Operations Manager/Research Scholar

The Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at NYU School of Law confronts and upends the array of American laws, policies, and practices that lead to racial oppression and injustice.

The Center advances its work through interconnected approaches that shape its research, advocacy, and partnerships. Grounded in collaboration with communities, scholars, advocates, and policymakers, the Center translates insight into action through:

• Research & Thought Leadership: Challenging dominant narratives and producing original research and analysis that reveal how race shapes the law, contributing scholarship and public commentary that shift the field.
• Litigation & Advocacy: Pursuing strategies that disrupt harmful systems and promote justice through litigation, amicus advocacy, policy reform, and coalition work.
• Education & Leadership Development: Supporting the next generation of leaders working to transform and challenge the institutions they encounter through legal education, training, and mentorship.
• Convenings & Community Engagement: Bringing people together through public programs, dialogues, and partnerships that deepen relationships, strengthen movements, and support collective action.

We are seeking a dynamic, highly organized Operations Manager to lead the Center’s day-to-day operations and strengthen the infrastructure that supports our work to advance racial justice. The Operations Manager will serve as the Center’s primary administrator and provide operational and programmatic support for the Center’s research, advocacy, education, and convening work.

This role is ideal for someone with strong operational judgment, a demonstrated commitment to racial justice, and the ability to manage complex priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. The Operations Manager will report to the Center’s Faculty Director, Professor Vincent Southerland, and Executive Director, Patrice Sulton. As the Center’s operational team grows, the position may develop into a supervisory role.

Responsibilities

The Operations Manager is in charge of:

• Leading the Center’s day-to-day operations, including developing, implementing, and improving systems, processes, and workflows.
• Serving as the Center’s primary liaison with NYU’s finance, human resources, information technology, and other administrative departments, and managing relationships with university partners.
• Managing operational aspects of the Center’s financial administration, including expense tracking, reimbursements, vendor payments, and related documentation, in coordination with Center leadership and NYU finance staff.
• Coordinating logistics for Center meetings, programs, and events, including vendor coordination, participant communications, event materials, and on-site staffing.
• Supporting Center-hosted events and events hosted by partner organizations, including occasional early-morning, evening, and off-site commitments.
• Providing additional operational and programmatic support as needed to advance the Center’s work.

Compensation

In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary for this position is $70,000. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. Compensation includes excellent benefits , including medical, dental, and vision.

• At least three years of relevant professional experience in operations, administration, project management, or a related role, preferably in a nonprofit, legal, academic, or other mission-driven setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams, establish effective systems, and complete accurate, timely work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, sound judgment, discretion, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Experience managing budgets, expense reporting, reimbursements, vendor relationships, event logistics, or comparable administrative processes is strongly preferred.
• Comfort learning and adapting to new platforms and technologies. The Center’s current tools include Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Canva, Notion, and Mailchimp.
• Commitment to racial justice and to the Center’s mission.
• Flexibility to work outside standard business hours as needed for events and willingness to travel within New York City for Center activities.

Please apply through interfolio.

• Résumé
• Cover letter describing your interest in the role and relevant experience
• List of two references, including email addresses

References will not be contacted unless and until an applicant advances to a later stage of the selection process.

The application period will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 16, 2026. Please ensure that you include a telephone number and/or an email address where we may contact you.

To learn more about the Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law, visit http://www.law.nyu.edu/centers/race-inequality-law . Questions may be addressed to [email protected] , with the subject line "CRIL Operations Manager Application Question."

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NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. All interested persons are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

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