Description

Position: Director of Operations 
Position Type: Regular Full-Time Exempt 
Location: Minneapolis, MN 55403 

Introduction:  
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA) seeks a Director of Operations (DOO) for its Minneapolis office. Reporting to the Executive Director, this senior leadership role oversees operational and administrative activities for the 100-year-old non-profit. MMLA has 175+ employees and a $24.6 million budget, providing civil legal services to low-income and underrepresented communities. 

What’s in it for you? 

• We believe in work-life harmony. This position provides a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a combination of 2 or 3 days of remote work per week, complemented by in-person collaboration at our downtown Minneapolis office for the remainder of the week.
• On Fridays, the office closes at noon and employees enjoy a half-day of paid flex time. 
  MMLA provides on-the-job training and mentorship, with opportunities for growth within the organization.  
• This position offers the unique chance to drive strategic initiatives that directly contribute to our mission of fostering justice and equity.  

Why MMLA? 

• We’re not just ticking boxes. We’re genuinely committed to diversity. Bring your unique identity, experiences, and perspectives—we want them all! 
• Our mission? Equal justice for all. In your cover letter, tell us how your background can amplify this cause. Let’s change our lives together. 
• Discrimination and harassment have no place here. We’re building a respectful, supportive workplace where everyone thrives. 

Responsibilities: 

• Partner with MMLA’s leadership to develop and execute operational plans, policies, and strategic budgeting, while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. 
• Lead HR activities, from recruitment to performance management, ensuring alignment with MMLA’s values of racial justice, diversity, inclusion, and equity. 
• Supervise financial and IT management, ensuring effective budgeting, technological advancement, and reporting. 
• Represent management in labor negotiations and maintain compliance with union agreements, as well as engage with the
• Board of Directors to provide essential reports and recommendations. 
• Provide robust fiscal management, operations, and technology support. 
• Champion racial justice, diversity, inclusion, and equity, ensuring alignment with community needs. 
• Utilize extensive management experience to foster outstanding organizational and communication skills. 
• Work closely with senior leadership to develop and implement operational, financial, and strategic plans. 
• Maintain accountable, responsive, and transparent leadership with the Executive Director. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Oral and written communication skills. 
• Demonstrated successful experience with conflict resolution and analysis (problem assessment, solution generation) using consultation and influencing skills. 
• Ability to create and foster partnerships and collaborations within MMLA and externally. 
• Solid organizational and execution capabilities, with the ability to work collaboratively and under tighttimeframeswith shifting priorities and strong attention to detail. 
• Proficiencyusing MicrosoftWord, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint. 

Qualifications: 
 
Required Qualifications: 

• Five or more years in a leadership or management role in a law firm, government agency, legal services provider, non-profit organization, or equivalent (including related for-profit entities). 
• General knowledge of operational functions and principles for organizations, including in employee management, finance, technology, and client or customer service. 
• Proven ability to plan and manage operational processes to meet goals and planned outcomes. 
• Working knowledge of civil legal services and broad guidelines and regulations. 
• Work, volunteer, or lived experience with diverse economic, social, and/or cultural communities. 
• Experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion based organizational improvements or changes in prior workplaces. 
   

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in social, economic, and/or racial justice, including the delivery of civil legal services. 
• Experience changing and implementing DEI workplace policy, practice, and culture. 
• Administration or management of an office, firm, company, or non-profit, with experience in human resource management and labor relations. 
• Nonprofit work experience, including budget management, financial reporting, and compliance. 
• Negotiation skills and experience supervising third-party contractors. 
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field. 

Compensation: 

$85,215 to $121,616 per year, depending on experience, plus benefits. Benefits include family medical and dental insurance, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, 403(b) with employer match, FSA, employee assistance programs, and generous paid time off. Employees qualify for benefits on the first day of employment.  Employees at MMLA enjoy a flexible schedule, comprehensive benefits, and healthy work/life balance 

Applications: 

Submit résumé, cover letter, references, and a diversity statement athttps://mylegalaid.org/employment. 

If you requirereasonableaccommodation for completing this application, interviewing, or otherwiseparticipatingin our employee selection process, please contact mcook@mylegalaid.org.Please direct all other inquiries tohiring@mylegalaid.org. 

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. MMLA’s non-management staff are members of and represented by AFSCME Council 5. This position is subject to collective bargaining agreements. 

Requirements

Qualifications: 
 
Required Qualifications: 

Five or more years in a leadership or management role in a law firm, government agency, legal services provider, non-profit organization, or equivalent (including related for-profit entities). 
General knowledge of operational functions and principles for organizations, including in employee management, finance, technology, and client or customer service. 
Proven ability to plan and manage operational processes to meet goals and planned outcomes. 
Working knowledge of civil legal services and broad guidelines and regulations. 
Work, volunteer, or lived experience with diverse economic, social, and/or cultural communities. 
Experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion based organizational improvements or changes in prior workplaces. 
 
Preferred Qualifications: 

Experience in social, economic, and/or racial justice, including the delivery of civil legal services. 
Experience changing and implementing DEI workplace policy, practice, and culture. 
Administration or management of an office, firm, company, or non-profit, with experience in human resource management and labor relations. 
Nonprofit work experience, including budget management, financial reporting, and compliance. 
Negotiation skills and experience supervising third-party contractors. 
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field.