Assistant Director, HR & Operations

ABOUT RED HOOK INITIATIVE(RHI)

Red Hook Initiative(RHI) is a community-based nonprofit organization working to improve the lives of the more than 6500 residents of Red Hook Houses Brooklyns largest public housing complex. RHI believes that the social change to overcome systemic inequities begins with empowered youth and that change in communities should come from partnership with community adults we nurture young people in Red Hook to be inspired resilient and healthy and to envision themselves as co-creators of their lives community and society.

Youth development community building and community hiring are at the core of RHIs approach to strengthen Red Hooks future. Our model gives young people and residents the tools resources and opportunities they need to interrupt the systems and barriers that perpetuate historic inequities for the community. Residents lead the way toward a more equitable hopeful future.

Over our 22-year history RHIs model and dedicated team have been nationally recognized for our innovative place-based approach to social change. RHI was recently awarded an unrestricted gift of $1M from MacKenzie Scott through her philanthropic open call venture Yield Giving.

RHIs programs include:

• Youth Development: RHI engages over 450 adolescents each year from middle school through young adulthood endeavoring to interrupt cycles of injustice and to build hope.
• Building Community: Working with Red Hook youth and adults to organize exercise leadership to drive positive change for the community and increase social cohesion to build a more resilient neighborhood.
• Investing in Residents: RHI hires locally and invests in residents who will improve their lives and the community in which they live. More than $1.1M was earned in the last year by people from Red Hook.
• Red Hook Farms: A youth-centered urban agriculture and food justice program operating one of Brooklyns original and largest farms. Red Hook Farms cultivates affordable fresh produce and provides STEM and nutrition education leadership development and employment opportunities for local youth and residents.

THE OPPORTUNITY

RHI is seeking an Assistant Director of HR and Operations to play a critical operational role in ensuring that RHIs administrative government contract management and day-to-day HR process support run smoothly and efficiently. Reporting to the Director of Talent & Operations this position acts as the primary liaison to BTQ RHIs external finance partner this role ensures all contract and compliance requirements are met while supporting HR administration and internal operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES RESPONSIBILITIES

Government Contracts Administration

• Serve as the primary liaison to BTQ for all government contract processes.
• Manage applications in government portals and oversee contract registration.
• Work closely with program teams to ensure timely submission of deliverables including program reports.
• Maintain familiarity with contract terms deliverables and timelines to ensure audit readiness.
• Support the preparation of grant and contract budgets in collaboration with program and finance staff.

HR & Onboarding Support

• Coordinate recruitment logistics postings interview scheduling and candidate communication.
• Manage onboarding paperwork and benefits enrollment; assist with employee offboarding.
• Respond to routine employee questions regarding benefits and policies; escalate as needed.
• Assist in organizing professional development sessions and tracking participation.

Finance/Administrative Support

• Payroll Processing: Process biweekly payroll in ADP ensuring timely and accurate submission; maintain PTO records; troubleshoot payroll issues and coordinate with finance.
• Assist with tracking and submitting documentation for invoice processing.
• Maintain organized records in DocLink and other internal systems.
• Coordinate with the Director and COO on compliance tracking.

General Administration

• Assist in maintaining internal directories and emergency contact lists.
• Provide backup support to Operations Manager and Receptionist as needed.

May be assigned other responsibilities as determined by the Director of Talent & Operations and the COO.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration HR or related field required; equivalent experience in lieu of degree will be considered.
• Minimum 46 years of experience in HR administration or operations with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Experience with payroll systems (ADP preferred) and government contract management strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS (ENVIRONMENT) & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The RHI work environment is characteristic of a typical indoor office/program environment and the noise level is generally quiet to moderate.
• While performing administrative duties the employee will operate a computer and other office equipment. During this time the employee may sit or stand at will. During youth program hours there is more movement (e.g. standing and walking moving tables and chairs to set up the room).

• RHI provides a hybrid work arrangement for employees (3 days onsite/2 remote) when this role a hybrid schedule can be arranged when direct services are not in session.

• This job is primarily based on-site at RHIs main program office in Red Hook Brooklyn. The ideal candidate will either be a resident of Red Hook or one of its neighboring communities or will be within reasonable commuting distance to RHIs main program office.

The ideal candidate should be able to meet the physical demands of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

COMMITMENT TO DEI & EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

RHI actively engages individuals from all backgrounds and is committed to embracing diversity across all areas and aspects of the organization. We firmly believe that an atmosphere of civility and mutual respect towards individual differences and embracing an inclusive and equitable environment is indispensable to building a successful organization contributing to a positive and meaningful employment experience for staff and advancing the best possible outcomes for the clients served by RHIs programs. We are also committed to community hiring and supporting the job prospects of Red Hook residents.

As an equal opportunity employer RHI is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race color national origin religion sex sexual orientation gender gender identity and expression disability age marital status military status veteran status pregnancy parental status genetic information or any other characteristic or basis prohibited by applicable law.

This position is based on-site at RHIs main program office in Red Hook Brooklyn. The ideal candidate should be within reasonable commuting distance to our main program office or a resident of Red Hook or one of its neighboring Brooklyn communities. Proof of full COVID vaccination is required prior to starting employment.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

RHI strives to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package that reflects our core values and commitment to our employees. The salary for this position is: $70000 - $80000 commensurate with an employees or candidates competencies and experience. Additionally RHI provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical dental and vision coverage an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which includes 12 counseling sessions per year 403b retirement plan flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health dependent and commuter expenses life insurance 24 PTO days Summer Fridays when possible and a hybrid work schedule when direct services are not in session.

TO APPLY

Date Issued: October 20 2025

Required Experience:

Director