with disabilities; and veterans to apply. Please note that all lawyer positions require a law degree and active membership in the bar of a state or the District of Columbia.

Not sure you meet all of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to mission-based legal and policy work, returning to work after a gap in employment, or simply looking to transition or take the next step in your career path, we welcome the opportunity to have you on our radar. Please include in your cover letter the nature of your interest in legal and policy work promoting democracy and progress and what you hope to bring to our team and the role for which you are applying.