VP of People and Operations

Job Title: VP of People and Operations

Job Classification: Executive, People & Operations Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Department: People & Operations Job Type: [Full-time]

Salary Range: 115K – 135K, plus competitive benefits.

Objective of the Role

The VP of People and Operations is a visionary leader and advisor, overseeing the organization’s People and Operations functions. This includes people operations, learning & development, diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI), recruiting and retention, organizational development, compliance, office administration, and compensation and benefits. The VP of People and Operation develops systems that align talent management with GOSO’s mission and long-term goals, ensuring strategic support to staff, management, and the board of directors. As a member of the executive leadership team, the VP of People and Operations plays a central role in organizational planning, process improvement, and change management.

Primary Responsibilities

People & Culture

• Serve as GOSO’s culture advocate and internal brand ambassador, fostering a high-performing, inclusive, and values-driven workplace.
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategic and operational people plans including policies on recruitment, DEI, compensation, performance, training, employee relations, and organizational
• Manage administrative processes related to disciplinary actions and terminations, ensuring compliance and organizational alignment.
• Maintain payroll processes and reports up to date to ensure accurate and timely payment of
• Guide and optimize development, performance management, and succession planning processes that support professional growth and institutional knowledge retention.
• Strengthen staff engagement and morale through clear communication, recognition, and transparent decision-making.
• Collaborate with department heads to ensure that team structures, job roles, and talent needs are aligned with organizational strategy.
• Work with GOSO’s Co-employer to maintain compliance with employment laws, safety standards, and organizational policies.
• Develop and implement organizational policies and procedures, ensuring clarity and accessibility for all

Operations & Administration

• Oversee day-to-day internal operations, including HR compliance, office administration, IT coordination, facilities, and vendor management.
• Ensure that internal systems and processes are efficient, scalable, and aligned with GOSO’s mission and future growth.
• Lead or co-lead organizational planning and change management

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration

• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive team on all people and operational
• Work closely with Finance to support budget planning, particularly around staffing and
• Present strategic updates and reports to the board of directors, including workforce planning, DEI progress, and organizational culture metrics.
• Use data and metrics to inform HR strategy and measure

Additional Duties

• Represent GOSO at external events, conferences, and with peer organizations as
• Lead or support cross-departmental projects that contribute to organizational effectiveness and
• Other duties as

Essential Skills

• Deep knowledge of HR best practices, compliance, and talent development
• Exceptional leadership and organizational management skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with emotional intelligence
• Strategic thinking with a solutions-oriented and analytical approach
• Ability to navigate and manage complex, evolving environments
• Experience in conflict resolution, performance management, and coaching

Core Competencies:

• Excellent work ethic
• Commitment to working in a mission driven organization
• Demonstrated personal ethics and values
• Cross-team collaboration and cooperation
• Team-player who works well with a diverse group of people

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• Minimum 6–8 years of progressive experience in HR or people operations, including at least 2 years in a senior leadership or executive role
• Proven experience overseeing both HR and internal operations in a mission-driven or nonprofit organization
• Strong familiarity with employment law, DEI best practices, and compliance frameworks
• Proficient in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office; experience with HRIS systems a plus
• Compensation & Benefits:
• Salary commensurate with GOSO offers a competitive salary and benefits package

Please send a resume with cover letter to: [email protected]. Resumes without a cover letter will not be considered.

GOSO is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About GOSO: Getting Out and Staying Out has a vision of a world where neither a person’s race nor their prior contact with the legal system determines their future. To work toward that vision, we partner with young people impacted by arrest or incarceration on a journey of education, employment, and emotional well-being. For many of our participants, that journey begins while they are detained or incarcerated, on Rikers Island or in youth detention centers. We work with all interested individuals, regardless of the charges that they face, engaging them in future planning through programing focused on education, employment, and emotional well-being while helping to meet their immediate needs, whether physical (warm clothing, commissary supplies), psychological (correspondence and communication to help maintain links to the outside world), or legal (coordinating with public defense attorneys on courtroom advocacy). Among the major programs that are under the GOSO umbrella are Stand Against Violence East Harlem (SAVE), GOSOWorks, and multiple education programs (including Pathways-to-Graduation, a high school equivalency program). GOSO served its participants and the Harlem community throughout the Pandemic and, in fact, expanded its budget in the past few years. We are currently building our external relations functions, including development, in order to position GOSO for continued growth and expanded impact on those at the heart of our mission