JOIN OUR TEAM!

Director of People & Operations 

Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA), an internationally recognized environmental research and advocacy nonprofit based in Boston, MA, is seeking a Director of People & Operations to join our growing team. We are looking for an extraordinarily detail-oriented leader for whom no task is too big or too small. The Director of People & Operations will succeed when all operational functions—information technology (IT), human resources (HR), finance, and office management—work together seamlessly to effectively support CRWA’s program and policy efforts. With the support of a small team of staff and external experts, the Director of People & Operations will have the opportunity to develop, implement, and improve strategies and systems that make CRWA’s staff and board more efficient and effective.

The successful candidate will bring demonstrated success with developing and implementing systems to improve operations, ideally in a non-profit setting. Experience in HR and developing or implementing hiring, onboarding, and staff support systems is strongly preferred. Experience in nonprofit leadership during organizational growth and a passion for environmental sustainability are also preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

HR Leadership:

  • Implement inclusive, efficient, and standardized hiring and onboarding practices and processes

  • Manage the full scope of HR administration at CRWA, including employee leave, annual performance reviews, policy training and compliance, and employee separation

  • Ensure that staff members are supported in their professional growth 

  • Partner with CRWA’s outsourced benefits and human resources consultants to ensure the organization continues to provide competitive benefits for its team and fosters a workplace where all staff feel valued and respected

  • Ensure that every element of human resources reflects and extends the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Operations oversight:

  • Lead CRWA’s small, talented operations team, including staff and external experts, ensuring that all areas are covered and the team is functioning effectively; and assessing and adjusting to meet the organization’s current and anticipated growth and change

  • Develop and/or update CRWA’s administrative and operational systems and policies as needed

  • Review financial reports prepared by the finance manager for accuracy and completeness

  • Plan the resources and support needed for seamless operations as the organization grows

  • Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director and leadership team 

  • Manage a safe and productive workspace and ensure that staff have the necessary IT and other office resources to do their jobs effectively

Organizational Culture:

  • Foster a culture, in collaboration with the Executive Director, that is employee-oriented, supportive, striving for excellence, and reflective of the values that mark CRWA’s programs and advocacy

QUALIFICATIONS

At CRWA, we recognize that someone may excel in this role even if they don’t have every attribute listed below. We also recognize that the skills needed in this position may be gained from a variety of personal, educational, employment, and volunteer experiences. We take all of this into account when reviewing applications and if you think you’d be a great fit for this role, we encourage you to apply. 

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; MBA, Master’s degree in HR Management, and/or SHRM certification, or related degree a plus

  • Experience in a human resources role or carrying out human resources-related functions

  • A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, preferably in a non-profit organization.

  • Track record in setting priorities as well as keen analytic, organizational, and problem-solving skills which support and enable sound decision making

  • Experience running a department or small team

  • Experience with non-profit financial statements

  • Excellent communication and relationship building skills

  • Comfortable in a fast-paced environment, with an ability to prioritize and know when to jump in versus when to delegate

  • Authentic integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of CRWA, including affirmative work on diversity, equity, and inclusion

  • Dedicated to building an inclusive, productive, supportive, and fun work environment

CRWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, or other bases protected by law.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. CRWA is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

WHAT WE OFFER

This is an exempt, full-time position based in Boston. The starting salary for this position is $120,000 annually. CRWA-sponsored benefits include generous paid time off, employer contributions to health/dental/vision insurance premiums and retirement plan, fully paid family and medical leave, sabbatical policy, Employee Assistance Program, discounts on outdoor gear and apparel, and professional development opportunities. CRWA’s office operates on a hybrid remote/in-person schedule (3 days per week in the Boston office); fully remote candidates will not be considered for this role.      

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

CRWA is committed to the ongoing work of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our organization and in our external relationships. 

Internally, CRWA seeks to embed these principles in staff hiring, professional development, and retention practices as well as in Board recruitment, onboarding, and governance. CRWA strives to attract and retain staff and Board members from a wide range of backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives and to foster a culture of belonging in which all feel valued and respected.

Externally, we are engaged in outreach and relationship development to connect with a broader set of constituents in the watershed, including people and communities that have historically been marginalized. CRWA acknowledges the historic disinvestment and past harm in some watershed communities and is committed to advocating for equitable investments in climate resilience and river health. 

CRWA condemns racism, sexism, bigotry, and discrimination in any form.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to hiring@crwa.org and include “Director of People & Operations ” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and candidates are encouraged to apply early–the position will remain open until filled. Candidates will be interviewed and selected based on criteria such as prior experience and skills relevant to this position. Date posted: May 15, 2026

CRWA strives to attract and retain staff from a wide range of backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives and to foster a culture of belonging in which all feel valued and respected. If you need accommodation(s) to make the interview process more accessible, please let us know by emailing hiring@crwa.org.