Operations Manager

Breakwater Strategy, a strategic insights and communications agency, is seeking an experienced operations professional to join our growing team. This is a newly created role designed to support and strengthen the firm's internal infrastructure as we scale. The ideal candidate is a proactive, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and brings a solutions-first mindset. This role will work closely with firm leadership to manage and execute on operational priorities across people, process, and technology, serving as a connective link between the firm and its broader administrative ecosystem. RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with firm leadership to assess hiring needs, drive recruitment processes, and support candidate evaluation and selection
• Coordinate onboarding for new hires, ensuring a smooth and well-organized experience from offer acceptance through first weeks
• Serve as day-to-day liaison with HR on performance management processes, including mid-year and annual review cycles
• Own end-to-end logistics for firm-wide events, including quarterly all-hands meetings, in-office gatherings, and team offsites
• Support internal communications as needed for firmwide announcements and updates
• Serve as the firm's primary point of contact for IT coordination, ensuring the team is informed of updates, transitions, and issues affecting day-to-day operations
• Manage software subscriptions, licenses, and access across the firm, including coordination with the appropriate teams
• Coordinate with accounting and legal functions to ensure processes are moving forward, deadlines are met, and the right stakeholders are looped in
• Maintain organized records and documentation across operational functions

ATTRIBUTES

• 6–8 years of experience in internal operations, human resources, or a related function; experience in a professional services firm strongly preferred
• Bachelor's degree required
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously with a high degree of organization and follow-through
• Comfortable operating at both strategic and tactical levels, able to identify process gaps and execute the fix
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to build trust with colleagues across levels and functions
• Demonstrated experience coordinating with HR, legal, finance, or IT functions, familiarity with relevant tools (HRIS, ATS) a plus
• Resourceful and self-directed, with the ability to work independently and move things forward with limited oversight
• Discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive people and organizational matters
• Collaborative by default, with a genuine interest in contributing to a strong internal culture

District of Columbia Salary Range: $95,000 USD - $105,000 USD