Background

The ACLU of Illinois is one of the largest state affiliates of the American Civil Liberties Union, a nationwide, non-partisan membership organization dedicated to the defense and expansion of civil rights and civil liberties.  The ACLU has been at the forefront of every major battle for civil liberties and social justice in this country and continues to work through integrated advocacy to advance equality, fairness, and freedom, especially for the most vulnerable in our society.

Job Description

The Operations Manager will play a crucial role in managing the daily office operations and supporting the confidential operations and human resource functions of the organization. The Operations Manager will report to the Associate Director and work closely with the Executive Director, Executive Manager, and Human Resources Manager.  

In addition to maintaining a well-functioning and professional office environment, the Operations Manager will provide payroll and HR support and manage the confidential operations of the organization, including collaboration with the Information Technology (IT) consultant and direct supervision of the Office Assistant. The duties of the Operations Manager include the administration of the requirements of the organization’s Collective Bargaining Agreement to ensure compliance.  

This is a multi-faceted role suited to someone who is solution-oriented, extremely attentive to detail, and comfortable working without direct supervision.  The successful candidate will hold a high bar for excellence, even when things get hectic; manage a high volume of work with efficiency; and juggle competing demands and prioritize without sacrificing quality.  The Operations Manager must demonstrate a very high level of integrity and the ability to be discreet and maintain confidentiality. Previous experience managing confidential operations is required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Office Assistant, IT Consultant, other staff, or consultants as determined necessary.

Employment Status

Full-time, in-office, exempt, non-union position.  Based at our Chicago, Illinois office.

Responsibilities

• Manage the physical office space, oversee supply and equipment procurement, and serve as the primary liaison with building management to address maintenance, repairs, and building security issues. 

• Maintain a database of Union membership, ensure correct remittance of Union dues for non-managerial staff, and assume responsibility for other compliance requirements of the Union contract.

• Supervise all aspects of IT functions by prioritizing and directing the work of the IT Consultant. 

• Provide support for executive leadership: create meeting documentation, maintain confidential files, and complete ad hoc projects as needed.

• Supervise the part-time Office Assistant.

• Assist the Human Resources team with confidential tasks as needed, including job posting, interview scheduling, benefits billing, enrollment, orientation, and onboarding of new staff. 

Salary and Benefits

The minimum starting salary for this position is $65,000; depending on the nature of an applicant’s experience and qualifications, the starting salary may be up to $75,000. 

Benefits include:

Vacation: 15 days of paid vacation in the first year and 20 days of paid vacation thereafter. 

Health benefits: 100% employer-paid premiums for medical, vision, and dental insurance for staff and eligible dependents. 

Retirement benefits: 6% employer-paid retirement contribution after 1 year without any employee contribution, plus 50% employer retirement match of the first $3000 the employee contributes.

Other benefits: 100% employer-paid life insurance; employee assistance program; short and long-term disability insurance.  Paid parental leave after 1 year. Flexible spending account.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following materials:

• A current resume.

• A one-page cover letter that explains (1) how you meet the qualifications listed above using examples from past jobs, and (2) your interest in working for the ACLU of Illinois in this role.

ACLU Employment Statement

The ACLU of Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, criminal record, or veteran status.

The ACLU of Illinois is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance applying online, please email the Human Resources Manager at jalicea@aclu-il.org. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

• Minimum 7 years of relevant, hands-on, full-time operations experience, including some time (1+ years) in supervisory operational roles.

• Excellent attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and sense of ownership and accountability.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision with a consistent customer service mindset focused on problem-solving. 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with integrity and professionalism. 

• Comfortable with all technology; ability to learn quickly and troubleshoot new hardware and software, and advanced skills using Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel spreadsheets, tables, and charts.

• Ability to work effectively with colleagues and contacts with different backgrounds, experiences, and positions within the organization.

• Passion for advancing the ACLU of Illinois' mission, goals, and programs.

• Familiarity with human resources information, contract administration, and payroll systems is a plus.

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift to 10 pounds at times.