Director of Operations

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic•Highland Park, IL

11d•$90,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic is seeking a full-time Director of Operations. The mission of the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC) is to provide accessible, quality, equitable, free legal services in the areas of domestic violence, housing, and immigration to give low-income, at-risk community members access to justice and the opportunity to live productive and secure lives. NSLAC is an 11-year-old dynamic nonprofit with a collaborative culture and the goal of becoming the model legal aid organization focused on suburban communities. The Director of Operations will play a critical role in managing administrative and human resource operations of the clinic. This position will report to the Executive Director.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, with at least 5 years of experience in Operations, Management and/or Human Resources
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
Familiarity with HRIS and Payroll Systems
Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment
Excellent multi-tasking and organizational skills with strong attention to detail
Proficient in Microsoft Suite
Understanding of and commitment to the mission of NSLAC

Nice To Haves

Nonprofit sector experience preferred

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day office operations to ensure a productive, safe, and efficient work environment
Manage facilities operations, including lease administration, maintenance, space planning, and workplace safety
Develop and implement office policies and procedures to enhance operational consistency and compliance
Supervise office management staff and administrative functions across departments
Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy, planning, and execution
Develop and implement operational strategies that support the nonprofit’s mission, growth, and long-term sustainability
Partner with the Executive Director and Board of Directors as needed on operational reporting, risk management, and compliance matters
Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve systems, workflows, and organizational efficiency
Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors, contract employees, and service providers
Serve as the primary liaison to the external IT consultant, managing the relationship, setting priorities, monitoring performance against service expectations, and ensuring timely resolution of technical issues
Lead technology planning and budgeting, cybersecurity oversight, data management practices, system upgrades, and vendor selection, while aligning IT initiatives with organizational goals and compliance requirements.
Oversee accounts payable processes to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payment of invoices
Establish and maintain internal controls related to procurement and payment authorization
Partner with the Director of Development and Finance to support budgeting and financial reporting processes
Monitor operational expenditures and ensure alignment with approved budgets
In conjunction with the Director of Development and Finance, ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and audit requirements
Maintain policies and documentation to support audits and grant compliance.
Oversee employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, payroll, performance management, and offboarding
Ensure policies and practices align with employment laws and nonprofit best practices
Lead talent management strategies to support staff engagement, retention, and professional development
Advise managers on employee relations matters and organizational structure planning
Support a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven organizational culture.