Relman Colfax
Chief Operating Officer

Compensation: $150-$190k
Location: Washington, DC, in-person four days a week, one day remote

About Relman Colfax

Relman Colfax, PLLC is a national civil rights law firm dedicated to protecting civil rights and enforcing our nation's civil rights laws. 

The mission of Relman Colfax is to use civil rights litigation to combat systemic discrimination and segregation on the basis of race, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, and other protected classes to seek remedies for individuals and organizations that have been harmed by those forces, and to counsel companies, governments, and organizations about progressive policies that increase equity and opportunity. 

The firm is based in Washington, DC and includes nearly 50 legal professionals committed to the vision of a more just, inclusive, and equitable society where discrimination and segregation do not determine outcomes in housing, lending, employment, education, public accommodations, and criminal justice.

For more information on Relman Colfax, please go to https://www.relmanlaw.com

 

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a new leadership position that will oversee the firm’s day-to-day operations, IT, and HR,  and be a key strategic thought partner with the Management Committee in administration of the firm. The COO will play a vital role in supporting Relman Colfax’s organizational efficiency and impact. 

Reporting to the Management Committee and working in close collaboration with Partners, Attorneys, Fellows, Paralegals, and Administrative and Finance staff, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will provide leadership, oversight, and daily management of Relman Colfax’s administrative, operations, HR, and IT functions. The COO will also be a crucial steward of the firm’s collaborative and mission-driven culture, ensuring Relman Colfax’s values are embedded and reflected in its internal operations. The COO will directly supervise one Outreach Specialist and will work closely with the firm’s finance team and a technology consultant, with the possibility of hiring additional administrative and operations support as the new position evolves. This is an exciting opportunity to grow the firm’s operations capacity and function at an important moment in Relman Colfax’s work.

The ideal candidate believes deeply in social justice and Relman Colfax’s use of legal tools to protect civil rights, address injustices, and fight for fairness. The candidate will have significant experience as a cross-functional leader with exceptional strategic, operational, administrative, and financial acumen and a demonstrated talent for continuously improving organizational teams, systems, and processes. The candidate will bring vision and practical wisdom to all facets of the firm and a proven ability to develop organizational capacity. Finally, the ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with an engaging management style and the ability to balance big-picture strategy with immediate needs. 

 

Responsibilities

Organizational and Strategic Leadership

• Work closely with the three-person Management Committee to effectively implement the firm’s policies and procedures, which are important to the Firm achieving its strategic vision
• Design and implement best-in-class organizational systems and structures that promote cross-functional collaboration and communication
• Provide strategic advice, recommendations, and implementation related to organizational efficiency and structure
• Ensure effective communication of priority issues and projects and promote learning across all levels of the firm
• Assist with external communication strategies promoting and celebrating the firm’s mission and work

Operations and IT

• Identify opportunities for improved operational processes across the firm to streamline operations and implement increased standardization, with an eye toward continuous process improvement
• Oversee the IT function and ensure the ongoing maintenance and updating of systems and devices to serve the organization's operational needs effectively
• Ensure that office operations (security, supplies procurement, technology procurement) and maintenance of the physical office work effectively and smoothly

People and Culture (HR)

• Work with the Management Committee, Partners, attorneys, and staff to foster and cultivate a culture that promotes the firm’s values and reflects its deep commitment to social justice
• Oversee all aspects of the firm’s people functions, ensuring the organization is best positioned to attract, recruit, and retain top talent
• Cultivate and strengthen internal and external relationships among all of the firm’s employees regardless of level
• Lead initiatives in organizational management, performance management, and leadership development
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes for all new employees as well as off-boarding for all departing employees
• Ensure the delivery of effective human resource management policies, programs, practices, and initiatives, including the development of streamlined systems related to recruitment, performance management, professional development, compensation, and employee engagement 

 

Desired Qualifications 

Strong candidates for this role will bring a diverse set of experiences, skills, abilities, and leadership qualities. Relman Colfax understands that no single candidate will have every skill and bring all of the experiences listed below. The firm is focused on a holistic view of potential candidates and actively seeks interest from candidates with a wide range of professional and lived experiences, especially those from historically underrepresented groups.

• Deep commitment to social justice and Relman Colfax’s mission
• Senior management experience working cross-functionally across operations, administration, human resources, and IT in complex organizations; experience working within a justice-focused legal service organization is preferred
• A strategic, analytical, and tactical thinker with a record of success implementing strategic goals and priorities across an organization
• Comfort working in a highly collaborative environment that values open communication and transparency
• Effective and persuasive communicator, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate and collaborate with a broad range of audiences
• Personal and professional integrity, unwavering commitment to equity, and a growth mindset
• Experience managing human resources, including hiring, onboarding, off-boarding, and benefits
• Knowledge of innovative technology systems for operations management is preferred

 

Compensation
Salary range of $150-190k. Relman Colfax offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes 401k retirement plans, medical, dental, and vision insurance, pre-tax benefits for flexible spending, paid annual leave and federal holidays, transit expenses, and professional development funding.

Additional Information

Relman Colfax’s office is located near Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. The COO position is expected to be in-person at least four days a week.

Relman Colfax is an equal opportunity employer that maintains a supportive, equitable environment. We encourage applications from all individuals without regard to actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, familial status, family responsibilities, age, personal appearance, matriculation, disability, medical condition, genetic information, political affiliation, military or veteran status, or record of arrest or conviction. We encourage applications from people who identify with historically underserved or underrepresented communities.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until it is filled.