Senior Director of Child & Family Program Operations

Akin (formerly Childhaven)•Seattle, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director of Child and Family Program Operations is a statewide operational leader responsible for strengthening execution, alignment, and performance across Akin’s portfolio of child and family programs. This role is designed to replace a historically fragmented, regionally-driven model with a coordinated, systems-based approach to program operations. The Senior Director will partner closely with the Vice President and fellow Directors to ensure consistent, high-quality operations across 12 sites, providing leadership and oversight to projects, sites, and teams as assigned. This role emphasizes operational excellence, cross-site alignment, infrastructure development, and data-informed decision-making rather than direct program ownership of all functions. The portfolio includes Early Learning, Family Resource Centers, the Center for Early Relational Health, P4P, and Housing Support Services.

Requirements

Excellent communication skills (verbal, listening, written and presentation
Ability to effectively lead a direct team as well as indirect stakeholders.
Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information in a professional and ethical manner
Strong business acumen and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to build rapport, develop trust and credibility with peers, direct team and across the organization.
Thorough understanding of management and financial practices in all areas and phases of business operations.
Proficiency with MS Office Suite
Proven leadership in advancing accessibility, inclusion, and belonging across complex organizations or systems, particularly in supervision, accountability, and strategic planning
Deep understanding of legal, regulatory, and cultural dimensions of accessibility, nondiscrimination, and inclusion, with a demonstrated capacity to center equity while navigating compliance frameworks (including Title VI and related mandates)
Working knowledge of the principles of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging, and a track record of incorporating these values into decision-making and team development.
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, human services, public health, or related field (Master’s preferred).
8–10+ years of experience in program operations, multi-site management, or organizational leadership.
Proven ability to manage complex systems and support operations across multiple locations or programs.
Strong analytical skills with experience using data to drive decisions and improvements.
Knowledge of compliance, regulatory environments, and audit preparation.
Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and influence without direct authority.
Strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive services.
A valid driver's license and a favorable driving record, with no more than three violations within the past three years

Nice To Haves

Experience with system implementation (e.g., CRM or similar platforms) preferred.
Bilingual in English/Spanish highly desired

Responsibilities

Support the Vice President in overseeing day-to-day operations across the child and family program portfolio.
Provide leadership and targeted oversight to assigned sites, teams, and initiatives.
Ensure consistent implementation of program models, standards, and expectations across all 12 sites.
Step in to stabilize, support, or scale operations in priority areas as directed.
Partner with fellow Directors to align operations, outreach, partnerships, and planning across programs.
Support coordination of initiatives that span multiple programs or regions.
Assist the Vice President in advancing strategic priorities and organizational goals.
Serve as a connector across teams to reduce silos and improve communication.
Work with the Vice President to review program data, trends, service utilization, and community needs.
Support development and refinement of impact reporting across the portfolio.
Identify operational gaps and recommend improvements based on data insights.
Promote a culture of data-informed decision-making across teams.
Support the selection, implementation, and optimization of a statewide CRM system.
Ensure systems are aligned with program needs, reporting requirements, and user workflows.
Drive adoption and consistency in system usage across sites and programs.
Identify opportunities to streamline operations through improved tools and infrastructure.
Partner with CQI and Compliance teams to ensure strong operational systems and structures are in place.
Support development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Ensure programs are audit-ready and prepared for external reviews.
Monitor adherence to regulatory, contractual, and organizational requirements.
Support coordination of facilities-related needs across sites, including space planning and operational readiness.
Collaborate with administrative teams to ensure sites are equipped to deliver services effectively.
Lead or support special projects as assigned by the Vice President.
Provide flexible leadership to address emerging needs, challenges, or opportunities.
Take on additional responsibilities or site oversight as needed to support the portfolio.