Program/Operations Manager
Location: New Jersey 07041 (On-site)Employment Type: Full-timeApplication Deadline: July 30, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position may be filled before the deadline.
About Us
China Labor Watch is a New York-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing labor rights in global supply chains through independent investigations, policy advocacy, and media engagement.
Our work spans China, Southeast Asia, and Europe. We collaborate with U.S. enforcement agencies, European regulatory bodies, and international media to drive meaningful impact in human rights and supply chain accountability.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly capable Programs/Operations Manager to oversee organizational operations, manage staff performance, and ensure effective coordination across China Labor Watch’s programs and functions.
This is a senior management role within the organization. Working closely with the Executive Director, you will be responsible for building systems, managing workflows, supporting staff development, and ensuring that organizational priorities are executed effectively through the team.
Rather than directly implementing projects, the primary focus of this role is to lead and support the people, processes, and operational structures that enable successful project delivery across the organization.
Project Environment
China Labor Watch currently operates with an annual budget of approximately $1 million and manages several long-term projects alongside shorter-term initiatives.
The Program/Operations Manager oversees:
- A core team of approximately five full-time staff members, alongside consultants and part-time contributors
- Cross-functional work spanning investigations, research, advocacy, communications, and operations
- Multiple concurrent projects with evolving priorities
- Operating in a dynamic environment with continuously evolving information
- Coordinating both internal teams and external stakeholders
Success in this role requires strong leadership, sound judgment, the ability to manage competing priorities, and a commitment to fostering a productive and collaborative team culture.
Reporting Line
- Reports directly to the Executive Director and will directly supervise several staff members
Key Responsibilities1. Team Leadership & Staff Management
- Supervise and support staff across multiple functions
- Establish clear goals, expectations, and accountability mechanisms
- Conduct regular check-ins, performance reviews, and professional development discussions
- Support hiring, onboarding, and staff retention efforts
2. Organizational Operations & Workflow Management
- Develop and maintain systems that support efficient organizational operations
- Oversee workload allocation and resource planning across teams
- Ensure priorities are clearly communicated and appropriately assigned
- Monitor organizational performance and operational effectiveness
- Improve internal processes to increase efficiency and accountability
3. Program Oversight & Coordination
- Provide high-level oversight of ongoing projects and organizational initiatives
- Ensure project leads have the support and resources needed to meet objectives
- Monitor progress against organizational goals and timelines
- Identify implementation risks and facilitate problem-solving across teams
- Support program officers with project implementation as needed
4. Executive Support & Strategic Coordination
- Serve as a key management partner to the Executive Director
- Help translate strategic priorities into operational plans
- Support organizational planning, budgeting, and priority-setting processes
- Ensure follow-through on key organizational decisions and commitments
5. Grants, Reporting & Organizational Development
- Oversee donor reporting processes and organizational compliance requirements
- Coordinate grant application development across relevant staff and consultants
- Track funding opportunities and support organizational growth strategies
- Ensure strong documentation and knowledge-management practices
6. Stakeholder Engagement
- Coordinate engagement with donors, government agencies, media organizations, and civil society partners
- Support preparation for board meetings and governance activities
- Represent the organization in external meetings when appropriate
- Maintain professional relationships with key external stakeholders
Work Style & Tools
This role requires a structured, tools-driven approach:
- Ability to organize and manage multiple projects using digital tools
- Familiarity with project management platforms
- Experience using AI tools for research, analysis, or content support is preferred
- Ability to review, verify, and refine AI-generated outputs
Qualifications
Required
- 5–10 years of relevant professional experience, including demonstrated team management responsibilities
- Experience supervising staff, consultants, or multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent bilingual communication skills in English and Chinese (written and verbal), with the ability to write and communicate in professional, policy, or research contexts
- Strong organizational leadership and people-management skills
- Experience building systems, processes, and accountability structures
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong judgment, interpersonal skills, and conflict-resolution abilities
- Willingness to travel occasionally and participate in meetings outside regular business hours when necessary
Preferred
- Experience managing teams within nonprofit, advocacy, research, legal, policy, or international organizations
- Experience overseeing grants and donor-funded projects
- Familiarity with labor rights, human rights, ESG, or supply chain issues
- Experience supporting organizational growth and operational scaling
- Experience with performance management and staff development
What We Value
We are looking for candidates who:
- Take ownership and consistently drive work forward
- Communicate clearly and collaborate effectively
- Demonstrate sound judgment in complex situations
- Are motivated by impact and a strong sense of responsibility
Additional Information
Position Type
This is an exempt position, with a focus on outcomes and deliverables. Working hours may vary based on project needs.
Work Environment
Some projects involve sensitive labor issues in complex environments. Candidates must be able to handle information responsibly and maintain professional communication.(This role does not involve fieldwork in high-risk locations.)
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $70,000 – $100,000 (commensurate with experience)
- Health insurance (medical and dental)
- 401(k) retirement plan
- 11 public holidays per year
- 10 days of paid annual leave
- 5 days of paid sick leave
- Up to 4 weeks of unpaid leave (subject to approval)
- Opportunity to work on projects with international impact
- Collaborative and mission-driven team environment
How to Apply
If you meet around 70% of the qualifications, we strongly encourage you to apply.Please send your resume and a brief cover letter (both in English and Chinese are required) to: [email protected]
Subject Line: Program/Operations Manager Application
Pay: $70,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
