Director of Special Projects- 11-145 - SC/ OC - The Center for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI)

Salvation Army Careers•Tustin, CA

20h

About The Position

The Director of Special Projects works closely with the Managing Director to research, plan, implement, and coordinate special projects for the Center for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI) in Orange County, consistent with The Salvation Army’s mission. The role helps review and source funding contracts between agencies, cities, and The Salvation Army, and develops strategies to scale CARI’s impact in the community by connecting social research and program design with government, private-sector, and foundation funding and partnerships. The Director leads assigned short-term projects, including work supporting and improving the performance of the Anaheim Emergency Shelter. The position identifies and secures diversified revenue, leads complex proposals, cultivates strategic alliances, monitors social-service and policy developments, and ensures partnerships align with The Salvation Army’s values and program integrity. It also supports policy and procedure development, represents CARI and The Salvation Army in community and policy settings as directed, and collaborates with stakeholders on contracts and needs assessments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Seven to ten years of experience in business development, corporate social responsibility, or high-level nonprofit management.
A proven history of moving projects from pilot to permanent implementation.
Experience working across government agencies, private corporations, and the nonprofit sector.
Experience in an R&D or innovation-lab environment designing, testing, and scaling new service-delivery models.
Experience securing diverse funding beyond traditional grants, such as social impact bonds, fee-for-service contracts, or public-private partnerships.
Understanding of and commitment to The Salvation Army’s Christian mission.
Ability to work with and relate well to coworkers, community partners and members, and guests or clients.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, frequently evolving environment.
Strong computer skills and ability to use necessary office equipment.
Strong organizational skills; self-motivation and attention to detail.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills and excellent presentation skills.
Ability to build complex pro forma financials for new programs and understand service costs, including indirect costs and overhead.
Proficiency in applying human-centered design principles to program and business opportunities.
Ability to translate program data into social-return-on-investment narratives for stakeholders.
Familiarity with government-contracting and HIPAA compliance nuances, if applicable, and private-sector service-level agreements.
Ability to work within a large organization while maintaining an entrepreneurial and agile approach.
Ethical judgment to identify mission creep and prioritize the dignity and privacy of the population served.
Ability to lead internal change management and help staff understand innovative business models.
Driving test and clean motor vehicle record check, if applicable.
Criminal background check and Protect the Mission certification are required if working in the vicinity of children.
Must meet applicable Health Department and The Salvation Army health and safety regulations and be in good physical and mental health to meet the demands of the position.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration with a focus on social impact, or Social Work with a concentration in administration or macro-practice.
Certifications in Social Impact Strategy, Project Management (PMP), or Human-Centered Design.

Responsibilities

Lead, manage, and execute assigned short-term special projects, including projects focused on supporting and enhancing the Anaheim Emergency Shelter.
Identify and secure non-traditional revenue streams, including grants, fee-for-service models, government contracts, and social enterprise opportunities.
Lead the development of complex, multi-stakeholder proposals and pitches that communicate CARI’s value proposition and social impact.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with community stakeholders, policy makers, and corporate partners to develop mutually beneficial collaborations.
Monitor the social-services landscape for emerging needs, legislative changes, and funding shifts relevant to the mission.
Ensure partnerships and revenue streams align with The Salvation Army’s core values and programmatic integrity.
Understand and comply with The Salvation Army policies and procedures and applicable local and federal agency requirements.
Consult with CARI and special-project sites to review, create, and update policies and procedures as operational needs require.
Represent CARI and The Salvation Army, at the Managing Director’s direction, in coalitions, policy discussions, city or community meetings, and advocacy settings.
Collaborate with stakeholders to gather information and draft and finalize contracts for social-service programs and initiatives in Orange County, including appropriate terms and conditions.
Conduct needs assessments when needed.
Perform other assignments and duties as assigned.