C A N D I D A T E P R O F I L E
P O S I T I O N T I T L E
D I R E C T O R O F O P E R A T I O N S
P R I M A R Y L O C A T I O N
L O S A N G E L E S , C A
C R E A T E D F O R
C O N N E C T I O N S F O R C H I L D R E N
Ideal Candidate & Career Track
About the Search Process
Application Link
Connections for Children is a leading non-profit Child Care Resource and Referral agency serving the Westside and South Bay communities of Los Angeles County. With a legacy spanning nearly 50 years, Connections for Children is a trusted partner in providing families and child care professionals with access to high-quality services and early education programs. Every year, the organization supports more than 3,500 families, regardless of income level, through personalized referral services and professional development opportunities for early childhood educators.
Connections for Children's commitment goes beyond service delivery advocating for systemic change through collaborations with local stakeholders, policymakers, and community organizations. As champions of early care and education, Connections for Children adapts to meet the evolving needs of the community, ensuring equitable access to quality child care by focusing on innovative programs and partnerships. Driven by our mission and values, Connections for Children is a beacon of stability and support in the child care landscape, empowering families and educators to thrive.
Connections for Children’s mission is to build a stronger future for children, families, and the early care and education community by connecting them to resources, education, and economic support.
W e l c o m i n g : W e a r e w e l c o m i n g . W e e m b r a c e t h e u n i q u e n e s s o f e v e r y
i n d i v i d u a l b y s h o w i n g k i n d n e s s a n d c r e a t i n g a n i n c l u s i v e e n v i r o n m e n t . W e
v a l u e t h e d i v e r s e a r r a y o f l i v e d e x p e r i e n c e s t h a t m a k e u p o u r c o m m u n i t y .
T r u s t w o r t h y : W e a r e t r u s t w o r t h y . W e o p e r a t e w i t h i n t e g r i t y a n d r e s p e c t .
F a m i l i e s , e a r l y c h i l d h o o d p r o f e s s i o n a l s , a n d c o m m u n i t y s t a k e h o l d e r s r e l y o n
u s t o b e i n f o r m e d , r e s p o n s i v e , a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l .
C o l l a b o r a t i v e : W e a r e c o l l a b o r a t i v e . W e e n g a g e i n m e a n i n g f u l p a r t n e r s h i p s
i n o r d e r t o b u i l d l a s t i n g c o n n e c t i o n s a n d m a x i m i z e t h e i m p a c t o f o u r s e
Connections for Children offers comprehensive educational resources and training to empower families, child care providers, and educators. By providing workshops, professional development, and personalized guidance, Connections for Children ensures that children receive high-quality early learning experiences, helping to build a strong foundation for their future success.
Connections for Children provides essential support services to families and child care providers, helping them navigate the complexities of child care. Through personalized referrals, consultations, and financial assistance, Connections for Children ensures that every family finds the right care solution for their needs, and that providers receive the support necessary to deliver high-quality care.
Connections for Children advocates for policies and systems that improve child and family wellbeing. By collaborating with policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders, Connections for Children champions the rights of all children to access affordable, high-quality child care and works to advance policies that strengthen families and child care providers.
Connections for Children builds and nurtures a strong sense of community by connecting families, child care providers, and local organizations. Through collaborative programs, events, and partnerships, Connections for Children fosters a network of support that ensures children thrive in environments where they can grow, learn, and succeed.
The Director of Operations (DOO) for Connections for Children will play a critical role in overseeing and optimizing the organization’s operational functions. This includes Information Technology (IT), facilities, Human Resources (HR), and financial management. As part of the executive team, the DOO will be responsible for implementing strategic initiatives that support the organization’s growth and ensure operational efficiency. The role demands a thought partner who can collaborate closely with the Executive Director and Director of Programs, bringing innovative solutions to operational challenges.
The DOO will also need to navigate the complexities of a growing organization, balancing the demands of day-to-day operations with longterm strategic planning and system efficiencies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operations, a solid understanding of HR, as well as experience in financial management, IT, and organizational change management.
Streamline operations through IT improvements and reduced manual processes.
Address space and facility challenges as the organization expands.
Enhance HR practices to align culture with organizational vision and values. Ensure robust financial oversight and strategic resource allocation.
Transition to a more structured and sophisticated organizational model.
Strengthen the leadership team to manage thoughtful organizational growth.
Complete a comprehensive operational assessment to identify areas of improvement, efficiency, and growth within the organization.
Plan and execute a successful office expansion, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations and optimal setup for future needs.
Strengthen the operations division by implementing insights from the assessment, fostering team development, and leading strategic discussions to align operational functions with organizational goals.
Ensures effective facilities and asset management, and compliance with all organizational contracts. Continuously updates and manages risk management processes to protect organizational interests.
Leads the development and execution of operational strategies that align with the organization’s long-term goals and mission
Oversees and refines operational policies and processes to drive organizational effectiveness and service delivery.
Leads quality improvement initiatives to enhance service outcomes and organizational impact.
Leads the strategic planning and implementation of office expansion and agency growth initiatives.
Drives initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, retention, and professional development, ensuring the organization attracts and retains top talent.
Leads initiatives to enhance employee engagement and workplace culture.
