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
C H I E F O P E R A T I N G O F F I C E R
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
P A T H W A Y S L A
About Los Angeles
Ideal Candidate & Career Track
About the Search Process
Pathways LA has been the leading resource and referral agency in Los Angeles since 1978. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a $62M budget, Pathways LA supports parents as their child’s first teachers, offering personalized assistance in navigating the childcare system, accessing subsidies, and finding licensed providers. They provide educational opportunities through parent seminars, play and learn groups, parent cafes, and family events, focusing on fostering strong parent-child relationships and healthy child development.
Recognizing the essential role of childcare providers, Pathways LA trains them to be industry leaders, offering professional development in child growth and development, trauma-informed care, business development, nutrition, and special needs. They assist in obtaining Family Child Care Home Licenses and provide coaching, technical assistance, and funding resources to create nurturing environments.
Pathways LA also engages in policy advocacy to expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare, particularly for vulnerable communities. By collaborating with community members and advising legislators, they aim to improve the childcare industry and make quality care accessible for our youngest Angelenos.
Pathways LA strengthens low-income and vulnerable working families, promotes high quality early care and education services for children of all abilities, develops knowledgeable early care providers, and promotes economically resilient communities.
Children and families break through the cycle of poverty and thrive through equitable access to quality early care and education.
Pathways LA offers trainings and professional development opportunities to licensed child care providers, child care center staff, and any family, friend or neighbor providing child care services. We collaborate with the California Early Care & Education Workforce Registry, which tracks and promotes the education, training and experience of the early care and education workforce in order to improve professionalism and positively impact children.
Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions families make, but all too often they must rely on word-ofmouth. Pathways LA’s Resource and Referral staff can help take the guesswork out of choosing care by providing free referrals to licensed child care providers as well as information regarding the different types of child care available to families. Pathways also creates programming to equip parents with education, resources, and community to support them in this crucial life stage.
Pathways LA is working to make sure that children in our most vulnerable communities have access to highquality, affordable childcare by listening to neighborhood groups, childcare providers, families, and community members to understand what children need during their early years of brain development. We then work with government officials at the city, county, state, and federal levels to advocate for more resources and support for early childhood education.
As a member of the executive team, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Pathways LA serves as second-in-command, supporting the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the daily operations and administration of the agency. Under the leadership of the CEO, the COO oversees the quality assurance of programs, information technology, facilities maintenance, and risk management. From ensuring seamless policy implementation and fiscal management to fostering a positive work environment and driving strategic initiatives aligned with the organization's mission, the COO plays a critical role in guiding Pathways LA towards its organizational goals, including strategic planning. With a focus on efficiency, compliance, and growth management, the COO's contributions are instrumental in shaping the future trajectory of Pathways LA and its impact on childcare in Los Angeles.
Assess and improve existing operational systems for increased efficiency
Lead the strategic plan update process
Conduct a risk assessment and create contingency plans for the organization
Serve as primary leader for internal operations, including organizational administration, facilities management and maintenance, information management including technology planning, program measurement and evaluation, and other duties as required by the CEO and/or Board of Directors, funding sources and regulatory entities. Develop policies, procedures, and systems to address emerging agency needs.
Provide vigilant oversight of quality assurance and improvement endeavors. Regularly assess overall operations and provide reports to the CEO.
Work with the executive team to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring contract goals are met, and all aspects of agency policies and procedures are accurately implemented.
Collaborate with the finance team to develop, implement, and regularly report on departmental budgets. Review and analyze operational budgets and financial statements.
Offer strategic direction on initiatives aimed at ensuring both short and long-term fiscal sustainability.
Serve as a thought-partner for the CEO and peer leaders. Develop new approaches to serving customers both inside and outside the organization.
Set a positive leadership example and mentor others within and outside of the organization through the demonstration of integrity, persistence, and problem-solving.
In partnership with the CEO and the Board of Directors, lead the internal process to create, revise, and implement a strategic plan update and to ensure goals and objectives of the strategic plan are met in various departments of the organization. Report strategic plan progress and achievements to the Board of Directors and organizational leadership on a regular basis. Participate in and facilitate board committee meetings as assigned by the CEO.
