Current openings
Operations Manager
Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid work environment)
Reports to: Executive Director
Job Type: Full-time, Exempt
Position Overview
The D.C. Policy Center is seeking an organized, detail-oriented Operations Manager to support the organization’s finance, human resources, administrative, and compliance functions. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Operations Manager will play a central role in ensuring efficient and smooth day-to-day operations. This position is ideal for someone who is mission-driven, proactive, and thrives in a small-team environment where versatility and initiative are valued.
Key Responsibilities
Finance Support (40%)
- Support bookkeeping efforts by preparing monthly and annual financial statements and tracking organizational spending.
- Assist in developing project budgets and maintaining accurate financial records.
- Lead preparation for annual audits and ensure timely regulatory filings at federal and state levels.
- Collaborate with the accounting firm to reconcile payables/receivables and prepare annual tax returns.
- Generate and manage invoices; enter and track payments through the online bill pay system.
- Process and log donations and other contributions, both online and by check.
- Manage expense report processing and reimbursement workflows.
- Produce internal and external financial reports.
Operations Support (40%)
- Oversee administrative processes including payroll, retirement contributions, and healthcare premiums.
- Maintain the organization’s operations calendar.
- Coordinate onboarding of new employees and support HR administration such as benefits enrollment and compliance.
- Ensure the organization’s compliance with local and federal operational requirements.
- Maintain and regularly update the employee handbook and internal policies.
- Serve as first-line support for basic IT issues and coordinate with vendors to address larger technology needs.
- Handle incoming/outgoing mail and support the preparation and mailing of Annual Reports and other materials.
- Organize internal and external meetings and events, including logistics, catering, and materials.
- Maintain inventory of office supplies and manage purchasing as needed.
Executive and Administrative Support (20%)
- Support board engagement by preparing board packets, scheduling meetings, and recording minutes.
- Provide calendar and schedule management for the Executive Director.
- Offer general administrative support to the leadership team as needed.
Qualifications
Required:
- At least 3 years of relevant experience in operations, finance, or administrative roles, preferably in a nonprofit or small organization.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and multitask across multiple workflows.
- Proficiency with financial software, such as Xero, QuickBooks or similar platforms, and Microsoft 365/Zoom.
- Experience managing benefits, payroll systems, and working with third-party vendors.
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and comfort with both routine tasks and ad hoc problem-solving.
Preferred:
- Familiarity with compliance requirements for nonprofits, including audit and tax preparation processes.
- Familiarity with Salesforce.
- Prior experience working in a policy, think tank, or research-focused organization.
- Comfort with basic IT troubleshooting.
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, nonprofit management, or a related field.
Compensation and Benefits
- The salary range for this position is $72,000-$82,000. Salary is commensurate with experience.
- Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plan (after a qualification period) with employer match; paid leave.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience to jobs@dcpolicycenter.org. The priority application date for this position is July 3, 2025.
The D.C. Policy Center is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workplace. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
Independent fellows
Deadline: rolling
The D.C. Policy Center is looking for established researchers, journalists, data scientists, data visualization experts, and policy wonks of all stripes to write for the Center’s website as independent research Fellows. Our Fellows produce data-driven, D.C.-centered analyses on a variety of topics, including housing, public health, employment and labor markets, business environments, D.C. history, demographic change, transportation, and criminal justice.
Articles must include original research or data analysis focused on the District of Columbia. The ideal candidate is an independent thinker with excellent research, analysis, and writing skills, as well as a demonstrated interest in urban data and policy, especially the District of Columbia’s economy or demography.
Please note that Fellows are independent contractors who are paid per piece; this is not a full-time or onsite position.
Application instructions
Please send a resume, brief cover letter, and two relevant writing samples to jobs@dcpolicycenter.org. In your cover letter, please include your specific research interests, and 1-3 brief pitches for article(s) that you would pursue as a Fellow. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.
Note: We also consider submissions from one-time contributors. Please contact jobs@dcpolicycenter.org for more information.