Associate Director of Operations - Contracts, Budgeting, and Compliance

Location: Los Angeles

Salary: $100,000 - $105,000

Organization Overview

Founded in 2004, Brilliant Corners provides innovative housing and housing-related services to those transitioning from or at risk of homelessness or institutionalization. We develop, own, and manage multi-family supportive housing and licensed residential care homes. Additionally, we implement a broad array of scattered-site, one-on-one supportive housing, and clinical case management programs through partnerships with developmental services, homeless services, veteran services, and health care sectors.

In short, we do good work.

We have offices statewide with a staff of passionate people. While we are growing rapidly, we are also selective: We’re seeking inspired, talented people who want to be effecting profound change and who have fun doing it.   

Position Summary

Brilliant Corners’ Operations Department has historically supported the agency’s robust program operation needs in Los Angeles and is now on a transformative journey to extend its impact and systematic approach across all agency operations at a statewide level. The new Associate Director of Operations will create and implement a vision to expand the department’s contracting, budgeting, and compliance capacity. They will work under the direction of the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, and will collaborate regularly with regional Program Directors, Housing Services staff, Property Management and Housing Development leads, as well as liaison with the agency’s Program Operations, Finance, and Data & Technology teams.  An in-depth understanding of contracting, budgeting, and operational standardization in a non-profit setting, preferably within housing development and services, is essential. This role requires a champion of customer service, project management, and cross departmental collaboration, exemplifying a solutions-oriented mindset in all interactions with funders and stakeholders throughout California. 

As a member of the Leadership Team, the Associate Director contributes to agency-wide policy making, embodying Brilliant Corners’ commitment to social justice and the advancement of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Brilliant Corners is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds who are inspired to lead with conviction, expertise, and a collaborative spirit in the pursuit of our mission to provide housing solutions and transform lives.  

Requirements

Position Responsibilities

Contracts Management:

• Oversee the management of all contracts related to Brilliant Corners’ operations.
• Ensure standardization of templates, terms, and conditions for contracts to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Oversee the Senior Contracts Manager to ensure quality control and risk management in all contractual agreements.

System Design and Improvement

• Spearhead the design and implementation of systems to improve tracking, quality control, and risk management.
• Enhance existing systems to provide more consistent practices around templates, terms, payments, and compliance.
• Collaborate with Data & Technology teams to design and integrate technological solutions for streamlined operations.

Budgeting and Financial Oversight

• Collaborate with stakeholders on program budgeting, ensuring accurate and efficient allocation of resources.
• Oversee staffing allocations, regular financial reporting, and monthly invoicing to maintain fiscal responsibility.
• Work closely with the Finance team to ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.

Grants Management

• Partner with the Fund Development team to enhance grants management processes.
• Co-lead efforts to implement and monitor spenddown reporting, ensuring fiscal compliance and efficient sub-contracting processes.
• Provide oversight and support to ensure that grant requirements are met and reported accurately.

Team Leadership

• Lead a team of Managers, Supervisors, and Contract Specialists, providing guidance and support.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment, encouraging professional growth and development.
• Ensure that team members are aligned with organizational goals and objectives.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Liaise with regional Program Directors, Housing Services staff, Property Management, Housing Development leads, and other stakeholders to ensure fair and balanced contract terms.
• Promote cross-departmental collaboration to achieve operational excellence.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for funders and stakeholders throughout California for contract and budget-related communications, exemplifying a solutions-oriented mindset.

Operational Standardization

• Champion operational standardization across all agency operations statewide.
• Ensure best practices and compliance with organizational policies and external regulations.
• Continuously evaluate and improve operational processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Organizational Leadership and Policy Making

• Contribute to agency-wide policy-making as a member of the Leadership Team.
• Embody and promote Brilliant Corners’ commitment to social justice and the advancement of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).
• Advocate for and implement policies that reflect the organization's mission and values.

Professional Experience

• At least 5 years working in a social justice, human services, non-profit management, healthcare, public policy, or business.
• At least 2 years building and managing a team.
• At least 3 years of contracts management experience.
• At least 3 years of budget management and invoicing experience.
• At least 3 years of grant procurement experience.
• Demonstrated leadership as evidenced by increasing levels of responsibility and management over the course of the candidate’s career.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with principles of accounting, business process improvements, and government contracts
• Comfort with using data to improve systems and drive decision-making.
• Proficiency with MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel required.  Experience with databases such as Salesforce preferred.
• Strategic, global thinking with an orientation towards inclusive design and decision-making; able to not only develop good solutions, but perhaps more importantly, design and implement transparent processes by which a group makes and implements decisions.
• Demonstrated leadership in building a team.
• Good communication skills.
• Able to collaborate with managers and directors to develop holistic program approach.
• Creative, problem-solving approach.
• Ability to refine systems and processes with an eye towards the “big picture.” 
• Excellent organizational, project management, and planning skills.
• Solid team leader who is able to work well on projects and under pressure.
• Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally responsive services and work effectively in cross-cultural situations.
• Ability to utilize critical thinking skills in decision-making and good independent judgment.
• Intacct software experience preferred but not required

Core Competencies

• Dealing with Ambiguity: Remains productive and effective in uncertain, rapidly changing situations by quickly analyzing information to adapt approach. Demonstrates flexibility, composure and good judgment despite challenges  

• Building Effective Teams: Builds cohesive, high-performing teams through collaboration, positive culture, coaching, cross-functional work, and recognition of successes  

• Priority Setting: Focuses on highest impact priorities advancing strategic objectives. Aligns resources, eliminates roadblocks, and provides direction through a compelling vision  

• Managing through Systems: Designs and implements systems, processes and infrastructures enabling effective execution, oversight, empowerment and accountability. Drives results through indirect influence and continuous improvement  

• Functional/Technical Expertise: Possesses advanced functional/technical skills of direct reports, enabling high-level task accomplishment, optimal partner support, and team development  

Organizational Values  

• Humanity: Putting people first: We are committed to meeting people where they’re at, honoring their dignity, diversity, and experience.   

• Community: Building a better future: Sustainable housing solutions are fostered through partnership, collaboration, and human connection.   

• Ingenuity: Innovating for transformation: Systems-change requires relentless determination, thinking outside the box and challenging the status quo.  

Physical Requirements  

Candidates should have physical mobility for tasks such as standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, twisting, and walking on uneven surfaces. They should be capable of performing stationary tasks like sitting for up to 6 to 8 hours a day.  Additionally, candidates should be able to lift, carry, push, pull light to moderate weights up to 15 pounds safely. Requires mental acuity for analytical reasoning and document interpretation.  

Salary range for this position is $100,000 - $105,000 annually. This position is being offered at $100,000 - $105,000 annually.  

Brilliant Corners does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.  

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental, & Vision)  

• Retirement Plan (With 5% Match)  

• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary and AD&D)  

• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)  

• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)  

• Short Term & Long-Term Disability  

• Training & Development  

• Wellness Resources  

• Hybrid Work