Operations Coordinator

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.    
Position Overview: 
The Brennan Center seeks an individual with excellent coordination and people skills to join our Washington, D.C. Office. Reporting to the Vice President of our Washington D.C. Office, this role serves as the first administrative point of contact. Key responsibilities include managing the office’s front desk along with public spaces and coordinating events hosted by multiple programs at the Brennan Center. The ideal candidate is exceedingly organized, outgoing, communicative, and adaptable, with the ability to engage with Brennan Center staff while also working with a variety of stakeholders (including VIPs) to ensure successful external-facing events. 
 

Note: This position is in-office 5 days/week and is based at our Washington D.C. Office. This role may occasionally require supporting early morning or evening events. 

Responsibilities: 
Front Desk & Administrative Support 

• Greet and assist visitors, and staff in a warm, professional manner  

• Answer, screen, and direct incoming calls and emails  

• Serve as a primary point of contact for general office inquiries, providing timely, accurate information  

• Maintain visitor logs, issue guest access, and coordinate with building security  

• Assign visitors to offices or workspace areas (e.g., offices or cubicles)  

• Maintain a clean, organized, and presentable reception area and common spaces  

• Support a “clean desk” office environment by ensuring shared spaces remain clutter-free and functional  

Office Operations & Upkeep 

• Ensure daily functionality and readiness of reception area and kitchen.  

• Load/unload dishwasher and ensure dishes and kitchenware are properly stored  

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen, including restocking snacks, beverages, and supplies  

• Identify and proactively address issues related to cleanliness, organization, or functionality of the office  

Event Coordination & Support 

• Assist in planning and executing on-site events across multiple programs and for the office 

• Coordinate logistics such as venue setup, catering, materials, and technology needs (with support from IT team)  

• Track event timelines, deliverables, and task lists to ensure deadlines are met  

• Support day-of event operations, including registration, guest coordination, and troubleshooting (collaborating with the Administration & Projects Manager) 

• Maintain event documentation, attendance records, and post-event evaluations  

Collaboration & Communication 

• Work closely with program teams to understand event goals and requirements  

• Communicate effectively with vendors, partners, and stakeholders  

• Provide updates and status reports to the Vice President and Administration & Projects Manager  

• Support cross-functional initiatives and administrative projects as needed  

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree, or equivalent mix of education and pertinent experience 1–3 years of experience in receptionist, administrative, or event support roles  

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills  

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)  

• Ability to remain calm and professional in a fast-paced environment  

• Customer service-oriented mindset with strong attention to detail  
  Preferred Skills
  • Experience supporting events or working with event planners
  • Familiarity with scheduling tools and event management software
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing needs

What Success Looks Like 

• A welcoming and efficient front desk experience for all visitors and staff  

• A clean, organized, and well-functioning office environment  

• Smoothly executed events that meet program goals and timelines  

• Strong coordination and communication across internal teams and external partners 

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to make a career transition, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application.    
 
If you’re uncertain about meeting 100 percent of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. In your cover letter, please describe your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role. 
Application Instructions:   
To apply, visit >>this link<<.  Please upload the following documents: (1) cover letter, (2) résumé, and (3) contact information for three supervisor references. Applications without all the listed materials will not be considered. 
 
Please, no phone calls or faxes; it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by email to [email protected] with “Operations and Events Coordinator” in the subject line, after registering in the online system.   
 
Compensation and Benefits:   
The Brennan Center is a fantastic workplace! We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that is regularly assessed based on workplace trends and employee feedback.  
 
The salary range assigned to this position is $60,000 – $70,000. We determine our salary ranges based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. However, the ultimate salary offered to a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s qualifications and internal equity considerations. Additionally, we offer a generous time off program, 401(k) plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.    

In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.