National Criminal Defense College Careers
Job Posting: Operations Manager
NCDC Operations Manager
Job Description
The National Criminal Defense College is a non-profit organization whose mission is to deliver the highest standard of trial skills training to criminal defense attorneys across the United States. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that people accused of crimes are represented by client-centered, trial-focused, and zealous counsel. Incorporated in 1985, NCDC was founded by a core group of dedicated defenders determined to elevate the quality of criminal defense practice throughout the United States.
NCDC’s Programming takes the following forms:
- The Deryl Dantzler Trial Practice Institute (NCDC’s Flagship Program)- consists of two, 2 week summer sessions which are attended by criminal defense attorneys from around the country (our participants) and coached and taught by expert criminal defense attorneys, also from around the country (our faculty). The faculty teaches every skill encountered in a jury trial through lectures, small group exercises, and demonstrations. Each two-week session is attended by approximately one hundred attorneys and 80 of our 100+ faculty members who volunteer their time to teach. NCDC also brings in professional actors to play the parts of witnesses. There are now over 9,000 alumni of the NCDC Trial Practice Institute.
- NCDC Short Programs (In-Person) – smaller weekend programs that focus on a specific skill or skills in a jury trial (such as cross-examination or forensic cross-examination).
- NCDC Online Programs – online programs of varying lengths that focus on a specific skill or area of practice.
Staffing
NCDC’s personnel has historically consisted of two full-time employees (a Program Manager and an Operations Manager) and at least one part-time Executive Director titled Dean of the College. In addition to the Dean, the leadership of the College includes a thirteen-member Board of Directors (called the “Board of Regents”). NCDC is currently seeking a full time Operations Manager.
The Operations Manager will be responsible for working at the direction of the Dean and in concert with the Program Manager to ensure that NCDC’s daily operations and programming are executed efficiently and effectively in furtherance of NCDC’s mission. NCDC operates in a fast-paced work environment and, because the organization is lean, the Operations Manager has a variety of job duties and responsibilities including basic bookkeeping, website content maintenance, event planning, participant, faculty, scholarship sponsor relations, and office management.
Work hours and locations:
NCDC’s current employees work together mostly remotely. The Dean is currently located in Cranston, Rhode Island. NCDC’s Program Manager works in a small office suite in Macon, Georgia. Other than during in-person programming when NCDC Staff Members are on site, the Operations Manager position is fully remote and can be performed anywhere in the United States.
It is expected that the Operations Manager will work, on average, approximately 40 hours per week, but workload can vary. For instance, during programming, staff members work long hours, including Saturdays and Sundays. (Work done outside of normal work hours will be compensated by offering comparable time off.)
Operations Manager Job Responsibilities:
- Work collaboratively with the other staff of the organization and under the supervision of the Dean.
- Helps to plan and execute NCDC programs. Successful programming and meetings require an ability to manage deadlines, answer questions, review contracts, process registration fees, and create relationships with hotels and other meeting venues. Knowledge of the hospitality and conference industry is a plus.
- Effectively communicates with participants, faculty members, and outside organizations.
- Knowledgeable in analytics and proficiency in Excel and other similar software. These skills will also be useful in assisting the Dean and Board of Directors in generating and analyzing large amounts of data. Able to think creatively to create new reports and leverage relevant technology as needed.
- Manages NCDC’s technology platforms, including the Cvent event management platform.
- Serves as the webmaster of ncdc.net and manages NCDC’s social media presence. Proficient in maintaining website content and demonstrates a willingness to discover technologies to improve NCDC’s technical efficiency.
- Proficient with and confident in facilitating online and virtual meetings and webinars.
- Assists in design, ordering, and management of insignia merchandise.
Additionally, we prefer to have a candidate that would be able to:
- Manage financial operations and conduct routine bookkeeping tasks including, but not limited to, creating reports, paying employer liabilities, and managing income, expenses, and budgets.
- Possess a working knowledge of QuickBooks including, but not limited to, creating reports, paying some employer liabilities, and managing income, expenses, and budget.
A successful Operations Manager will:
- Have a bachelor’s degree.
- Have an interest in the criminal legal system. The ideal candidate will have some working knowledge of the legal system and a passion for fairness, justice, and quality representation for all those accused of crimes.
- Have the ability to travel multiple times a year to execute in person programs. It is critical that the Operations Manager have the ability to spend multiple weeks away from home during June and July each year.
- The ideal candidate will have experience with the administration or operational functions of a small or mid-sized organization.
- Proficiency in workplace technology including Google products and apps, Zoom, Cognito Forms, Square, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Vimeo, Adobe, WordPress, and social media is required and important. An applicant who is already experienced in many of these platforms, but who has not had experience in every one of them, but who can pick up new software quickly can be successful.
- Be able to communicate effectively and professionally with a friendly and positive attitude in verbal and written communications.
- Grant writing/grant management experience is a plus.
- Have a desire to continually learn and become technologically savvy.
- Be highly organized and self directed with the ability to complete tasks without reminders while being mindful of previously provided instructions.
- Possess excellent time management skills. Be a resourceful and strategic planner able to prioritize tasks in order of importance and adapt easily when unexpected changes occur utilizing creative thinking skills.
- Have sensitivity and respect for organizational protocol.
- Have a reputation for honesty, integrity, and fairness.
- Be able to work collaboratively.
- Utilize multitasking skills.
- Accept constructive criticism.
- Be flexible, adaptable, and embrace constant change.
- Have a sense of humor.
Salary and Commitment:
A three-year commitment is requested. The salary for this position is $56,925 – $60,000 annually, but is negotiable based on experience. We offer health benefits and a generous paid time off policy.
Application Process
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and we are hoping to fill this position as soon as possible.
At NCDC, we don’t just accept differences — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees and our community. NCDC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.