Senior Director of People and Program Operations
5 days ago
Santa Ana
Job Description “Every person deserves compassion, dignity, and the safety of a place to call home.” Homelessness is the largest social and public health crisis in California. Illumination Health + Home (IH+H) is a growing non-profit organization dedicated towards disrupting the cycle of homelessness by providing targeted, interdisciplinary services in our recuperative care centers, emergency shelters, housing services and children's and family programs. IH+H currently has 13+ facilities with 22+ micro-communities scattered across Orange County, Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire. Job Description The Senior Director of People and Program Operations is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for the strategic and hands-on management of the organization’s 24-hour recuperative care programs and the Human Resources department. This leader ensures high-quality service delivery, operational efficiency, and a healthy organizational culture through strong systems, staff development, and compliance oversight. This role requires a mission-driven leader with experience in health or housing programs, deep knowledge of human resources, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic, client centered environment. The salary range for this role is: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00, depending on experience. This is a primarily in-office position based in Santa Ana, with candidates having the option to work from home 1-2 days per week after their initial onboarding period. Responsibilities Program Operations (Recuperative Care) – 30% • Provide direct oversight of day-to-day operations for all 24/7 recuperative care sites, ensuring compliance with healthcare standards, contracts, and licensing., • Develop and implement operational protocols and workflows to ensure quality care, safety, and efficiency., • Lead program directors and site managers; support staff performance, coverage, and ongoing training needs., • Track program metrics and outcomes; collaborate with quality assurance staff to monitor performance indicators and implement improvements., • Support program expansion and capacity-building efforts, including new site launches and cross-agency partnerships., • Serve as the primary liaison between executive leadership and program teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Human Resources Oversight – 60%, • Lead the HR department and oversee all HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, training, performance management, and compliance., • Develop and track HR metrics to include: Monthly Employee turnover analysis monthly (voluntary/involuntary and reasons why), employee retention strategies, time to fill open positions, leadership and supervisory employee relations and basic management training., • Foster a diverse, inclusive, and supportive work culture that reflects the values of the organization., • Partner with the CEO and leadership team on workforce planning and organizational development., • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws and best practices., • Manage HR vendors and consultants as needed (e.g., benefits, payroll, legal counsel)., • Support leadership development, coaching, and succession planning across departments. Organizational Leadership & Strategy – 10%, • Participate in executive-level planning and decision-making; align operations and HR strategy with organizational mission., • Develop and manage budgets related to HR and program departments., • Represent the organization in stakeholder meetings, funder site visits, and public forums as needed.Expectations, • We uphold the values of Community, Action, Respect, and Empowerment in all aspects of our work., • Community - We lead with the vision of a strengthened and compassionate community for all. By embodying collective care, we serve as an example of what is possible when we come together., • Action - Our “whatever it takes” mindset drives us forward. We take initiative, step in where others have stepped out, and create solutions when none exist., • Respect - We deeply value the dignity and uniqueness of every individual we serve. We honor their stories, their journeys, and their right to be seen and heard., • Empowerment - We heal—always. Our work enables clients to grow stronger in health, confidence, and belief in their potential as they move forward on their life journey., • Demonstrate the ability to motivate and support colleagues while adapting to new procedures and promoting a positive, team-oriented culture., • Maintain professional communication, responding to phone calls and emails in a courteous and timely manner., • Set and model appropriate boundaries with clients while maintaining trust and rapport., • Exercise sound judgment, confidentiality, and ethical decision-making in line with Illumination Health + Home’s core values: integrity, transparency, accountability, respect, and responsibility., • Present oneself in accordance with Illumination Health + Home's dress code and professional standards., • Model openness, honesty, and accountability in all interactions with clients, colleagues, leadership, volunteers, and external partners., • Maintain strict confidentiality of client and organizational information., • Accept personal responsibility and accountability for job performance and continuous improvement., • Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to the needs of low-income and homeless populations., • Exhibit effective interpersonal and communication skills, including tact, diplomacy, and active listening., • Collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team, clients, and members of the public., • Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Human Resources, Healthcare Administration, Social Work, or related field required., • Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit or healthcare operations, with at least 3 years overseeing HR functions or departments., • Experience managing 24-hour or residential programs (e.g., recuperative care, shelters, skilled nursing, behavioral health)., • Strong understanding of employment law, HR compliance, and staff development best practices., • Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills., • Medical Insurance funded up to 91% by Illumination Heatlh + Home (Kaiser and Blue Shield), depending on the plan, • Dental and Vision Insurance, • Life, AD&D and LTD Insurance funded 100% by Illumination Health + Home, • Employee Assistance Program, • Professional Development Reimbursement, • 401K with Company Matching, • 15 days vacation PTO/year, • 6 days sick PTO/year, • 10 days holiday PTO/year, • Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSFL) for federally qualified loan