People and Operations Manager

People and Operations Manager

The Trace

Location: Hybrid/Remote (Preference for New York City)
Salary: $90,000–$100,000 annually ($100,000–$110,000 for NYC or Bay Area)

 

About The Trace

 

The Trace is a nonprofit newsroom dedicated exclusively to reporting on the country’s gun violence crisis. Through journalism, data analysis, and storytelling, The Trace works to deepen public understanding of gun violence and its impact on communities.

 

Position Summary

 

The People and Operations Manager plays a critical role in fostering a positive organizational culture, strengthening organizational effectiveness, managing the employee experience, and supporting day-to-day operations.

 

This position combines people-centered practices across recruitment, HR processes, employee engagement, performance management, professional development, and compliance with responsibility for financial and administrative operations.

 

The ideal candidate is an empathetic, highly organized professional who combines a systems-oriented mindset with strong attention to detail. They are comfortable balancing hands-on administrative responsibilities with longer-term organizational planning and will serve as a thought partner to the Director of Operations in building the structures, practices, and workflows that enable The Trace team to thrive.

 

Core Responsibilities

 

People Processes

 

• Manage and strengthen the employee experience, bringing an inclusive and people-centered approach and standardized workflows to recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding.

• Manage the hiring process, including: 1) applications; 2) scheduling; and 3) candidate communications.

• Manage core HR processes through ADP, including: 1) payroll and adjustments; 2) benefits administration; 3) COBRA; 4) PTO; and 5) leave programs.

• Support employees through qualifying life events, leave processes, and open enrollment.

• Build relationships with staff and serve as a trusted resource and point of contact for questions regarding: 1) HR policies; 2) benefits; 3) employee support; and 4) expense processes.

• Support the development, implementation, and communication of personnel policies, recommending improvements that reflect organizational values, staff wellbeing, and organizational effectiveness.

• Partner with the Director of Operations and managers to support staff growth and performance, including: 1) coaching; 2) feedback; 3) conflict resolution; and 4) performance management.

• Enable equitable pay practices by executing annual pay adjustments, equity audits, and rewards statements.

• Maintain HR systems and employee records, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and data retention compliance.

• Monitor compliance with organizational policies and federal, state, and local laws, proactively identifying risks and implementing solutions.

 

Operations Management

 

• Partner with the Director of Operations to translate strategic plans and organizational goals into effective operational practices and initiatives.

• Identify and execute cross-team opportunities to: 1) improve systems; 2) streamline workflows; 3) strengthen internal communication; and 4) close organizational knowledge gaps.

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for the operations department and an organization-wide knowledge hub for policies, processes, documentation, and resources.

• Oversee operational resources, including: 1) facilities; 2) technology; 3) equipment; and 4) IT vendor relationships.

• Support external bookkeeping and accounting partners.

• Support organizational safety, security, and risk management efforts.

• Manage operational and financial processes, including: 1) staff expense systems; 2) vendor payments and contracts; 3) contractor compliance; and 4) manager budget tracking.

• Project manage the rollout of updates to organizational policies, processes, and systems.

• Serve as a key resource for staff, managers, and vendors by providing troubleshooting, training, and support for organizational systems and tools, including: 1) Google Workspace; 2) Slack; 3) Bill; and 4) Bill Spend & Expense.

 

Employee Engagement

 

• Design and lead employee engagement, recognition, and wellness initiatives that foster a positive organizational culture.

• Partner with the Wellness Committee and organizational leadership to coordinate: 1) skills training and workshops; 2) annual retreats; 3) staff surveys; 4) recognition efforts; and 5) other employee wellbeing initiatives.

• Manage and continuously improve the performance review process, including: 1) annual review scheduling and tracking; 2) goal setting; and 3) regular feedback conversations.

• Help develop and administer professional development programs that provide equitable access to learning, training, and growth opportunities.

• Develop dashboards to track critical employee engagement data.

• Support clear and consistent internal communications that keep staff informed and connected.

• Stay informed about emerging practices in employee engagement, wellness, and safety, particularly within nonprofit news organizations.

 

Required Skills and Qualifications

 

• 4–7 years of experience in operations or people operations.

• Excellent project management, organization, prioritization, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Ability to think strategically while accurately and efficiently executing day-to-day responsibilities.

• Ability to work independently, identify opportunities for improvement, and follow through on implementation.

• Sound judgment and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and empathy.

• Strong attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.

• Excellent written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to develop and present clear presentations.

• Proficiency working in a hybrid environment using: 1) Google Workspace; 2) Slack; and 3) Airtable.

 

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

 

• Experience working in: 1) a newsroom; 2) a nonprofit organization; 3) a startup; or 4) a small operations or HR team.

• Experience working within a multistate organization.

• Experience managing: 1) hiring; 2) onboarding and offboarding; 3) payroll; 4) performance reviews; and 5) HR compliance.

• Strong understanding of local, state, and federal employment laws and regulations, or a willingness to learn.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and strengthen organizational processes, systems, and workflows.

• Understanding of the appropriate use of AI within people operations.

• Preference will be given to candidates in New York City. The Trace has remote staff across the United States, and its New York office operates under a hybrid work structure.

 

Compensation and Benefits

 

Salary: $90,000–$100,000 annually, or $100,000–$110,000 annually for employees based in New York City or the Bay Area.

 

Benefits include:

 

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.

• 401(k) with an employer match of up to 5%.

• Paid time off, including: 1) 20 vacation days; 2) 10 sick days; 3) 2 personal days; and 4) 15 paid holidays, including a one-week end-of-year closure.

• 16 weeks of paid family leave.

• Professional development support.

• Phone and Wi-Fi stipend.

• Life insurance.

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance.

• Voluntary benefits, including: 1) Health and Dependent Care FSA; 2) commuter benefits; 3) legal plan; 4) critical illness coverage; 5) accident coverage; 6) AD&D; and 7) hospital indemnity coverage.