Connections for Children - Director of Operations

 

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

ABOUT CONNECTIONS FOR CHILDREN

Connections for Children (CFC) has long been a key community resource, empowering families and childcare providers to ensure every child has access to quality early care and education. Through comprehensive resources, referrals, and training programs, CFC strengthens the link between families, providers, and the broader community, promoting the well-being and development of all children. Committed to equity and excellence, Connections for Children remains a steadfast advocate for the nurturing and educational needs of children, continually evolving to meet the changing demands of the community.

Connections for Children is focused on expanding programs to serve more people throughout the Westside and South Bay communities of Los Angeles County while investing in staff and organizational capacity to ensure mission success. By establishing a more diverse revenue base, CFC is sustaining and growing its impact, prioritizing equity and inclusivity in all efforts. This prioritization affirms CFC’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, particularly in serving underserved populations, and positions the organization to embrace innovation and cultivate strong partnerships for the betterment of countless children and families.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Operations (DOO) for Connections for Children will play a critical role in overseeing and optimizing the organization’s operational functions. This includes Information Technology (IT), facilities, Human Resources (HR), and financial management. As part of the executive team, the DOO will be responsible for implementing strategic initiatives that support the organization’s growth and ensure operational efficiency. The role demands a thought partner who can collaborate closely with the Executive Director and Director of Programs, bringing innovative solutions to operational challenges.

The DOO will also need to navigate the complexities of a growing organization, balancing the demands of day-to-day operations with long-term strategic planning and system efficiencies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operations, a solid understanding of HR, as well as experience in financial management, IT, and organizational change management.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Development

• Acts as a strategic partner to the Executive Director and executive team, assisting in the evaluation, prioritization, and implementation of initiatives to enhance agency culture and impact.
• Serves as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to strategic decision-making and organizational growth.
• Provides leadership and mentorship to operational staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Builds and maintains relationships with external partners to advance the organization’s mission.
• Leads organizational change initiatives to support growth and adaptation to evolving community needs.
• Represents the organization in high-level external meetings, conferences, and community events, strategically positioning Connections for Children as a leader in the field.
• Presents data, insights, and recommendations on operational initiatives at Board of Directors meetings.

Operations Management

• Ensures effective facilities and asset management, and compliance with all organizational contracts.
• Continuously updates and manages risk management processes to protect organizational interests.
• Leads the development and execution of operational strategies that align with the organization’s long-term goals and mission.
• Oversees and refines operational policies and processes to drive organizational effectiveness and service delivery.
• Leads quality improvement initiatives to enhance service outcomes and organizational impact.
• Leads the strategic planning and implementation of office expansion and agency growth initiatives.

Financial Operations

• Provides oversight and strategic direction to the finance department and takes a multi-year approach to managing fiscal performance and the fiscal aspects of agency goals.
• Works with a fiscal consultant who advises the accounting team in meeting goals, ensuring contract compliance, and implementing best practices.
• Ensures monthly financial reporting and oversees the annual budgeting process that reflects agency strategic plan goals.
• Reviews the financials, annual audit, and tax return for accuracy and makes recommendations for the presentation where applicable.
• Identifies and implements cost-saving measures and operational efficiencies that drive financial health and resilience.
• Strategically manages grants and contracts to maximize funding opportunities and programmatic impact.

Human Resources

• Drives initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, retention, and professional development, ensuring the organization attracts and retains top talent.
• Leads initiatives to enhance employee engagement and workplace culture.
• Leads the annual review and strategic enhancement of HR policies, compliance, and labor laws, including the employee handbook and performance management systems, ensuring alignment with organizational values and goals.
• Monitors and partners with outside HR consultants who are providing supportive services to the organization.
• Partners with HR to develop and implement talent management strategies that align with the organization’s DEIB framework and foster a high-performance culture.

Information Technology

• Oversees IT operations, including management of hardware, software, and technology resources.
• Monitors and partners with IT consultants who provide fractional Chief Technology Officer (CTO) support, manage agency technology, and provide staff training.
• Supports the development and enforcement of IT policies, ensuring alignment with industry standards and organizational needs.
• Leads the strategic direction of IT operations, ensuring technology initiatives align with organizational goals and industry best practices.
• Manages relationships with external IT vendors and service providers, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective service.

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field, preferred.
• Minimum of six (6) years experience in progressively responsible roles within operations leadership or senior management positions at a nonprofit organization.
• Proven experience fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Strategic financial management experience, including overseeing budgets of $5 million or more.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate the needs of the organization and staff.
• Ability to lead operations and collaborate with staff, working with diverse groups and a wide range of faiths, beliefs, ages, cultures, and experiences.
• Demonstrated experience in risk management, with an emphasis on addressing strategic, financial, and community implications.
• Experience managing teams and collaborating with cross-functional departments.
• A visionary leader with a track record of driving innovation and operational excellence in a complex, dynamic environment.
• Expertise in developing and implementing strategic HR initiatives that align with organizational goals.
• Commitment to the organization’s mission and sensitivity to the needs of underrepresented populations.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is an in-person position located in Los Angeles, CA. The salary range for the position is $160,000 - $175,000. Salary is based on a minimum 35-hour workweek. Eligible for a performance-based incentive. Competitive benefits package consisting of health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k employer contribution, paid sick leave, paid time off (PTO), holidays, and a hybrid telework work option (after a 90-day introductory period).

Connections for Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender orientation, or different abilities.

Envision Consulting was retained by Connections for Children to conduct the search for their incoming Director of Operations.

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