Director of Operations and Facilities

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks a Director of Operations and Facilities. BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. BDS has 750+ employees with multiple locations in Brooklyn and Queens in New York City. Our work with clients is focused on the intersection of the legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown people living below the poverty level in Brooklyn and Queens.

BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted legal needs. In addition to a zealous legal defense, our interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers and advocates provide a wide range of legal and advocacy services, including in the areas of housing, public benefits, education, and employment.

BDS staff work collaboratively and across disciplines to deliver high-quality legal services that serve the people we represent, their families and communities. The Director of Operations and Facilities is responsible for the strategic planning, day-to-day operations, and continuous improvement of all facilities-related functions across the organization.

This role ensures that physical spaces are safe, functional, compliant, and aligned with organizational needs, while delivering a high-quality workplace infrastructure for staff and visitors. The role combines operational leadership, facilities planning, vendor management and cross-functional collaboration to maintain and enhance workplace infrastructure.

Responsibilities

Oversee all facilities operations. Supervise Operations Staff. Prepare and keep up on budget for facilities and operational needs. Approve invoices, track spending trends, and implement cost-control strategies. Lead RFP processes, contract negotiations, and performance evaluations for vendors related to facilities and operations.

Ensure all vendors meet service level agreements, compliance standards, and cost expectations. Emergency preparedness. Respond to urgent issues and coordinate rapid resolution of facility-related incidents. Partner with the Chief Operating Officer and other leadership to align facilities strategy with organizational growth and programmatic needs.

Project management of facilities and operational issues as they arise. At the current time, BDS is renovating a new space that is on track to be completed in late 2027-2028. The Director of Operations and Facilities will be involved in tracking progress and implementing the new space when it comes online.

Qualifications

7-10+ years of facilities or operations management experience. Demonstrated experience managing multi-site facilities. Knowledge of building systems, safety regulations, and compliance requirements. Proven ability to manage budgets and drive cost efficiencies. Experience in nonprofit, legal services, or mission-driven organizations preferred.

Prior experience with a large renovation a plus. Key Competencies Strategic and operational leadership. Strong project management skills. Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure. Excellent communication and stakeholder management. Attention to detail with a service-oriented mindset. Ability to balance long-term planning with day-to-day operational demands.

Position Information This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The position is based at BDS’s offices in Brooklyn and Queens, with regular travel between office locations as needed. The role also may require after-hours availability for emergencies or major facilities projects.

BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is a salary range of $125,000-$150,000. For someone with extensive experience, it is possible BDS would consider additional salary. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b)-retirement plan. To support work/life balance and family-friendly policies, BDS has generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.

Application Instructions Click “Apply Now” to submit a cover letter and resume. Please submit your application by October 30, 2026. Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity and maintaining an equitable and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, expressions, orientations, disabilities, and experiences to apply.

If you require an accommodation due to a disability or another reason, please contact the Managing Director of Human Resources, Christina Wallace, at cwallace @ bds.org .