CANDIDATE PROFILE
POSITION TITLE
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
PRIMARY LOCATION
THE WHOLE CHILD CREATED FOR WHITTIER, CA
about THE WHOLE CHILD
The Whole Child (TWC) is a multi-site health and human services 501(c)(3) organization based in east Los Angeles County. As their name suggests, TWC takes a comprehensive approach to serving children and families. Their holistic programming includes mental health, housing, parenting and nutrition services designed to foster stability, connection, and thriving. TWC serves 11,000 individuals annually and, under the leadership of CEO Constanza Pachon, saw a revenue of $31M in 2023. TWC primarily serves the Southeastern region of LA County (SPA 7) and has expanded into The San Gabriel Valley and the Metro LA areas in recent years. TWC was established 67 years ago in Whittier where its headquarters are located, and has sites in Downey, Santa Fe Springs, West Covina, Cerritos, Echo Park and Santa Monica. They recently piloted the first mental health program of its kind in the county, addressing early onset schizophrenia and psychosis in teens. With housing as one of the primary issues in the county, TWC opened their first shelter for unhoused families in 2019 and first Family Access Center in 2022. TWC is now developing a multi-use project that will provide emergency shelter, permanent supportive apartments, and ownership opportunities to families experiencing housing insecurity in LA County. Through their dedication to vulnerable populations, TWC has changed lives and given bright futures to thousands in their local communities.
We empower families towards healing, health and homes by providing access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive and live a happy life.
“We envision a world where every child and family has the opportunity to access the resources and support they need to succeed.“
what we do & WHO WE SERV
mental health services
TWC offers a number of mental health services including individual and family therapy, crisis management and intervention, and school linked assessments. Their goal is to address behavioral challenges and trauma in children by helping them develop coping skills and heal from distress.
family housing
TWC has served over 1,500 individuals and housed over 200 families. They offer a wide range of assistance, from crisis housing to family access centers to housing interventions to avoid recidivism.
parent enrichment & nutrition education
Through at-home visits and community workshops, caregivers establish a strong attachment with their children, prenatal to 5 years, to avoid abuse and neglect. Nutrition education classes and physical activity opportunities are also available as a way to help families address child obesity.
Position Overview
The Whole Child is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to implement the strategy and vision of a growing organization. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as an integral member of the executive management team, the COO will serve as a thought partner and implementor for the vision of growth and impact set by the CEO and the Board of Directors. They will be responsible for the day-to-day management and performance of TWC’s financial team and a portion of the administrative team, with direct reports including the Director of HR, Senior Director of Procurement & Facilities, Director of Risk Management & QA, and a VP of Finance and approximately 15 indirect reports. The COO will bring a diverse set of skills required for nonprofit management with a strong emphasis in finance. In addition to the oversight and strategy of the financial team, the COO will manage the administrative teams which handle risk management, legal compliance, human resources, facilities, IT and procurement. A strategic thinker and natural problem-solver, the COO will be a capable executive with a growth mindset, structured thinking, and excellent communication skills.
CANDIDATE EXPERTISE
Financial Management
Operational Leadership
Organizational Development
Internal Team Communications
Implementing Processes
Program Quality Assurance & Improvement
Grant / Contract Development
External Communications
Change Management
Budget Development
Operational Risk Management
Program Administration
Facilities Management
First Year GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Conduct a listening tour with staff, Board Members, and community members, learning the culture of TWC
Understand, assess, and document policies and procedures
Unify the staff by fostering team culture, communication practices, and clear organizational systems
Assist with and streamline the grant and contract process
roles & responsibilities
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Support and advise the CEO and other members of the senior leadership team on financial and operational planning, budgeting and policy.
Develop and implement strategies to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of organizational functions, streamlining processes for better resource allocation, workflow optimization, and cost-effectiveness.
Provide strategic direction on initiatives ensuring both short and long-term fiscal sustainability.
Maintain open and effective lines of communication, keeping the CEO informed of all critical issues.
Serve as a liaison to the board, clearly communicating and presenting critical administrative matters at board and audit meetings.
Represent The Whole Child externally as necessary.
financial management
Manage and provide strategic direction to a strong finance team, ensuring contract goals are met, and all aspects of agency policies and procedures are accurately implemented.
Oversee the management and compliance for approximately 40 governmental contracts with cities, county, state, and federal funding sources.
Review and analyze organizational budgets, cash forecasts, and financial statements, clearly communicating the standing and status of the organization to the CEO and Board of Directors
Develop, implement, and regularly report on departmental budgets.
Lead the organization’s financial planning and budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
Monitor cash flow and maintain a robust financial strategy to support the organization’s operations and growth.
Manage investments, banking relationships, and long-term financial planning for sustainability.
Ensure compliance with accounting standards, regulations, and legal requirements for nonprofit financial management.
administrative & organizational development
Oversee some of the administrative operations, including facilities management, technology infrastructure, and office support.
