Hybrid HR & Operations Manager for Policy Think Tank

Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Organizational holidays

Job summary

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a leading Black think tank, seeks an experienced Human Resources and Operations Manager in Washington, DC. You will oversee HR administration, onboarding, payroll coordination, benefits, and office operations, reporting to the CFO, with a hybrid work arrangement.

The role requires managing vendor relations, records, compliance, and staff events while ensuring confidential handling of sensitive information and alignment with the Center’s

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in human resources administration, office management, operations, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of onboarding, benefits administration, payroll coordination, leave administration, personnel records, and general employment practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, recurring deadlines, vendors, and operational details with limited supervision.
• Exceptional organization, follow-through, written communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• Sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and a high degree of integrity when handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and comfort learning HR, payroll, benefits, project-management, and office technology systems.
• Experience with ADP or a comparable HR/payroll platform is preferred.
• Experience in a nonprofit, think tank, public-policy, or other mission-driven organization is preferred.
• Commitment to the Joint Center’s mission, values, and culture.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day HR administration and liaison for routine questions regarding policies, leave, benefits, payroll processes, workplace procedures, and resources.
• Maintain confidential personnel files, employment records, required notices, and HR tracking systems.
• Coordinate recruitment logistics, including postings, interviews, candidate communications, and reference checks.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding, including forms, benefits information, orientation, workspace, and property returns.
• Administer employee benefits processes, including enrollments, life-event changes, open enrollment, and broker coordination.
• Support payroll administration by maintaining employee changes, reviewing submissions, and coordinating with payroll provider.
• Coordinate annual performance evaluations and maintain documentation in personnel files.
• Update employee handbook, job descriptions, forms, and standard operating procedures as directed.
• Serve as liaison with outside legal counsel, coordinating requests with CFO guidance.
• Coordinate HR compliance activities and work with external advisors when authorized.
• Lead daily office operations: supplies, equipment, facilities, and administrative systems.
• Manage vendor relations, contracts, and records; monitor renewal dates.
• Coordinate staff engagement activities, meetings, and events with scheduling, technology, catering, and follow-up.
• Track HR and office-related invoices and monitor spending against budgets.
• Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen efficiency and internal controls.
• Support cross-departmental administrative projects as assigned.

Skills

HR Administration

Office Management

Payroll Coordination

Benefits Administration

Recruitment

Data Privacy

Vendor Management

Policy Knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

Tools

ADP

Microsoft 365

HRIS

Job description

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a leading Black think tank, seeks an experienced Human Resources and Operations Manager in Washington, DC. You will oversee HR administration, onboarding, payroll coordination, benefits, and office operations, reporting to the CFO, with a hybrid work arrangement.

The role requires managing vendor relations, records, compliance, and staff events while ensuring confidential handling of sensitive information and alignment with the Center’s