Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres (CFDB) and Point of Difference Strategies (PoDS) are seeking an Operations Manager to support the day-to-day operational needs of both organizations and their affiliated entities. This role is primarily focused on PoDS operations while also providing broader operational and project support across the Firms.

The Operations Manager will report to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of CFDB and PoDS. This role will ensure continuity of administrative systems, maintain regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, manage vendor and utility accounts, and coordinate cross functional initiatives that support the Firms’ strategic objectives.

The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter with an interest in governmental relations who takes ownership of priorities, can effectively manage competing demands, work independently, and collaborate with stakeholders to meet critical deadlines in a fast-paced environment. No task is too big or too small, and follow-through is essential.

Location: Chicago, IL

Employment Type: Full-Time

Key Responsibilities

Facility and Utility Administration

Manage all aspects of facility-related operations for the Firms’ offices in Springfield, including:

• Overseeing utility accounts and related vendor relationships
• Coordinating communications regarding service outages or disruptions
• Managing lease and rental agreement administration and renewals
• Monitoring vendor contract renewal timelines
• Serving as the primary point of contact for facility-related matters
• Coordinating with internal stakeholders to ensure timely issue resolution and communication

Government and Lobbying Registration Compliance

Manage PoDS’s lobbying registration and reporting obligations at the state, municipal, and federal levels, including:

• Maintaining and updating entity registrations related to new client engagements and client terminations, often on expedited timelines
• Preparing and filing bi-monthly, quarterly, and annual activity and financial disclosure reports for registered lobbyists, attorneys, and Firm leadership
• Coordinating with internal stakeholders to collect required reporting information within mandated deadlines
• Monitoring changes in registration and reporting requirements to ensure ongoing compliance across applicable jurisdictions
• Managing urgent, time-sensitive filings and proactively following up to obtain required information

Entity Registrations and Certifications

Oversee the registration, renewal, and maintenance of business entity certifications for PoDS and affiliated entities, including:

• Managing applications and renewals for diversity certifications and government program registrations
• Gathering and organizing required documentation, including financial records and organizational materials
• Coordinating with leadership to obtain required approvals and signatures
• Ensuring all submissions are accurate, complete, and timely
• Assisting in compiling financial and operational information to support certification and registration processes

Client-Facing Operational Support

Provide operational support related to client compliance and reporting obligations, including:

• Managing registrations, filings, and reporting requirements on behalf of clients when required by contract or regulation
• Serving as a liaison between the Firm and clients to gather necessary information and documentation
• Coordinating submission timelines and monitoring compliance deadlines
• Troubleshooting issues that arise during reporting and filing processes
• Supporting reapplication processes for government contracts and related public-sector engagements
• Anticipating future reporting and compliance requirements tied to client matters

Ad Hoc Research and Project Support

Support special projects and operational initiatives as directed by the COO or Firm leadership, including:

• Operational process improvement initiatives
• Vendor evaluations and coordination
• Policy and regulatory research
• Cross-functional operational projects that support Firm growth and efficiency objectives

General Organizational Operations Support

Work with the COO to provide broader operational support across both Firms, including:

• Assisting with Firm-wide process standardization initiatives
• Supporting cross-Firm and cross-departmental projects
• Contributing to organizational planning efforts
• Serving as a resource for operational problem-solving across business units
• Supporting emerging operational needs as the organizations continue to evolve and grow

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in operations, administration, compliance, or project management, preferably within a law firm, government affairs, lobbying, or professional services environment
• Experience managing regulatory filings, government registrations, or compliance reporting
• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Proficiency with business technology platforms and the ability to quickly learn new systems
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and exercise sound judgment
• Proven ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with cross-functional teams and senior leadership

Benefits

The Firms contribute to voluntary medical, dental, and vision plans. Offers FSA, HSA, and commuter benefits. Firm-paid STD & LTD. Retirement savings plan. Flexible paid time off days.

CFDB and PoDS are WBE Certified and a member of the National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF).

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of CFDB and PoDS not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws. This applies to all employment decisions.

About Us

Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres is a growing law firm headquartered in Chicago, with a team of over 100 attorneys and staff. Formed by partners who worked at preeminent international law firms, with a deep bench of sophisticated and experienced corporate lawyers and litigators, our team provides exceptional legal service while affording our clients the benefits of working with an agile and entrepreneurial-minded team of results-oriented, well-rounded professionals. We are driven by our core values: humility, respect, collaboration, partnership, and innovation.

We represent a diverse group of interesting clients, which include private equity firms, founders, startups, venture capital investors, family offices and public companies (among others), in sophisticated and complex legal matters and transactions.

Point of Difference Strategies is one of the largest lobbying and government affairs firms in Illinois. With offices in Chicago and Springfield, PoDS offers top-tier government affairs and lobbying services at the federal, state, and local levels. PoDS proudly serves a diverse client base, including local governments, trade organizations, Fortune 100 companies, and nonprofits.

Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres and Point of Difference Strategies partner in providing the best, most comprehensive legal and government affairs services to their clients.