Supervise the maintenance of facilities across multiple sites. Assess, plan, and implement information technology systems to maximize organizational efficiency in all departments. Ensure technology systems align with the agency's infrastructure needs.
Execute and renew leases, address legal issues, and maintain corporate compliance.
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, non-profit management, public administration, or related discipline.
Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in progressive responsible roles within operations leadership or senior management positions at a nonprofit organization.
Experience in operations or management at a large nonprofit organization with multiple funding sources
Familiarity with early childhood education programs working with government agencies preferred.
A robust professional network with relevant community stakeholders and industry leaders is a plus.
Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, especially with using visual presentations to communication complex information.
Experience with public speaking and presenting information to groups of people.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and other database and tracking tools.
Pathways LA is offering a competitive salary of $175,000 - $190,000 annually. This is an on-site hybrid position in Los Angeles, California. Benefits include Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance; Life, Accident, and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Retirement Contribution, Vacation and Holidays, Sick Time, Adoption Assistance, Employee Assistance Program, Health Savings Account.
Pathways LA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including persons with disabilities and veterans.
Los Angeles is a vibrant blend of history, diversity, and cultural influence, embodying the spirit of innovation and creativity. Known for its sunny beaches, iconic landmarks, and bustling urban life, Los Angeles offers a unique tapestry of experiences that reflect its multifaceted identity.
Downtown Los Angeles showcases the city's dynamic evolution. Once an early theatre district and industrial center, DTLA is now an eclectic area with historic buildings skyscrapers, civic services, and a thriving arts district. The area is home to cultural institutions like the Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Broad museum, offering a rich array of artistic and cultural experiences.
Los Angeles' diverse neighborhoods are its true essence. The Eastside, with its significant Chicano community, is known for its cultural festivals, murals, and authentic Mexican cuisine. Areas like Koreatown, Little Tokyo, and Chinatown highlight the city's robust Asian communities, each offering unique culinary delights and cultural experiences. South Los Angeles, rich in African American history, contributes to the city’s cultural wealth with its music, arts, and community events. These areas blend the natural beauty of public parks, hillsides and lowslung mountain ranges with urban life, providing a perfect escape within the city.
In Los Angeles, history and modernity coexist seamlessly, much like our beloved mix of street food and high end cuisine. While the city's rich past is celebrated through its landmarks and cultural institutions, its human communities continue to provide its true character and shape its evolving identity. From the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the vibrant streets of its multicultural neighborhoods, Los Angeles is a dynamic testament to the power of diversity and creativity.
The ideal candidate for Pathways LA Chief Operating Officer is a seasoned strategic and visionary leader with extensive experience in management, operations and the childcare and early education sectors. As the right-hand executive and thought-partner to the CEO, they will oversee internal operations, strategic planning, and organizational growth. The candidate should excel in operational efficiency, financial management, and compliance, with a proven ability to manage diverse teams. Key qualities include adaptability, strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. They can hit the ground running, assessing current programs and optimizing our organization for the next season of growth.
The new hire will foster a positive work environment, ensure program sustainability, and drive innovation. They will be responsible for strategic planning: developing and implementing strategies that align with the organization’s mission to support children and families, helping them thrive and grow into future change-makers. The ideal COO will also create and foster strong relationships with external stakeholders, ensuring the continuous improvement and success of Pathways LA's programs and initiatives.
The likely career track for the COO of Pathways LA involves a blend of nonprofit or business management, strategic planning and vision, and great communication skills. You may have gained expertise in various fields, but have had extensive experience managing staff, developing positive team culture, refining systems for efficiency and collaboration.
Professionals we may look for:
Vice President
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Program Officer
Chief Administrative Officer
General Manager
Senior Director
Director of Operations
Envision Consulting has been retained by Pathways LA to conduct the search for their incoming Chief Operating Officer. 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, industry-specific 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.
Pathways LA 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, 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 Pathway LA’s next Chief Operating Officer?
We invite you to apply and share your experience with us!