Director of Program Operations
BOUT PEOPLE FIRST OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
People First is a homeless services provider in Santa Cruz County dedicated to ensuring housing for all by uniting the community, forming partnerships, inspiring advocacy and providing services. We regularly update and distribute lists of free services and resources through the County in the form of 4 different Free Guides (Santa Cruz, Watsonville, San Lorenzo Valley, and Veterans). We also launched an Outreach-Based Case Management Program in January which works with homeless and recently housed people throughout the County by meeting them where they’re at, literally and metaphorically. This past winter was our second season of running Extreme Weather Shelters (EWS) in the County which provided hundreds of people experiencing homelessness with a warm and welcoming place to rest in the evening and spend time during the day. We’ve entered our third year of operating an RV Safe Parking Program that includes a stable place for individuals and families to park their RVs 24/7, case management, and housing navigation. Finally, as of August 1, we are now operating and overseeing the Armory/Overlook Shelter which is a secure space for individuals and couples to be, with access to case management, healthcare navigation, housing coordination, as well as basic needs.
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM OPERATIONS
The Director of Program Operations will be responsible for the oversight and supervision of the various social service programs operating under People First of Santa Cruz County. Current programs include: the Armory/Overlook Shelter, the Recreational Vehicle Safe Parking Program, the Outreach-Based Case Management Program, and the Extreme Weather Shelters. In concert with the executive leadership team this position will provide overall strategic direction, community ambassadorship and leadership to the organization. The Director of Program Operations will lead staff to achieve measurable outcomes that are aligned with the agency’s strategic goals and its mission of making homelessness rare, brief and one-time. The Director of Program Operations will help oversee the administration of local, state, and federal resources for homeless services and housing.
Position Overview
Lead change management efforts to ensure program staff adopt and support the implementation of the department’s priorities
Lead and manage a team of program managers to implement a variety of programs serving people experiencing homelessness
Use keen analytical skills and excellent judgment to consistently take the initiative to anticipate needs and address them with complex and concrete, resourceful strategies.
Be a supportive and empathetic leader with the ability to provide constructive feedback to empower staff and cultivate an effective and collaborative culture that operates seamlessly across teams within the organization
Be highly organized with an attention to detail, ability to meet or exceed deadlines, and with a commitment to rigor and excellent work product
Utilize proven project management skills, from design to implementation
Standardize the programs division’s organizational structure ensuring that key functions, work assignments, and workflows are clear and balanced
Work in partnership with all areas of the agency to drive strategic outcomes
Establish new and streamline existing policies and procedures to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness within the programs unit (approval pathways, contractor engagement, monitoring & compliance etc.)
Lead the implementation performance management contracting
Oversee the outside service provider engagement and relationships ensuring ongoing collaboration and systematic feedback loop.
Work strategically with the different service providers and government agencies to assure communication, coordination and cooperation.
Embrace People First equity goals and provide leadership to help advance the achievement of those goals within the organization and within the larger homeless delivery system.
Build upon a cohesive team culture centering trust, honesty, empathy, and respect where everyone feels community, belonging, and safety even in a hybrid environment.
Direct, counsel, mentor, and develop the teams, ensuring staff continue to operate at a high level.
Monitors the budget for every program to ensure spending is within projected budgets, as well as empowering the Program Managers to do this themselves
Training and Experience
3-5 years work experience .
Previous experience working in housing advocacy, homeless services, or social services
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients, staff, contracting agency officials, and community partners.
Problem-solving abilities.
Empathy, compassion, and cultural sensitivity in working with diverse populations experiencing homelessness.
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team, with strong organizational and time management skills.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
Valid CA driver’s license, good driving record and vehicle registration.
Special Requirements
Regardless of qualifications, candidates must…
have employment eligibility verification, and
be able to work on site at the People First locations as well as remotely when needed in Santa Cruz, California. This includes having reliable transportation to and from the different job sites, all within the County.
Compensation
This is a full time, hourly, benefited, non-exempt position.
Benefits options include health, dental, and vision insurance.
Flex time off (vacation leave, sick leave, holidays, or any other type of time off). You do not need to accrue days to be able to use them, and you do not get paid out for any "unused" vacation days at the end of the year or when your employment ends.
Hourly pay is $36.
Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent.
At least two years related experience required.
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.