Founding Director Of Operations Jobs in Washington

Full-Time, In-Person / Manassas, Virginia

Salary Range: $100,000 - $120,000 annually

Experience

5+ years of progressive operational, administrative, or management experience preferred. This opportunity may also be well suited for an experienced professional who is interested in bringing their leadership skills to a smaller, collaborative law firm environment where they can have a meaningful impact.

About the Firm:

Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C. offers an exceptional opportunity for a Director of Operations to take on a management role at a well-established, 16-attorney, AV-rated Northern Virginia law firm with deep community roots, a highly respected regional reputation, and a strong commitment to practical, value-driven client service. For more than 35 years, VF&N has served businesses, local governments, families, and individuals by combining legal expertise, sound judgment, and strategic perspective, while staying grounded in core values of genuine concern for clients, high-quality work, and meaningful community involvement. The firm’s sophisticated, multi-practice capabilities include attorneys who advise clients across a broad range of legal needs, including business and corporate law, employment law, litigation, land use and zoning, municipal law, criminal, appellate, real estate, estate planning, and domestic relations. That breadth gives the Director of Operations the opportunity to support a dynamic professional-services environment where strong internal systems, efficient operations, and outstanding team support are essential to the firm’s continued success.

VF&N has also been recognized by Virginia Business Magazine as one of the Best Places to Work in Virginia—a reflection of the firm’s collaborative culture, investment in professional growth, and commitment to creating a workplace where people can do excellent work, thrive, and enjoy working together. Located in the heart of downtown Manassas, the firm offers a vibrant, walkable workplace setting with nearby restaurants, community events, and summer concerts.

VF&N is also proud to be a founder and active contributor to Nexus234, Northern Virginia’s first official Innovation District, a nearly 6,000-acre hub where research, entrepreneurship, workforce development, advanced technology, industry collaboration, and community leadership are coming together to shape the region’s economic future. Nexus234 is more than a development initiative; it is a bold vision for the future of Northern Virginia. VF&N has played a key role in helping bring together the people, institutions, and ideas needed to launch the region’s first Innovation District, positioning the firm to grow alongside the extraordinary opportunities expected to emerge from this regional initiative. This makes the Director of Operations role especially exciting: the right candidate will join the firm at an important moment and serve as a trusted leadership partner helping VF&N scale its internal systems, strengthen operational excellence, support a thriving workplace culture where people enjoy working together, and take full advantage of the extraordinary opportunities emerging in the Prince William area and in Northern Virginia.

Lead Operations for a Respected and Growing Law Firm

VF&N is seeking an experienced, strategic, and hands-on Director of Operations to lead the operational side of the firm and help guide its continued growth at a pivotal moment for both the firm and the region. Partnering closely with the Firm President, Board of Directors, and firm leadership, this role is essential to ensuring efficient day-to-day operations, driving strategic organizational planning, strengthening internal systems, and ensuring that the firm’s people, technology, and infrastructure scale alongside its success. As VF&N continues to grow, the Director of Operations will be expected to think strategically, tackle challenges head-on, and ensure that the firm’s internal systems, team support, technology, and operational infrastructure scale alongside its success. The Director of Operations will also help position VF&N to grow alongside the transformative momentum of Nexus234 and Northern Virginia’s expanding innovation economy.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Direct and oversee the firm's day-to-day operations
• Partner with leadership to develop and implement strategic initiatives
• Evaluate and improve workflows, systems, and administrative processes
• Develop and maintain firm policies, procedures, and operational standards
• Manage cross-functional projects and firmwide initiatives

Human Resources & Team Management

• Lead recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, and employee development
• Manage performance reviews, employee relations, compensation administration, and benefits coordination
• Supervise administrative and support staff while promoting accountability and professional growth
• Maintain confidential personnel records and HR compliance

Financial & Business Administration

• Support budgeting, forecasting, profitability analysis, and financial planning
• Oversee billing, collections, accounts receivable, and accounts payable functions
• Coordinate payroll and financial administration activities
• Develop and monitor operational and financial performance metrics
• Collaborate with accountants, financial advisors, banks, and insurance providers

Technology & Process Improvement

• Oversee operational technology systems and vendor relationships
• Lead technology implementation, training, and change-management efforts
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through automation, workflow improvements, and AI solutions
• Support cybersecurity, business continuity, and data management initiatives

Facilities & Vendor Management

• Manage office facilities, equipment, maintenance, and workplace safety
• Negotiate and oversee vendor contracts and service agreements
• Support risk management, compliance, and operational continuity efforts

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, human resources, finance, accounting, legal studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Five or more years of progressive leadership experience in a law firm handling administration, legal operations, business operations, professional services management, finance, and human resources
• Proven experience managing personnel, operational systems, and process-improvement initiatives
• Must possess excellent communication skills and be able to communicate effectively at all levels of the firm’s structure
• Strong working knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, payroll coordination, human resources, technology systems, and office management
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and business management software

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with legal billing, trust accounting, matter management, document management, and client intake systems
• Experience leading technology implementations and organizational change initiatives
• Professional certifications such as CLM, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or PMP; ALA membership

Key Skills

• Strategic leadership and sound judgment
• Financial and operational acumen
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language
• Project management and organizational excellence
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
• Change management and process improvement expertise
• Commitment to professionalism, accountability, and client service

Compensation and Benefits
VF&N offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support the well-being, professional growth, and long-term success of our team members. Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, 401K retirement plan participation with employer contributions, paid time off, paid holidays, long-term and short-term disability, life insurance, professional development opportunities, and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, collegial environment where people enjoy working together and contributing to the firm’s continued growth.

For more information about our firm, please visit our website at vfnlaw.com .

Apply Today

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced operations professional who wants to make a meaningful impact within a respected, growing law firm. Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter on the firm’s website at vfnlaw.com highlighting their relevant experience, leadership strengths, and interest in helping VF&N continue to grow and thrive.

Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, PC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, a