Director of Operations, Non-profit

Director of Operations
About Lifeline Community Services

Lifeline Community Services is a premier nonprofit organization in San Diego County, dedicated to empowering individuals and families to achieve self-reliance and long-term stability. Our diverse service portfolio spans housing, behavioral health, youth development, and anti-human trafficking initiatives, operating across multiple locations.

The Director of Operations plays a mission-critical role in ensuring the efficiency, security, and strategic oversight of Lifeline's operational infrastructure. This position is responsible for the comprehensive management of facilities, IT vendor oversight, procurement, fleet operations, and risk management, ensuring that all systems and resources support the organization's long-term sustainability and growth.
Position Overview

The Director of Operations serves as the strategic leader overseeing all facets of organizational operations, infrastructure management, and resource optimization. This position integrates key functional areas, including facilities management, third-party IT oversight, procurement, fleet operations, and insurance portfolio management, ensuring they align with the organization's mission, compliance requirements, and operational excellence.

Reporting to the CFO, this role requires a forward-thinking, solutions-oriented leader who can optimize operational efficiency, enhance cost-effectiveness, and drive continuous improvement. The Director of Operations will collaborate closely with executive leadership, directors, and external partners to ensure seamless alignment between infrastructure needs and programmatic priorities.
Key Responsibilities

Strategic Operational Leadership

• Develop and implement comprehensive operational strategies that optimize resources, enhance service delivery, and ensure long-term sustainability.
• Align operational functions with organizational growth, programmatic goals, and regulatory compliance.
• Establish and refine policies, procedures, and best practices to drive efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness across all operational domains.
• Partner with the CFO and executive leadership to assess and implement operational innovations, risk mitigation strategies, and infrastructure improvements.
• Identify and execute strategic initiatives to enhance operational resilience, scalability, and sustainability.

Facilities & Property Management

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and compliance of all Lifeline Community Services locations, including owned and leased properties.
• Develop and implement a preventive maintenance program for critical building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, security, etc.).
• Conduct regular site inspections to ensure facilities are safe, operational, and compliant with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations.
• Manage vendor relationships for janitorial services, security, utilities, and facility maintenance.
• Oversee capital improvement projects, renovations, and space planning in alignment with organizational growth.

IT & Technology Oversight (Vendor-Managed Services)

• Provide strategic oversight of IT services delivered by third-party vendors, ensuring efficiency, security, and alignment with organizational needs.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Lifeline Community Services and IT service providers, ensuring seamless service delivery and compliance.
• Oversee technology procurement, inventory management, cybersecurity protocols, and regulatory adherence.
• Monitor IT contracts, budgets, and vendor performance, ensuring technology solutions support operational objectives.
• Ensure IT infrastructure meets government contract requirements, cybersecurity best practices, and regulatory compliance.

Procurement & Asset Management

• Develop and execute strategic procurement initiatives that optimize cost savings, ensure compliance, and enhance service delivery.
• Oversee procurement for facilities, IT, office equipment, and operational supplies, ensuring adherence to budgetary and regulatory requirements.
• Establish inventory management and asset tracking systems to maximize efficiency and resource utilization.
• Negotiate and manage vendor contracts, ensuring high-quality services and cost-effective solutions.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Business Administration, Facilities Management, or a related field plus 5+ years equivalent professional experience; OR,
• 7+ years of progressive experience in operations management, facilities administration, and IT or IT vendor oversight.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing multifunctional teams, vendors, and cross-departmental initiatives.
• Proven expertise in budgeting, cost management, and resource allocation.
• Strong knowledge of building systems, IT infrastructure oversight, procurement best practices, and risk management.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant experience in operations leadership (if no degree).
• Project management experience, particularly in facilities infrastructure and IT vendor management.
• Professional certifications in Facilities Management (FMP, CFM), IT Service Management (ITIL), or Risk Management.
• Experience in nonprofit operations and government contract compliance.
• Knowledge of sustainability initiatives, energy-efficient building practices, and disaster recovery planning.

Why Join Lifeline?

Comprehensive Benefits:

• Competitive compensation with a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid parental leave and bereavement leave of up to 80 hours for qualifying events.
• Generous paid time off and hybrid work flexibility to support work-life balance.

Professional Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership development and access to training programs.
• Career advancement opportunities in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

North County Lifeline DBA Lifeline Community Services ("Lifeline") is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring an inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and discrimination is not tolerated. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their best selves to work. We adhere to all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

In California, we extend these protections to include ancestry, medical condition, genetic characteristics, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), familial status, citizenship, primary language, immigration status, and age (40 and above) among others, recognizing and valuing the diverse backgrounds and perspectives that all individuals bring to our team.

Lifeline is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) by providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and by ensuring that our employment practices do not discriminate against any individual.

We believe that diversity fuels innovation and creativity, and we are dedicated to building a team that reflects a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Lifeline's success is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and the collective contributions of all our employees.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Lifeline expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on any of the protected characteristics mentioned above.

Lifeline's leadership is committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion and ensuring that our employment environment is free from discrimination and harassment. All employees are encouraged to report any instances of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in violation of this policy to a supervisor, HR representative, or through our reporting email.

By embracing diversity and promoting equality, Lifeline not only complies with all relevant legislation but also creates a richer, more vibrant work environment for all our employees.

Accommodations and Accessibility Statement

Lifeline Community Services is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and other applicable laws, Lifeline will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for the organization.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact as soon as possible. Accommodations may include, but are not limited to, assistance with completing the application process, providing documents in an accessible format, or arranging for an accessible interview location.

Our goal is to ensure that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and are able to perform their job duties safely and effectively. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all employees can thrive.

Classification Compliance Statement

This position is intended to be classified as exempt under the administrative exemption provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and California labor laws. To qualify as exempt, employees must meet both the duties test and the salary test, which requires earning a minimum salary of no less than twice the California minimum wage for full-time employment. The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $120,000, and offers will be made in compliance with applicable laws to ensure the exempt classification is met. If the exemption criteria are not met, the classification of this position may be subject to change to comply with applicable labor laws, and adjustments to compensation, benefits, or job responsibilities may occur as required.

As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our clients and maintaining the integrity of our workplace, North County Lifeline conducts comprehensive background and drug screening processes for all prospective employees. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Driving Record Check: Verification through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to ensure a good standing driving record.
• Employment Verification: Confirmation of your employment history to verify your experiences and qualifications.
• Reference Checks: Contacting provided references to gain insights into your work ethic, professionalism, and suitability for the role.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Screening: A TB test to ensure the health and safety of our clients and staff, in line with public health recommendations.
• Drug Screening: A 10-panel non-DOT drug test to screen for the presence of common illicit substances, ensuring a drug-free workplace.
• Criminal Background Checks: Comprehensive checks through the Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI, and Child Abuse Index to identify any history that may impact your suitability for employment, particularly in roles involving vulnerable populations.

These screenings are a vital part of our hiring process and must be successfully completed for employment eligibility. North County Lifeline is dedicated to fair and responsible hiring practices and ensures that all screenings are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, respecting the privacy and rights of all candidates. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this process, aimed at creating a safe and productive work environment for everyone.