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

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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

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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

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Maintain organized records and documentation across operational functions

ATTRIBUTES

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6–8 years of experience in internal operations, human resources, or a related function; experience in a professional services firm strongly preferred

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Bachelor's degree required

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Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously with a high degree of organization and follow-through

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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

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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 — $105,000 USD