SENIOR OFFICER, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH STRATEGY & OPERATIONS

San Diego Foundation•San Diego, CA

6h•$140,000 - $155,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Policy and Innovation Center (PIC) is seeking an experienced Senior Officer to provide strategic and operational leadership to the Senior Director and the Behavioral Health team. This role is central to the efficient operation of the department, encompassing fiscal oversight, program development and monitoring, coalition building, and cross-sector stakeholder engagement. The Senior Officer will manage day-to-day operations, partner closely with the finance team, support grant and contract compliance, contribute to data collection and reporting, and lead key initiatives including the Strategic Behavioral Health Initiative (SBHI). This is a highly visible, senior-level role requiring strong judgment, executive presence, and the ability to navigate complex multi-partner environments. This is a hybrid position with weekly onsite requirements at PIC's San Diego headquarters in Liberty Station.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required in business administration, public health, social work, public policy, or a related field; Master's degree strongly preferred.
Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in program management, operations, or policy roles, with at least 3 years in a senior or lead capacity.
Demonstrated experience managing grants, subcontracts, or complex multi-partner initiatives — including fiscal oversight, compliance, and reporting.
Experience in behavioral health, workforce development, or related public sector/nonprofit settings strongly preferred.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with data management, reporting tools, or project management platforms preferred.
Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills — written and verbal.
High attention to detail with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines across a complex portfolio.
Demonstrated experience with budget management, financial reporting, and audit preparation.
Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders including government agencies, community organizations, and funders.
Strategic thinker with the ability to translate organizational goals into actionable plans.
Strong facilitation and meeting leadership skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of systems change, coalition-building, or policy advocacy frameworks is a plus.

Responsibilities

Oversee the ELEVATE County invoice and reporting process, working with Project Coordinators to develop detailed monthly progress reports to the County and documentation to support audit requirements.
Partner with the Accounting Team to guide programmatic accounts payable and receivable.
Develop, manage, and ensure compliance with all ELEVATE subcontracts; work with legal counsel as needed.
Develop and enforce program-related operational standard operating procedures.
Partner with the Accounting Team to develop and provide ongoing input on the departmental budget.
Participate in internal and external program audits, ensuring compliance with policies and identifying opportunities for improvement.
Work with the Senior Director and Program Manager to ensure ELEVATE subcontractor deliverables are met, including program impact and outcomes.
Oversee preparation of annual reports detailing program achievements, challenges, and financials.
Work with the Senior Director to secure funding for department programs and projects.
Provide input to the Senior Director and Project Manager on all evaluation activities.
Foster strong relationships with program partners, subcontractors, and key stakeholders.
Lead the Strategic Behavioral Health Initiative (SBHI), including facilitating the Advisory Board, Constituency Council, and Work Groups; ensure ongoing partner development and retention.
Work closely with subject matter experts to manage and continuously update the SBHI Policy Framework.
Facilitate and inform coordinated systems change advocacy in support of the SBHI Framework.
Assist in preparing meeting agendas, providing strategic recommendations, and tracking follow-up action items to ensure timely execution of decisions.
Support development, maintenance, and enhancement of the program's website, ensuring content is current, informative, and engaging.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Senior Director, adapting to the program's emerging needs.
Maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive program information in compliance with privacy regulations and organizational policies.
Adhere to all program policies, procedures, and ethical standards; foster a culture of accountability and excellence within the team.

Benefits

Supportive, inclusive organizational culture committed to mission-driven work.
Hybrid work environment with support for home office setup.
100% employer-paid premiums for medical, vision, dental, life, AD&D, and long-term disability; 75% employer-paid premiums for all dependents.
403(b) retirement plan with up to 4% employer match plus annual discretionary contribution.
Earned Incentive Program.
3 weeks paid time off annually, plus 1 additional paid week off in July for all staff.
4-week paid sabbatical for every 5 years of service.
13 paid holidays + 2 paid volunteer days per year.
Extended Health Care Time accruing at 2.77 hours per pay period (up to 480-hour cap) — usable for sick leave, family care, and parental leave/baby bonding.
$100/month cell phone and internet reimbursement.
$75/quarter gym reimbursement.
Annual service award: $100 donation to a nonprofit of your choice.