Director of Contracts and Compliance

First Place for Youth•Los Angeles, CA

5d•$112,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

First Place For Youth is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed. Working at First Place For Youth offers a meaningful impact by helping to transform the lives of foster youth, an innovative approach where your voice matters, a collaborative and supportive environment, comprehensive benefits, and a culture of diversity and inclusion.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required in human services, social work, social sciences, public administration, public policy, or relevant area.
8+ years of progressive leadership experience in grant and contracts procurement and compliance within public sector with 5+ years of direct supervisory experience managing multi-level teams.
Minimum of 8 years of experience in nonprofit or government agency including strong familiarity with best practices in engagement and stewardship of government funders.
Understanding and experience with government competitive bid processes.
Minimum of 5 years managing public contracts within the fields of child welfare, homelessness, affordable housing, social services, and/or juvenile justice.
Must be a strong grant writer with experience writing government grants.
Prior program budget management experience is required for this role.
Understanding or experience in direct services to relevant vulnerable populations such as transition age youth, homeless, families required.
A track record of success managing staff and collaborating with peers.
Ability to think strategically, then communicate and implement innovative ideas successfully.
Ability to interpret social science data.
Ability to interpret complex regulations and explain.
Highly organized with superior attention to detail and project management skills.
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Ability to take initiative, be proactive, and independent.
Excellent communication skills, including written, interpersonal, and presentation skills for potential funders.
Commitment to the mission of First Place for Youth.
Computer/Software skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Understanding of the child welfare and homeless systems preferred.
Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.

Responsibilities

Oversee the procurement process for public funds from inception to submission including researching, writing, and packaging proposals with support from the Contracts Team.
Stay informed on latest trends within relevant funding industries such as child welfare, homelessness, affordable housing, CalAIM, juvenile justice, and workforce development.
Write and oversee the assembly and final submission of proposals.
Plan, develop and direct staff in the preparation of budget line item narratives, recommendations and justifications based on various agency analyses for annual, supplemental and multi-year requests.
Work effectively with agency leaders to develop and manage calendars and tracking mechanisms to ensure that all contract development, implementation and reporting is accurate and timely.
Develop effective collaboration between fiscal and program to develop contract components in timely manner.
Ensure congruency between program and fiscal components of contracts; providing final check for accuracy before contracts leave the agency.
Track contract signatures, publish contract status grid/calendar and communicate proactively with stakeholders, file and maintain official contract library.
Provide administrative documents in support of contracts (e.g. corporate compliance plan, cultural competence plan, insurance documents, etc.) as needed.
Provide each manager with a list of important dates for contract compliance (e.g. various reports required and dates due) at start of each contract year.
Build and/or maintain relationship with funders; particularly in Los Angeles and attend relevant meetings and convenings in person.
Provide final oversight of compliance activities performed by the Contracts Team, particularly in the area of agency single audit for client eligibility checks and new monitoring of Los Angeles contracts.
Maintain or create efficient processes for improvements.
Ensure and lead team on various new compliance processes across various jurisdictions.
Provide leadership support for all on site monitoring and reviews by funders.
Provide overall leadership to the Contracts team, with one direct report. Motivate, inspire, manage and develop staff so they continue to be informed and passionate about our mission, and committed to First Place’s core competencies.
Utilize a strengths-based approach to management, provide ongoing guidance and coaching to members of the team.
Other Duties and Projects as assigned

Benefits

15 days of vacation time in the first year
12 days of sick time
2 floating holidays
15 paid holidays
Employee’s choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place on certain plans
Principal dental and vision coverage with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place
Healthcare and Dependent care FSA plans
Principal basic life and voluntary life insurance coverage
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) retirement savings plan
Paid sabbatical