People and Operations Manager

About The Role

The Trace is a nonprofit newsroom committed to covering the gun violence crisis in the U.S. We are seeking a People and Operations Manager to enhance our organizational culture, boost efficiency, and manage daily operational functions. This role involves overseeing recruitment, HR workflows, employee engagement, performance management, professional growth, and compliance while also handling financial and administrative operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and improve recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding processes with a focus on inclusion and standardized procedures; handle application review, scheduling, and communication with candidates.
• Administer payroll, benefits, leave, and related HR functions using ADP, supporting employees through various life events and enrollment periods.
• Act as a trusted HR point of contact for staff, addressing queries about policies, benefits, expenses, and escalating issues when appropriate.
• Collaborate on the development and communication of personnel policies to support well-being and organizational effectiveness.
• Support staff growth and performance by advising managers on coaching, feedback, conflict resolution, and performance management.
• Implement equitable compensation practices, including pay adjustments, equity reviews, and rewards statements.
• Maintain accurate and confidential HR records ensuring compliance with data retention standards.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and internal policies, identifying risks and proactively providing solutions.
• Translate strategic plans into operational initiatives alongside the Director of Operations.
• Identify and implement improvements in systems, workflows, communication, and knowledge management across teams.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures and an organizational knowledge hub.
• Oversee operational assets such as facilities, technology, and equipment; liaison with IT vendors, bookkeepers, and accountants.
• Support safety, security, and risk management within the organization.
• Manage expense tracking, vendor payments, contract compliance, and assist managers with budget oversight.
• Lead projects to update policies, processes, and operational systems.
• Train and support staff and vendors on tools including Google Workspace, Slack, Bill, and expense management systems.
• Design and drive employee engagement, recognition, and wellness initiatives; partner with committees and leadership to coordinate trainings, retreats, surveys, and recognition programs.
• Manage the performance review process encompassing scheduling, goal setting, and feedback mechanisms.
• Develop and administer equity-focused professional development programs and track engagement metrics.
• Facilitate transparent internal communications to keep staff well-informed and connected.
• Stay current with trends in employee engagement, wellness, and safety especially within nonprofit news environments.

Qualifications

• 4 to 7 years’ experience in operations or people operations roles.
• Solid project management, organizational skills, and ability to juggle multiple priorities effectively.
• Strategic mindset combined with meticulous execution of daily tasks.
• Proactive and self-driven with a keen eye for identifying areas of improvement and ensuring follow-through.
• Exemplary discretion handling confidential matters and strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with high accuracy standards.
• Proficient in hybrid work tools such as Google Workspace, Slack, and Airtable.
• Preferred: Experience in newsroom, nonprofits, startups, managing HR functions in multi-state settings, strong familiarity with employment law or eagerness to learn, and proven skill in designing efficient processes and workflows incorporating AI tools.
• Preference given to candidates based in New York City, though remote work is accommodated.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual salary ranges from $90,000 to $110,000 depending on location ($90k-$100k generally, $100k-$110k in NYC or Bay Area).
• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• 401(k) plan with up to 5% employer match.
• Generous paid time off including 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 2 personal days, 15 paid holidays including federal holidays and year-end closure.
• Paid family leave for 16 weeks.
• Support for ongoing professional development.
• Phone and internet stipend.
• Life, Short Term, and Long Term Disability insurances.
• Optional voluntary benefits: Health and Dependent Care FSAs, commuter benefits, legal plans, critical illness, accident coverage, AD&D, and hospital indemnity.