Director, SoLa Educational Center

SoLa Impact is a real estate private equity firm with a double-bottom line strategy focused on preserving, rehabbing, and building high-quality affordable housing in Black and brown communities. Only five years after starting its first ground-up project, SoLa Impact was recognized as the 16th largest developer in the nation, and the largest developer based in California by the National Multifamily Housing Council.

SoLa currently owns and manages over $1.2 billion of multifamily assets, almost all of which are in low-income, Black and brown communities. SoLa is currently leveraging private capital to develop 3,000+ affordable and workforce housing units in California. We are looking to not only help alleviate but to obliterate the obstacle of housing costs in our most marginalized communities. Having successfully raised and fully deployed its fourth fund ($300 million of equity), SoLa Impact expects to raise over $1.5B through a series of funds over the next 3-5 years from a combination of institutional investors, family offices, and high-net-worth investors. SoLa Impact's work and strategy have also been the subject of business school case studies at both USC's Marshall School and Columbia Business School's Masters of Real Estate program.

The SoLa Tech and Entrepreneurship Center powered by Riot Games is the first of its kind in Los Angeles, and arguably the country. Since opening this state-of-the-art facility in January, 2022, SoLa has served over 4,800 students (ages 8-24), furthering our mission to help close the digital access divide in South LA. As Director, you will be the first leader to amplify our impact as we prepare for the opening of our second facility, the SoLa Technology and Entertainment Center Powered by Live Nation, in early 2025. Through your leadership, you will direct the vision and expand the work at both Tech Centers and further our mission to train and inspire a new generation of professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs from South LA.

Requirements

The Director manages the SoLa Technology & Entrepreneurship Center Powered by Riot Games and lead the growth and development of the SoLa Technology and Entertainment Center Powered by Live Nation (opening in Q1 2025). The Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of both Centers’ operations, programs, community relations, staffing and facilities. In addition, the Director helps lead strategic planning and program development, hiring, special events, and stakeholder relations.

The Director will ensure the successful creation, launch and execution of technology and educational programming at all levels, centering a mission-driven execution and management philosophy in all that they do. In addition, the Director works with SoLa senior leadership to identify, create and grow revenue streams for the center, including event rentals, trainings, and more. 

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment where systems and standards are actively being created. The candidate brings together a social impact, non-profit, education, start-up and/or corporate social responsibility background. Technology and arts/ media/entertainment industry experience is a plus. The individual also must have experience running large and small teams, working with community members, program partners and vendors and managing operating budgets of above $1M+.

Function:

●     Operations and Systems:

○     Oversee and manage the Tech Center Operations & Programming teams, ensuring executive oversight and effectiveness of the teams

○     Direct and supervise the center’s staff and vendors

○     Develop an organizational and collaborative culture that fosters community, economic development, student engagement and an entrepreneurial mindset

○     Ensure effective systems are in place to ensure efficiency, impact, and effectiveness

●     Programming:

○     Work with the foundation’s Senior Program Manager to launch, pilot, and solidify visionary programs and events that support and promote the center's mission.

○     Lead the vision and development of program curriculum that aligns with corporate partnerships, skill attainment, certification, and job placement for students

○     Identify and cultivate third-party program relationships to create mission-aligned programming for students

○     Ensure data and metrics are collected, reported, and implemented for program effectiveness, impact, and progress towards goals, overseeing the data analysis process to identify areas for improvement

○     Ensure programs are connected to market trends for in-demand skills attainment

●     Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement:

○     Collaborate with Sr. Director of Impact Partnerships and senior team to develop and execute strategic initiatives that provide long-term sustainable growth of the Center and foundation.

○     Support the foundation’s marketing, partnerships, and capital teams, making the centers focal points for technology, entertainment, and innovation programming in LA and beyond

○     Represent the Center with all internal and external constituents and act as a spokesperson for the facility and the SoLa Foundation, leading tours of the space for stakeholders and guests

○     Work to promote facility rentals and events in collaboration with SoLa Events Department, Social Impact Director of Operations to generate revenue for the Centers (ex: educational training, competitions, conferences, professional development, etc.)

○     Establish meaningful relationships and partnerships with local community organizations and nonprofits in order to ensure the success of the Center

Baseline:

○     10+ years of applicable experience

○     Experience in nonprofit, government, start-up or social impact / corporate social responsibility space preferred

○     Familiarity with technology, arts, media, and entertainment industry a plus

○        Experience working with entertainment, technology and industry partners a plus

○     Experience managing teams of 10+ staff, consultants and/or contractors required

○     Exceptional entrepreneurial mindset committed to innovation and “getting to yes”

○     Ability to work in a fast-paced start-up-like environment with autonomy and leadership

○     Analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret data to drive program improvements

○     Ability to balance high-level strategic thinking and visioning with detailed, outcome-focused execution

○     Ability to inspire and encourage creativity and innovative, entrepreneurial thinking

○     Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles aligned with the organization's mission and goals

Benefits

SoLa Impact offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as pet insurance, sick leave, 10 paid holidays, and bereavement days. This package is designed to provide employees with a range of important benefits that help to suport their physical and emotional well-being, while also providing financial protection and peace of mind.

Environment, culture, and the opportunity to learn and grow are key elements when considering a new job. We are just the right size to provide the resources and support you need without the bureaucracy of a large corporate environment. We foster a family-friendly and supportive workplace, collaborative and employee-focused with an emphasis on quality, integrity, trust, and accountability. We are looking to bring someone on board as soon as possible. We provide a rewarding and challenging environment. We expect a lot, but give a lot in return. Strongly prefer candidates local to Los Angeles as no relocation assistance will be provided. All qualified candidates will be contacted directly.

SoLa Impact is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SoLa does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.