Associate Director

California State University•Los Angeles, CA

4d•$5,053 - $16,221•Onsite

About The Position

The Pat Brown Institute at California State University, Los Angeles, is a non-partisan organization focused on civic education and public policy research. 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 develops 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 role provides leadership for high-level operations, program administration, staff management, resource allocation, grant and contract administration, fiscal stewardship, and organizational growth. It partners with the Executive Director to translate institutional priorities into operational plans, performance expectations, and measurable results. The Associate Director oversees operational and programmatic budgets and reviews financial documents, commitments, and expenditures; provides guidance on grant and contract management; and oversees fiscal stewardship, compliance, personnel administration, organizational risk, and deployment of Institute resources. The role supervises assigned employees and student professionals, including setting performance expectations, assigning and evaluating work, coaching and supporting professional development, and addressing 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, and works with the Program Director and other team members to align programs and operations with strategic objectives and advance measurable civic and community impact. The position establishes cross-functional coordination structures, monitors organizational performance, and advises the Executive Director on operational priorities, emerging issues, resource needs, and opportunities for sustainable growth.

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.
Demonstrated 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, apply, and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, regulations, and contractual requirements; exercise sound judgment and initiative; independently plan, organize, and prioritize multiple assignments; and develop solutions to operational and administrative challenges.
Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate collaborative teams, maintain effective working 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/multiethnic environment.
Satisfactory completion of a background check, including a criminal records check, before an offer of employment.
Must reside in California upon date of hire and perform CSU-related work within California.

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 organizational, analytical, financial management, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to coordinate complex administrative and fiscal activities, support resource development initiatives, and communicate with diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to represent an organization professionally with senior university administrators, public officials, community partners, funding agencies, donors, and other external constituencies.
Ability to establish 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 translate 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 compliance with grant and contractual requirements.
Oversee operational and programmatic budgets; review financial documents, commitments, and expenditures.
Provide executive-level oversight of fiscal stewardship, personnel administration, organizational risk, and the effective deployment of Institute resources.
Supervise assigned employees and student professionals by setting performance expectations, assigning and evaluating work, coaching and supporting professional development, and addressing staffing or performance concerns.
Represent the Institute on campus and in the community, alongside and 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 structures for cross-functional coordination and monitor organizational performance.
Advise the Executive Director on operational priorities, emerging issues, resource needs, and opportunities for sustainable growth.