Job Description

Job Description

San Diego Youth Services

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Chief Operating Officer

San Diego Youth Services seeks a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to be based at our Point Loma Administration Headquarters. This is a full-time exempt position reporting to the Chief Executive Officer.

San Diego Youth Services: Who we are

San Diego Youth Services has helped improve the lives of more than 780,000 homeless, runaway and vulnerable youth since its beginning in 1970. We provide safe places to live and long-term solutions through shelter, foster homes, community centers and housing to more than 28,000 youth every year at 100+ community and school locations. Through prevention, early intervention and treatment, we also help youth before they need higher levels of care or become homeless.

SDYS has a staff of approximately 250 employees and 80 volunteers working across San Diego County and an annual budget of approximately $28 million. You can learn more about us at

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION OR PROGRAM DESCRIPTION HIRING FOR

The COO will be part of the SDYS Executive Leadership Team (ELT). The Executive Leadership Team (ELT) at San Diego Youth Services is a collaborative group of senior leaders responsible for guiding the organization’s strategy, culture, and operations. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, the ELT ensures alignment across all programs, services, and administrative functions to advance SDYS’s mission of empowering youth to reach their full potential.

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION

The COO is a key member of SDYS’ executive leadership team (ELT), responsible for ensuring organizational excellence across multiple programs in 5 divisions, facilities, IT and quality management. The COO provides strategic leadership and operational oversight to advance the SDYS mission, strengthen infrastructure, and ensures high standards of service delivery. This role works closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and leadership team to drive impact, improve outcomes, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.

Essential functions include:

Programs

1. Provide executive oversight of SDYS’ programs, ensuring alignment with mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
2. Ensure that the programs have adequate staffing capacity and capability necessary for service delivery, contract compliance and organizational development
3. Assist with public funding, grant proposal writing in assigned specialized areas in accordance with SDYS strategic goals.
4. Develop and maintain good working partnerships with funders, other agencies and constituents in order to develop, facilitate and integrate the agency's and community's goals.
5. Oversee program budgeting in partnership with the CFO and Fiscal Dept, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and programs operate within approved budgets.

Facilities

1. Oversee all SDYS facilities and properties, ensuring safe, welcoming, and functional environments for youth, staff, and partners.
2. Develop and implement facility management plans, including capital improvements, safety protocols, and emergency preparedness.
3. Ensure operational systems, processes, and policies support organizational efficiency and sustainability.
4. Partner with Finance and Marketing & Development to align operational resources with organizational priorities.

Quality Management

1. Lead agency-wide quality assurance and compliance efforts, ensuring adherence to contracts, funder requirements, and accreditation standards.
2. Develop and monitor performance metrics and dashboards to track organizational effectiveness and impact.
3. Oversee risk management and compliance policies to ensure agency-wide accountability and safety.
4. Promote a culture of data-driven decision making, transparency, and continuous improvement.

IT

1. In collaboration with the Director of CQIT, and the external outsourcing IT company, Excedeo, provide oversight of IT systems, infrastructure, and support services to ensure secure, efficient, and reliable operations.
2. Partner with IT staff, Excedeo and vendors to align technology with organizational needs, including data management, cybersecurity, and user support.
3. Lead strategic planning for technology improvements that enhance program delivery, staff collaboration, and organizational efficiency.

Leadership & Culture

1. Serve as a thought partner to the CEO, supporting agency-wide strategy and vision.
2. Mentor and develop leadership staff to strengthen internal capacity and succession planning.
3. Build strong cross-functional collaboration to ensure organizational cohesion and impact.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in nonprofit management, social services, public administration, or related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, human services, or related sectors.
• Experience managing/overseeing diverse funding streams and payment models (e.g. Cost reimbursement, pay for performance, etc.)
• Demonstrated success in program oversight, operations/facilities management, and quality/compliance leadership.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit regulations, contracts, and funding streams.
• Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to the mission and values of San Diego Youth Services.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have ability to bend at the waist, kneel or crouch to assist students.
• Must have the ability to hear and speak to exchange information and make presentations.
• Must be able to lift and carry 20 pounds-lifting books, materials and equipment to execute lessons and presentations.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
• Walking extended lengths to move around campuses.
• Potential exposure to physical injury from aggressive behavior.

SDYS EXPECTATIONS

• Adhere to and uphold the rigorous standards of SDYS as mandated by its mission, purpose, guiding principles and standards of quality.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy standards of service partner protected health information and other applicable information and material in accordance to agency and center policies, and applicable regulations and laws including HIPAA.
• Welcome and support SDYS volunteers and assist them in accomplishing their services whenever applicable.
• Effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Recognize, nurture, and learn from strengths in co-workers.
• Maintain warm, welcoming and safe work environments.
• Possess flexibility to accomplish job responsibilities in several work environments, whether it be from home, on the road, or in an office.
• Employment is subject to required clearances which include tuberculosis test, fingerprinting, background checks, and drug testing.

Salary Range : $230,000 – 250,000/year

To apply, please send resume and cover letter through job posting on SDYS website. SDYS offers a comprehensive benefits package to full time employees that includes generous PTO, personal holidays, health, vision, dental, life insurance, parental leave and a 403(b)-retirement plan with matching contribution. SDYS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer. Read more about the PSLF program here.

All are welcome at San Diego Youth Services.

As an organization working to meet the basic needs of youth, create positive connections, help youth develop life skills, and promote overall health and well-being, SDYS believes its practices and actions must reflect the highest level of commitment to access, equity, and social justice.

The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent that our members invest in their work represents not only part of the SDYS’ culture, but the SDYS’ reputation and achievements as well. SDYS remains open to feedback from all communities it touches and knows that input from those with direct experience of issues will make the SDYS more effective in achieving its goals.

SDYS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. In compliance with the Immigration and Nationality Act as amended, all new employees must verify their eligibility to work in the United States.

SDYS is proud to be a kindness certified company.

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