Director, Internal Operations

ABOUT DERRIS

Derris is part of Orchestra, a strategic communications and marketing company built for today’s complex and fragmented world. From decoding audiences to designing bold strategies, Orchestra integrates people, platforms, and stories that stick to help clients build lasting influence. The company offers programs that span from the highest level strategic business counsel through to tactical execution. Orchestra brings together 700+ people with experience across consumer and lifestyle, technology, nonprofit and philanthropy, real estate, sports, travel, hospitality, and more. Made up of leading firms BerlinRosen, Civitas Public Affairs Group, Derris, Glen Echo Group, Inkhouse, M18, Message Lab, Onward and Small Girls PR. It also launched Brightmode, a talent acquisition firm for communications professionals, and Versus Media Group, a strategy-first political media team. Learn more at www.orchestraco.com.

People of all backgrounds and abilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Orchestra is committed to building and maintaining a diverse staff, and recognizes that its continued success depends on hiring and retaining high-quality creative professionals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Opportunities for advancement exist, and we are committed to helping all staff develop and grow.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Derris is seeking an Director, Internal Operations, Consumer to partner closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to strengthen the operational infrastructure that enables the business to run efficiently. This role is focused on creating systems, driving accountability, coordinating cross-functional initiatives, and reducing administrative burden for senior leaders so they can spend more time focused on clients and business growth.

The ideal candidate understands how agencies operate and enjoys improving the systems that help great teams do their best work. They are equally comfortable thinking strategically and rolling up their sleeves to solve day-to-day operational challenges, bringing structure, accountability, and thoughtful problem-solving to a fast-moving environment. They are highly organized, proactive, and naturally connect people, processes, and priorities to keep the business moving forward.

Role Location: This role is based in our New York, NY office on a hybrid basis. Derris staff are in-office 3 days per week, Tuesday through Thursday.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

As a Director, Internal Operations, Consumer on the Derris team you will …

• Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and senior leaders, translating business priorities into actionable plans and ensuring successful execution across the organization
• Lead cross-functional planning and agency-wide initiatives, ensuring priorities stay organized, decisions turn into action, and work keeps moving forward
• Design and improve systems, processes, and tools that strengthen staffing visibility, account health, and overall business performance
• Partner with leadership on staffing and resource planning, balancing business needs with team strengths, employee development, and opportunities for people to do their best work
• Partner with cross-functional Orchestra teams to introduce new tools, systems, and initiatives in ways that are practical, efficient, and easy for account teams to adopt.
• Create clear workflows and follow-up processes that improve accountability, reduce administrative burden, and help teams stay focused on client work.
• Quarterback the agency's business development efforts by coordinating new business operations, resource planning and proposal readiness
  
  

Essential skills:

• 5-7+ years of experience in communications, account management, project management, operations, or another highly cross-functional role. Agency experience is strongly preferred
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive complex initiatives from concept through execution
• Experience designing and improving operational processes, systems and workflows that increase efficiency, accountability and business performance
• Strong business acumen with the ability to interpret staffing, utilization, and operational data to support resource planning and decision-making
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate, and build alignment across cross-functional teams
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with the adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving agency environment

Compensation: The salary range for this role is $130,000 - $140,000, commensurate with experience.