Chief Operating Officer

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

ABOUT CRYSTAL STAIRS, INC.
Crystal Stairs, Inc. is the largest child development service provider and advocate for families and child care providers in South Los Angeles, dedicated to providing high-quality, culturally centered early care and education programs. Founded in 1980 by Dr. Karen Hill-Scott and Dr. Alice Walker Duff to advance economic mobility, Crystal Stairs, Inc. promotes empowerment, self-sufficiency, and community support through child care assistance and referrals, 16 Head Start preschools, child care provider support and professional development, the African American Provider Network, and policy advocacy. With an operating budget of $400M and 600 staff members, Crystal Stairs, Inc. supports children and families on their journey to self-sufficiency.

ABOUT THE POSITION
Crystal Stairs, Inc. is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee and enhance the internal operations of the organization. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with a dedicated, hands-on C-suite, the COO will be responsible for optimizing the organization’s infrastructure to support its growth and impact. This role will focus on technology implementation, procurement, real estate management and acquisition, strategic operations, and scaling efficiencies to ensure that Crystal Stairs, Inc. remains a leader in child development services. The ideal candidate will be business-minded, mission-driven, and bring a wealth of nonprofit and/or corporate sector experience, with a strong understanding of managing government contracts and compliance requirements.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations & Infrastructure

• Oversee and enhance the organization’s operational infrastructure to support efficiency, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.
• Develop and implement scalable operational strategies to improve workflow, organizational systems, and service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with government contracts and regulatory requirements, working closely with legal and compliance teams.
• Lead risk management initiatives to ensure safety, compliance, and operational excellence across all facilities.
• Support strategic initiatives, working closely with the CEO and the Executive Management Team to align organizational growth and sustainability goals.

Real Estate & Facilities Management

• Develop and execute a real estate strategy that aligns with the organization’s long-term vision, ensuring sustainable and cost-effective facilities growth.
• Oversee real estate management, including the leasing, acquisition, development, construction, and maintenance of properties that support the organization’s programs and expansion.
• Negotiate and manage vendor contracts related to property management, leasing, and construction.
• Ensure that facilities align with programmatic goals and are maintained at the highest standards.

Technology & Systems Optimization

• Lead the adoption and implementation of technology solutions that improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Work with IT teams to ensure systems integration, cybersecurity, and data management best practices.
• Identify and implement digital tools that streamline service delivery, financial operations, and internal communications.
• Oversee technology infrastructure to support efficient remote and in-person collaboration.

Strategic Planning & Organizational Growth

• Serve as a thought partner to the CEO and Executive Management Team, contributing to the development and execution of long-term strategic initiatives.
• Assess and enhance organizational capacity to meet the demands of growth, scaling best practices across multiple sites and departments.
• Provide leadership on operational sustainability, financial efficiency, and programmatic alignment with the organization’s mission and goals.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence at Crystal Stairs, Inc.
• Ensure alignment between leadership, management, and staff to execute strategic initiatives effectively.
• Provide mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities for staff, ensuring a high-performing and mission-driven team.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration between departments, promoting operational efficiencies and shared accountability.
• Represent the organization, as needed, in external partnerships and industry discussions to drive innovation and policy influence.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in senior operations leadership roles within large nonprofit organizations, corporate entities, or a combination of both.
• Expertise in real estate management, including property acquisition, leasing, development, and facilities oversight.
• Strong track record of implementing technology solutions and scaling operations in large, complex organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in risk management, compliance, and contract management, with a preference for those experienced in government funding.
• A demonstrated, lived commitment to DEIB in management practices, professional development, and workplace culture.
• Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to translate vision into operational success.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams and working collaboratively in a high-performing C-suite environment.
• Business-minded with a mission-driven approach, committed to social impact and the advancement of the organization’s work.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, real estate development, or a related field preferred; MBA or advanced degree a plus.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Crystal Stairs, Inc. is offering a competitive salary range of $210,000 - $235,000 depending on experience. Crystal Stairs, Inc. offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid holiday, sick time, vacation, and a paid winter break between Christmas and New Years. Crystal Stairs, Inc. also provides medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, EAP, a flexible spending account (FSA), employee discounts, and retirement with an employer match including a 401k and a 457b plan. 

If you believe you are right for this role but don’t meet every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. We value diverse skills and experiences, and you might be the perfect fit in ways we haven’t yet considered.

Crystal Stairs, Inc. is committed to building and sustaining a fully vaccinated, diverse workforce and culture. As part of this commitment, Crystal Stairs, Inc. provides equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, medical condition as defined by state law, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other legally protected status.

Envision Consulting was retained by Crystal Stairs, Inc. to conduct the search for their incoming Chief Operating Officer.

 

The application questions below will help us understand more about your experience and readiness for this position. Please be thoughtful and concise in your responses, as they will also serve as a writing sample.