Associate Director

PageUp•Los Angeles, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pat Brown Institute at California State University, Los Angeles, is a nonpartisan organization focused on civic education, public policy research, and community participation. Its programs include Civic U, candidate debates, the Next Generation Engagement program, the James Galbraith Fellowship, and Civic Quiz. Its public policy and research work includes surveys and projects concerning racial and ethnic communities, equity, and public policy in Los Angeles. Under the direction of and in collaboration with the Executive Director, the Associate Director is a key member of the Institute’s leadership team and supports implementation of its strategic vision. The position leads high-level operations, program administration, staff management, resource allocation, grant and contract administration, fiscal stewardship, and organizational growth. The Associate Director partners with the Executive Director to translate institutional priorities into coordinated operational plans, performance expectations, and measurable results. The role provides guidance on grant and contract management and serves as an authorized resource manager, overseeing operational and programmatic budgets and reviewing financial documents, commitments, and expenditures. It also provides executive-level oversight of fiscal stewardship, grant and contract compliance, personnel administration, organizational risk, and effective use of resources. The Associate Director supervises assigned employees and student professionals, sets performance expectations, assigns and evaluates work, provides coaching and professional development, and addresses staffing or performance concerns. The Associate Director represents the Institute on campus and in the community, alongside or in the absence of the Executive Director. Working closely with the Program Director and other team members, the role aligns programs and operations with strategic objectives and advances measurable civic and community impact. It establishes cross-functional coordination, monitors organizational performance, and advises the Executive Director on operational priorities, emerging issues, resource needs, and opportunities for sustainable growth. This promotional recruitment is open only to current on-campus staff. Employees must reside in California upon hire and may not perform CSU-related work outside California. The position is an Administrator II appointment under the CSU Management Personnel Plan and is designated under the CSU Conflict of Interest Code; the successful candidate must file Conflict of Interest forms. A satisfactory background check is required. The position is also classified as a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in management, public administration, political science, public policy, or a related field.
At least two years of progressively responsible experience in program administration, grant management, contract management, nonprofit administration, public policy, higher education, government, or a related field.
Experience leading and coordinating programs, projects, and collaborative teams; establishing operational priorities; monitoring progress; and achieving goals and objectives.
Experience managing budgets, sponsored funds, grants, contracts, and other financial and administrative resources.
Working knowledge of public policy, program administration, fiscal management, and applicable policies, procedures, grant requirements, contractual obligations, and administrative guidelines.
Strong organizational, analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to coordinate complex operations, manage competing priorities, monitor program activities, and complete assignments accurately and on time.
Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including experience delivering public presentations, engaging diverse stakeholders, and collaborating with public and private sector organizations and community partners.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and contractual requirements; ensure compliance; exercise sound judgment and initiative; independently plan, organize, and prioritize multiple assignments; and develop solutions to operational and administrative challenges.
Ability to lead and coordinate collaborative teams, maintain effective relationships with internal and external constituents, and foster partnerships that support program objectives and organizational priorities.
Demonstrated commitment to public policy, community engagement, and working effectively with diverse populations and stakeholders.
Demonstrated interest or ability in working in a multicultural and multiethnic environment.
Satisfactory completion of a background check, including a criminal records check, before an offer of employment.
Must reside in California upon hire and perform CSU-related work within California.
Must file Conflict of Interest forms as required for a designated position under the CSU Conflict of Interest Code.
Must comply with mandated reporter requirements under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in management, public administration, political science, public policy, or a related field.
Professional experience in higher education, a public policy institute, government agency, nonprofit organization, or a related environment.
Working knowledge of complex grants, contracts, sponsored programs administration, and multi-source budget management, including applicable fiscal policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
Familiarity with fundraising practices, grant development, donor reporting, and funder stewardship.
Strong financial management and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to coordinate complex administrative and fiscal activities, support resource development initiatives, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to represent an organization professionally with senior university administrators, public officials, community partners, funding agencies, donors, and other external constituencies.
Ability to build collaborative relationships, exercise sound judgment and discretion, communicate complex information clearly, and support strategic partnerships that advance organizational priorities, program objectives, and institutional goals.

Responsibilities

Support the Executive Director in implementing the Institute’s strategic vision and translating institutional priorities into coordinated operational plans, performance expectations, and measurable results.
Lead high-level operations, program administration, staff management, resource allocation, grant and contract administration, fiscal stewardship, and organizational growth.
Provide grant and contract management guidance and oversee the Institute’s operational and programmatic budgets.
Review financial documents, commitments, and expenditures, and oversee fiscal stewardship, grant and contract compliance, personnel administration, organizational risk, and resource deployment.
Supervise assigned employees and student professionals; establish performance expectations, assign and evaluate work, provide coaching and professional development, and address staffing or performance concerns.
Represent the Institute on campus and in the community, alongside or in the absence of the Executive Director.
Work with the Program Director and other team members to align programs and operations with strategic objectives and advance measurable civic and community impact.
Establish cross-functional coordination structures and monitor organizational performance.
Advise the Executive Director on operational priorities, emerging issues, resource needs, and opportunities for sustainable growth.