Sr. Director of Initiatives & Operations

New Century Software•San Jose, CA

13d•$170,000 - $190,000

About The Position

Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County (CCSCC) is dedicated to serving and advocating for individuals and families in need, particularly those living in poverty. Rooted in gospel values, CCSCC aims to create a just and compassionate community for people of all cultures and beliefs, disrupting the cycle of poverty through holistic support. The agency offers various services, including food assistance, supportive housing, access to benefits, senior services, and behavioral health care, impacting over 100,000 individuals annually through more than 40 programs across 84 sites with a budget exceeding $50 million. CCSCC also addresses the root causes of poverty through advocacy and collaboration, participating in national and state initiatives. Operating as a public-benefit nonprofit under the Diocese of San Jose, CCSCC is part of the largest private social services network in the U.S. through Catholic Charities USA. The Senior Director of Initiatives and Operations reports to and works with the Chief Operations Officer (COO) to lead the development and execution of initiatives that enhance programmatic effectiveness and drive organizational impact. This role will be pivotal in fostering collaboration across teams, optimizing program delivery, and ensuring alignment with the agency's mission to serve families and clients holistically, while leading our Footsteps model to disrupt poverty. This role drives alignment among the agency's strategic plan, systems, and people to optimize performance and productivity. It involves leading agency-wide initiatives and programs, fostering a positive workplace culture, and implementing efficient processes.

Requirements

Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Public Administration, Social Work, Sociology, Business Administration, Management, Education, Organizational Leadership).
A minimum of 5 years of experience in leadership roles in organizational management, development, or operations within a nonprofit, social services, governmental, educational, or related environment.
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program evaluation, and organizational change and development.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to inspire and motivate teams.
Excellent problem-solving, cross-functional communication, and strategic planning, with a focus on data-driven outcomes.
Client-centered approach and a commitment to serving diverse populations; bilingual in Spanish or Vietnamese is preferred.
Familiar with government contracting processes and requirements.
Dedicated to the mission and values of Catholic Charities, with an understanding of poverty dynamics, safety nets, and racial equity.
A good listener who can synthesize input into clear, organized plans.
Emotionally mature and composed.
Criminal background check via Livescan fingerprint.
Automobile, valid driver's license, and auto insurance per agency policy; or have access to reliable transportation.
Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time.
Ability to use a computer workstation.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
Ability to travel to agency sites within Santa Clara County.

Nice To Haves

bilingual in Spanish or Vietnamese is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and operationalize strategic plans that improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
Implement long-range planning direction and oversee the Footsteps Initiative among other key programs and initiatives, ensuring they are client-centered, efficient, and aligned with the agency's mission, vision, values, and strategic plan.
Support existing services and programs to identify areas for improvement and innovation, ensuring alignment with community needs, funding, and organizational goals.
Collaborate with the Director of Compliance and QA to implement systems for continuous program evaluation, identifying best practices and areas for improvement.
Ensure seamless service integration and collaboration in partnership with program leaders.
Review and understand grant contracts to meet deliverables and establish processes to ensure no gaps in funding and service delivery.
Ensure the implementation of the agency's strategic vision and objectives across programs and services.
This role involves collaborating with program leaders to integrate client services and programs, facilitating and documenting strategies from working groups, and sharing insights across the agency using data, technology, and integration systems.
Lead, mentor, and develop staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, ownership, and professional growth.
Collaborate with other leaders to implement a comprehensive approach to trauma-informed care to create safe, caring, inclusive environments for all clients and team members.
Coordinate with HR to develop training and implement professional development opportunities to enhance team competencies and service delivery. Training areas include cultural competence, resource navigation, assessment and planning, advocacy, communications, crisis intervention, data management and documentation, community engagement, social justice, and Catholic social teaching.
Recruit, train, supervise, develop leadership, and support staff in accordance with CCSCC human resource policies and procedures.
Collaborate with the Director of Compliance and QA, and the Evaluation & Learning Director to drive data-driven initiatives to evaluate program impact, identify areas for improvement, and shape program design for enduring positive results.
Implement data collection and analysis across programs and initiatives to assess effectiveness in uplifting families out of poverty and to guide strategic planning for future initiatives.
Supports programs in compliance with funding, regulatory, and agency standards through effective program management and reporting.
Foster an environment that motivates and inspires staff to collaborate toward shared goals; establish an annual program review, track progress as well as accountability protocols; and guide staff to troubleshoot program performance proactively.
Oversee assigned program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficient allocation of resources to maximize program impact; consult closely with the Fiscal Department on monthly revenues and expenses to ensure the budget is maintained and breaks even.
Collaborate with program and development leaders to seek and secure funding opportunities through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships to sustain and expand program services.
Support assigned grants and contracts to ensure timely completion of deliverables and communication with funders; design and adapt service delivery methods to meet regulatory, contractual obligations, and client needs.
Supports the COO in building and maintaining relationships with community partners, shareholders, and funders to enhance service delivery and secure necessary resources.
Represent the COO (as needed) at external meetings and community events, advocating for clients' needs and the agency's mission.