Hybrid Operations Director: Union & Mission Programs

Foundation List; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) seeks an Operations Director for Washington, DC, to lead administrative systems, HR, budgeting, and governance support. The role combines in‑office leadership four days a week with one remote day, requiring collaboration with internal and external partners and travel for governance events.

Ideal candidates have at least three years in union/non-profit management, a track record improving operations, and commitment to racial equity.

Qualifications

• At least three years’ managerial experience supervising a staff team in a labor union or a social justice, non-profit, community organizing, advocacy, or other mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated organizational leadership, including experience improving operational systems and administrative processes.
• Ability to manage complex projects and initiatives, balancing day-to-day demands with execution of long‑term goals.
• Understanding of operational and administrative needs of a multi‑state employer with both in‑office and remote employees.
• Solution‑oriented mindset with experience troubleshooting and problem‑solving to increase organizational efficiency and consistency.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, including ability to coordinate effectively with other department managers, staff, union members, elected union leaders, and external partners.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity.
• Clear written and oral communication skills, and strong listening, writing, and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook/Office, Zoom, Salesforce, G‑Suite, and other platforms.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel regionally and nationally and to work evening and weekend hours, as required.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

Responsibilities

• Maximize AAUP’s overall effectiveness by evaluating and improving administrative systems related to contracting, hiring, payroll, performance reviews, expense reporting, and others.
• Manage operations team, including human resources, event planning, and membership database staff.
• Assess and improve slow or ineffective workflows and remove organizational bottlenecks.
• Serve as in-office lead for operational questions, requests, and initiatives.
• Coordinate with the Executive Director, department heads, and elected leaders on organizational planning and aligning internal operations with strategic goals.
• Facilitate purchasing processes, liaise with vendors (including IT contractors), and manage rental and subscription agreements.
• Collaborate with building and facilities staff to maintain safe and welcoming physical spaces.
• Cultivate an inclusive, meaningful, and fulfilling workplace culture with team-building experiences and a sense of common goals.
• Lead incident response and risk management programs.
• Ensure multi-state regulatory and tax compliance.
• Develop and revise procedural documentation and staff training material.
• Assist with the administration of grants from external funders.
• Maintain physical office space and equipment, including mailing equipment, copier, kitchen area, pantry, lactation room, supplies, and inventory.
• Manage office keys and building access for staff and visitors.
• Maintain physical and digital document filing systems, including clearing backlogs of unorganized material.
• Pick up and log incoming mail, including partnering with finance staff to process accounts receivable.
• Mail outbound shipments.
• Track equipment for on-site and remote employees.
• Ensure that AAUP operations contribute to and advance racial equity.
• Book governing Council travel and assist with Council expense reporting and reimbursements.
• Support AAUP staff and non-staff AAUP members with expense reimbursements.
• Make recommendations to the Executive Director and elected officers for operational improvements.
• Support management negotiating team in collective bargaining with the staff union.
• Manage logistics for special projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Managerial experience in labor unions

Organizational leadership

Project management

Interpersonal collaboration

Communication skills

Commitment to racial equity

Staff supervision

Ability to travel regionally/national

Adaptability and problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

Microsoft Outlook/Office

Zoom

Salesforce

G‑Suite

Job description

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) seeks an Operations Director for Washington, DC, to lead administrative systems, HR, budgeting, and governance support. The role combines in‑office leadership four days a week with one remote day, requiring collaboration with internal and external partners and travel for governance events.

Ideal candidates have at least three years in union/non-profit management, a track record improving operations, and commitment to racial equity.