Leads the annual review and strategic enhancement of HR policies, compliance and labor laws, including the employee handbook and performance management systems, ensuring alignment with organizational values and goals. Monitors and partners with outside HR consultants who are providing supportive services to the organization.
Partners with HR to develop and implement talent management strategies that align with the organization’s DEIB framework and foster a highperformance culture.
Provides oversight and strategic direction to the finance department and takes a multi-year approach to managing fiscal performance and the fiscal aspects of agency goals.
Works with fiscal consultant who advises the accounting team in meeting goals, ensuring contract compliance, and implementing best practices
Ensures monthly financial reporting and oversees the annual budgeting process that reflect agency strategic plan goals.
Reviews the financials, annual audit, and tax return for accuracy and makes recommendations for the presentation where applicable.
Identifies and implements cost-saving measures and operational efficiencies that drive financial health and resilience
Strategically manages grants and contracts to maximize funding opportunities and programmatic impact.
Oversees IT operations, including management of hardware, software, and technology resources.
Monitors and partners with IT consultants who provide fractional Chief Technology Officer (CTO) support, manage agency technology, and provide staff training Supports the development and enforcement of IT policies, ensuring alignment with industry standards and organizational needs.
Leads the strategic direction of IT operations, ensuring technology initiatives align with organizational goals and industry best practices.
Manages relationships with external IT vendors and service providers, ensuring high-quality and costeffective service
Acts as a strategic partner to the Executive Director and executive team, assisting in the evaluation, prioritization, and implementation of initiatives to enhance agency culture and impact.
Serves as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to strategic decision-making and organizational growth.
Provides leadership and mentorship to operational staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture
Builds and maintains relationships with external partners to advance the organization’s mission
Leads organizational change initiatives to support growth and adaptation to evolving community needs.
Represents the organization in high-level external meetings, conferences, and community events, strategically positioning Connections for Children as a leader in the field
Presents data, insights, and recommendations on operational initiatives at Board of Directors meetings.
·Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field, preferred
·Minimum of six (6) years’ experience in progressive responsible roles within operations leadership or senior management positions at a nonprofit organization
·Proven experience fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging.
·Strategic financial management experience, including overseeing budgets of $5 million or more.
·Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization.
·Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate the needs of the organization and staff.
·Ability to lead operations and collaborate with staff, working with diverse groups and a wide range of faiths, beliefs, ages, cultures, and experiences.
·Demonstrated experience in risk management, with an emphasis on addressing strategic, financial and community implications.
·Experience managing teams and collaborating with cross-functional departments.
·A visionary leader with a track record of driving innovation and operational excellence in a complex, dynamic environment.
·Expertise in developing and implementing strategic HR initiatives that align with organizational goals.
·Commitment to the organization’s mission and sensitivity to the needs of underrepresented populations.
The Connections for Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including persons with disabilities and veterans.
This is an in-person position located in Los Angeles, CA. The salary range for the position is $160,000 - $175,000. Salary is based on a minimum 35-hour workweek. Eligible for performance-based incentive. Competitive benefits package consisting of health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k employer contribution, paid sick leave, paid time off (PTO), holidays, and a hybrid telework work option (after 90-day introductory period).
The ideal candidate for the Director of Operations at Connections for Children is a seasoned nonprofit leader with substantial experience in operations management and a commitment to community service. They excel in financial management, including budgeting and compliance, while also identifying opportunities for operational efficiency and growth. As a strategic thinker, they envision sustaining and scaling the organization to meet evolving community needs. Additionally, the candidate is a collaborative leader who can mentor a high-performing team and effectively manage cross-departmental projects. Proficient in leveraging technology, they ensure that Connections for Children remains a vital link between families, child care providers, and the broader community, deeply motivated by the mission to promote the well-being and development of every child.
The likely career track for the Director of Operations at Connections for Children involves a candidate who has honed their expertise in managing teams, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and optimizing systems for efficiency and collaboration. Exceptional communication skills and a commitment to community service are also essential, ensuring the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and advance the mission of supporting families and child care providers
Professionals we may look for:
Director of Operations
Chief Operating Officer
Director of Finance
Chief Financial Officer
General Manager
Director of Administration
Recruiting
Envision Consulting has been retained by the Connections for Children to conduct the search for their incoming Director of Operations. We follow a comprehensive and structured approach that begins with a needs assessment to understand the organization's position and culture. We source candidates using various strategies, such as leveraging networks, industryspecific databases, and targeted research. Our evaluations are designed to assess qualifications, experience, cultural fit, and leadership potential.
After two stages of interviews with Envision, we work with the organization's search committee to select the individuals they wish to meet and then curate that interview experience We support the final selection process, including negotiation and offer formulation and offer onboarding support to ensure a smooth leadership transition To ensure candidate success, we offer clients a one-year guarantee and executive coaching throughout the first year of employment.
The Connections for Children is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state or local law with respect to employment opportunities.
Envision Consulting is a minority-owned firm specializing in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions With offices in Denver, Lexington, New York, and Los Angeles, our partners and consultants are former executive leaders within nonprofit organizations who are truly inspired by our collective power to lift up the communities we serve Our broad spectrum of services helps increase revenues, expand awareness and strengthen service delivery to the clients who need us the most. Learn more at www.envisionnonprofit.com.
a p p l y n o w
Are you a great fit for the Connections for Children’s next Director of Operations? We invite you to apply and share your experience with us!