Identify and manage operational risks, ensuring that mitigation plans are in place.
Oversee internal controls and audit processes to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements
Ensure that the organization adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and best practices for nonprofit governance
Lead the procurement, contracting, and vendor management processes, ensuring transparency and fairness
Ensure that all sites meet goals and standards including to serve as brand icons, facilitate efficient workflow, minimize risk to employees and clients, and support an environment that is culturally supportive and traumainformed.
human resources
Oversee, direct, and organize the work of an employee-centered human resources department.
Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and teamwork within the organization.
Implement policies that account for succession planning, employee engagement and employee-related risk management.
Provide mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities for staff.
Ensure compliance with labor laws, employee benefits, payroll, and HR policies and procedures.
qualifications
The Whole Child is open to applicants from a variety of backgrounds. A combination of some of the following qualifications will make you stand out as a qualified candidate:
Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in progressively responsible roles within executive leadership or senior management positions at a nonprofit organization. Corporate experience is acceptable if knowledge of nonprofit management is demonstrated.
Bachelor's degree in finance, business management, or a related field; MBA preferred.
Experience with managing government contracts is strongly preferred
Strategic financial management experience, including overseeing budgets of $10 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 experiences, 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.
Proven experience fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
compensation & benefits
The Whole Child is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including persons with disabilities and veterans.
The Whole Child is offering a competitive salary of $200,000 to $230,000 annually. This is a full-time, hybrid position located in Whittier, CA. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Retirement, Life and a generous time off package. The first three months are expected to be full time in person to build rapport with the team; the position will be hybrid henceforth.
the ideal candidate
The ideal candidate for a Chief Operating Officer is a seasoned leader who is at once a structural thinker, naturally creating systems that solve problems and increase operational efficiency, and an empathetic manager, connecting and communicating with employees to foster a cohesive and supported team.
They are a thought partner to the Executive Director, supporting the ED’s innovation and visionary thinking with a natural sense of how to successfully implement those initiatives and create buy-in among the staff and Board. They handily take tasks and responsibilities off of the Executive Director’s plate and are eager to learn new skills and areas of executive nonprofit management.
They have high emotional intelligence when working with staff, and have the knowledge and motivation to create an inclusive workplace that is welcoming to employees with diverse backgrounds, identity, and education levels. They have an instinct for risk management and program assessment, and can handle multiple projects and responsibilities at once.
CAREERTRACKleadingtochiefoperatingOfficer
The likely career track for the Chief Operating Officer of The Whole Child is a nonprofit or commercial-sector leader on your way to the executive level In the nonprofit sector, you may have experience in operations, programs, or other administrative roles. From outside the nonprofit sector, you may have managed diverse teams and tackled challenging problems in people-facing roles. Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills are evident in your interviews, as well as your ability to engage with diverse communities.
Professionals we may look for:
ABOUT WHITTIER
Whittier, California, is a city rich in history and cultural diversity. Located in Los Angeles County, Whittier has evolved from a small Quaker settlement in the 19th century to a dynamic urban community with a population that reflects a broad spectrum of backgrounds. Neighborhoods like Uptown Whittier offer a blend of historic architecture, local eateries, and small businesses, while nearby areas such as the Whittier Narrows provide green spaces and recreational opportunities that attract a range of residents from different walks of life. The city’s annual events, like the Whittier Arts & Culture Festival, highlight its commitment to showcasing diverse cultural expressions.
Despite its vibrant mix of cultures, Whittier faces significant challenges related to social inequality. Income disparity, housing affordability, and access to quality education are pressing issues in many parts of the city, particularly for Latino and African American families who represent a large portion of the working-class population. Whittier’s proximity to wealthier cities like Santa Fe Springs and La Mirada
has highlighted the gap in resources and opportunities between different neighborhoods.
The divide is especially apparent in public school systems, where funding disparities often result in unequal educational outcomes, further entrenching cycles of poverty. Low-income areas in Whittier also struggle with limited access to healthcare, affordable housing, and job opportunities, contributing to an uneven quality of life for many residents.
Whittier is a city with a vision for the future. The city's leadership and residents are actively working to improve social equity and create a more inclusive environment for everyone. Whether through new educational programs, housing projects, or local activism, Whittier is increasingly a hub for individuals who are passionate about social justice. For someone considering a job here, it's not just a place to work it's an opportunity to be part of a collaborative effort to shape the city's future and help tackle some of the most pressing social issues of our time.
Envision Consulting has been retained by The Whole Child to conduct the search for their incoming COO. 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.
The The Whole Child 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.
search team for TWC
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.
MELISSA MONTOYA DIRECTOR OF SEARCH SERVICES
ALLISON FULLER MANAGING PARTNER
MATT KAMIN MANAGING PARTNER
JES MCBRIDE SEARCH CONSULTANT
Are you a great fit for the The Whole Child’s next COO?
We invite you to apply and share your experience with us!