Pathways LA - Chief Operating Officer

PATHWAYS LA

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER 

ABOUT PATHWAYS LA

Pathways LA has been the leading resource and referral agency in Los Angeles since 1978. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a $62M budget, Pathways LA is committed to ensuring all children have access to quality, developmentally appropriate, and educationally enriching childcare. Data and innovation inform the organization’s promotion of strengths-based education and best practices in child development, helping working families and children thrive and grow into future change-makers. Additionally, we support small business operators through technical support and coaching. Our diverse staff includes directors, case specialists, child development coordinators, coaches, and teachers at our child development centers. Guided by our founding principles, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive childcare landscape in Los Angeles for all.

ABOUT THE POSITION

As a member of the executive team, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Pathways LA serves as second-in-command, supporting the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the daily operations and administration of the agency. Under the leadership of the CEO, the COO oversees the quality assurance of programs, information technology, facilities maintenance, and risk management.  From ensuring seamless policy implementation and fiscal management to fostering a positive work environment and driving strategic initiatives aligned with the organization's mission, the COO plays a critical role in guiding Pathways LA towards its organizational goals, including strategic planning. With a focus on efficiency, compliance, and growth management, the COO's contributions are instrumental in shaping the future trajectory of Pathways LA and its impact on childcare in Los Angeles.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations & Administration

• Serve as primary leader for internal operations, including organizational administration, facilities management and maintenance, information management including technology planning, program measurement and evaluation, and other duties as required by the CEO and/or Board of Directors, funding sources and regulatory entities.
• Develop policies, procedures, and systems to address emerging agency needs.
• Provide vigilant oversight of quality assurance and improvement endeavors.
• Regularly assess overall operations and provide reports to the CEO.

Technology & Infrastructure

• Supervise the maintenance of facilities across multiple sites.
• Assess, plan, and implement information technology systems to maximize organizational efficiency in all departments.
• Ensure technology systems align with the agency's infrastructure needs.
• Execute and renew leases, address legal issues, and maintain corporate compliance.

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a thought-partner for the CEO and peer leaders, fostering an organizational culture of accountability for self and others.
• Develop new approaches to serving customers both inside and outside the organization.
• Set a positive leadership example and mentor others within and outside of the organization through the demonstration of integrity, persistence, and problem-solving.
• In partnership with the CEO and the Board of Directors, lead the internal process to create, revise, and implement a strategic plan update and to ensure goals and objectives of the strategic plan are met in various departments of the organization.
• Report strategic plan progress and achievements to the Board of Directors and organizational leadership on a regular basis.
• Participate in and facilitate board committee meetings as assigned by the CEO.

Finance Operations

• Work with the executive team to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring contract goals are met, and all aspects of agency policies and procedures are accurately implemented.
• Collaborate with the finance team to develop, implement, and regularly report on departmental budgets.
• Review and analyze operational budgets and financial statements.
• Offer strategic direction on initiatives aimed at ensuring both short and long-term fiscal sustainability.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, non-profit management, public administration, or related discipline.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in progressive responsible roles within operations leadership or senior management positions at a nonprofit organization.
• Experience in operations or management at a large nonprofit organization with multiple funding sources.
• Familiarity with early childhood education programs working with government agencies preferred.
• A robust professional network with relevant community stakeholders and industry leaders is a plus.
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, especially with using visual presentations to communication complex information.
• Comfortable with public speaking and presenting information to groups of people.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and other database and tracking tools.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Pathways LA is offering a competitive salary of $175,000 - $190,000 annually. This is an on-site hybrid position in Los Angeles, California. Benefits include Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance; Life, Accident, and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Retirement Contribution, Vacation and Holidays, Sick Time, Adoption Assistance, Employee Assistance Program, Health Savings Account.

Pathways LA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including persons with disabilities and veterans.

Envision Consulting has been retained to conduct the search by Pathways LA for their incoming Chief Operating Officer. 

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.