Senior Director of Operations, Special Projects

The Position:

The Senior Director of Operations, Special Projects serves as a strategic advisor and operational leader for MLRI. The role partners with the ED and COO/CFO to translate priorities into action, oversee MLRI’s day to day operations, manage key initiatives, and improve the efficiency, transparency, and scalability of advocacy services. The position oversees financial modeling, performance reporting, technology strategy and cross-functional initiatives. Responsibilities include financial and compliance reporting oversight, external IT and vendor management, workflow optimization, technology implementation, resource planning, and support for governance and executive-facing priorities. Reporting to the COO/CFO, the position will partner with other organizational leaders to evaluate, prioritize and manage the execution of the critical initiatives to create a scalable platform and drive sustainable growth.

About MLRI:
Founded in 1968, MLRI is a nationally-recognized nonprofit poverty law and policy center that provides statewide advocacy and leadership in advancing laws, policies, and practices that secure economic, racial, and social justice for low-income people and communities. We pursue systems change through impact litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, coalition building, community lawyering, and other strategies that address systemic harm to low-income people. MLRI’s approach is based on a racial justice and anti-racist framework and uses community-driven and collective impact strategies to advance high impact change. MLRI also serves as the statewide multi-issue poverty law support center for the Massachusetts civil legal aid delivery system; our advocates provide substantive expertise and technical assistance to frontline legal aid field program advocates and to many other advocates and providers who serve low-income people and communities in Massachusetts. 

Key Responsibilities of the position:

Financial & Budget Management 

• Oversees financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and tracking for the CFO’s office.
• Partners with the leadership team to align financial resources with advocacy priorities and organizational objectives.

Strategic Planning and Reporting 

• Serves as a strategic advisor and operational partner to the COO/CFO, supporting development and execution of MLRI priorities.
• Translates strategic initiatives into actionable plans, monitors progress, and drives accountability across the leadership team.
• Develops and delivers reporting, insights, and performance metrics to inform decision-making and enhance effectiveness.

Technology & Innovation 

• Leads evaluation, implementation, and optimization of new technologies, including case management, document management, and operations systems.
• Drives innovation and continuous improvement through the use of automation, scalable solutions that enhance advocacy services delivery.

Vendor & Outside Counsel Management 

• Manages vendor relationships and contracts, ensuring service quality, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with organization’s needs.
• Establishes standards and processes to drive consistency and accountability across all external partnerships.

Process Optimization 

• Designs and implements streamlined organization’s workflows to improve efficiency and responsiveness.
• Establishes and maintains internal controls, policies, and standardized operating procedures across the organization.
• Drives cross-functional collaboration to improve integration between advocacy and business teams.

Data & Analytics 

• Defines and monitors key performance indicators to assess MLRI performance, resource allocation, and service delivery.
• Utilizes data, benchmarking, and industry insights to identify trends, improve operations, and inform strategic directions.

Business Management 

• Provides operational leadership for the non-programmatic area, overseeing day-to-day activities, priorities, and performance.
• Brings deep experience in non-profit management, applying best practices in resource planning, service delivery models, and workflow design.
• Develops, and manages operations, administrative, and support staff to ensure a high-performing and scalable function.
• Partners with leadership and Human Resources to support organizational design, talent strategy, and capability development.

Executive Leadership & Governance 

• Acts as a key liaison between the COO/CFO and the staff, ensuring alignment, clear communication, and execution of priorities.
• Represents the COO/CFO in designated meetings, forums, and cross-functional initiatives to support continuity and execution.
• May support Board of Directors and executive committee engagement on governance, including preparation and follow-through.
• Manages the flow of information within the Office of the COO/CFO, maintaining a high level of discretion, judgment, and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; a JD, MBA, or similar advanced degree is highly preferred.
• 8 to 10+ years of progressive experience in an operations leadership role in non-profits.
• 8 to 10+ years of experience working directly with executive leadership or board-level stakeholders in a complex non-profit environment
• Experience working in legal aid or academia preferred
• Core Competencies: Strong project management, financial modeling, executive communication, collaboration and change management skills.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Deep understanding of database systems, strategic planning, and executive operations.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with a high degree of professionalism.
• Demonstrated discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to influence and build relationships across all levels of the organization.

Salary and Benefits: 

MLRI offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. MLRI provides a very generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 403(b) plan employer contribution of 5%, as well as vacation, holiday, winter recess and family leave. MLRI’s salaries are based on salary scale range and are commensurate with skills and years of relevant experience. The salary range for this position is $139,000 - $160,000 per year. MLRI is currently operating on a hybrid schedule and is committed to a fair and equitable workplace that promotes work-life balance.

How to Apply:

To apply, please email a cover letter, writing sample and resume to [email protected]. Application materials will be reviewed and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis; interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit application materials promptly.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

How to apply

https://mlri.org/careers/

Massachusetts Law Reform Institute website

Posted 2026-10-21, open through 2027-01-19. Posted by the organization on ExecSearches.