Director of Operations

Location: Los Angeles/San Francisco

Salary: $130,000 to $140,000

Organization Overview

Founded in 2004, Brilliant Corners provides innovative housing and housing-related services to California’s most vulnerable individuals, with an emphasis on those transitioning from, or at risk of, homelessness or institutionalization. We develop, own, and manage multi-family supportive housing and licensed residential care homes. We implement a broad array of scattered-site, one-on-one supportive housing, and clinical case management programs through partnerships with developmental services, homeless services, veterans’ services, and health care sectors.

In short, we do good work.

We have offices statewide with a staff of passionate people. While we are growing rapidly, we are also selective: We’re seeking inspired, talented people who want to be effecting profound change and who have fun doing it.

Department Summary

The Brilliant Corners’ Operations Department is the agency’s engine for delivering efficient, compliant, and scalable housing solutions statewide. Our team oversees organizational operations, ensuring that people, processes, and systems work in concert to advance our mission.

We partner across departments to manage contracts, budgets, compliance, technology, facilities, and other core operational functions. Whether supporting direct service teams, stewarding resources, or driving strategic initiatives, the Operations Department provides the infrastructure and coordination that allows the agency to operate effectively and sustainably. With a focus on service, collaboration, and accountability, we ensure that Brilliant Corners meets funder expectations, supports staff needs, and is equipped to adapt and grow, creating the foundation for housing solutions that transform lives.

Position Summary

Brilliant Corners seeks an experienced and visionary Director of Operations to lead a state-wide Operations Department. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Operating Officer (DCOO) and working closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this leader will strengthen the department’s systems, expand organizational impact, and ensure operational excellence across all programs. The Director will partner with Program Directors, Housing Services, Property Management, Housing Development, Finance, and Data & Technology teams, to improve policies, streamline processes, enhance reporting, and strengthen contract and budget management. They will guide and support Associate Directors responsible for program operations, contracts, budgeting, and compliance, ensuring seamless collaboration that delivers efficiency, accountability, and exceptional service to funders and partners.

As a member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Operations contributes to agency-wide policy making, embodying Brilliant Corners commitment to housing justice and the advancement of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Brilliant Corners welcomes candidates who are inspired to lead with expertise, conviction, and collaboration in pursuit of our mission to provide housing solutions and transform lives.

The ideal candidate brings a deep commitment to housing accessibility, proven non-profit operations leadership, mastery of contracts and budgets, and experience managing complex, multi-site operations. They are collaborative, solutions-focused, champion cross-departmental communication, and model Brilliant Corners’ values.

Position Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Strategy

• Direct and coordinate all functions of the Operations Department, ensuring alignment with agency goals and statewide needs.
• Spearhead the design and expansion of Brilliant Corners’ fiscal intermediary services.
• Serve as a lead in the agency’s enterprise resource planning activities, including the procurement and implementation of a contracts management system.
• Assess systems and processes, identify inefficiencies, and lead initiatives to improve workflows, standardization, and scalability.
• Develop and implement metrics and dashboards to measure operational performance, accountability, and impact.
• Lead operational improvement projects from concept to implementation, ensuring staff adoption and sustainable results.
• Stay current on best practices in nonprofit operations, housing services, and contract management, introducing innovative ideas.

Team Development & Leadership

• Lead, coach, and inspire a diverse, geographically distributed team, fostering a culture of accountability, trust, and continuous improvement.
• Guide and support Associate Directors responsible for program operations, contracts, budgeting, and compliance, ensuring seamless collaboration.
• Define clear roles and responsibilities, create professional development plans, and empower direct reports to manage day-to-day operations to build leadership capacity and ensure continuity and resilience.
• Champion a “continuous improvement” mindset, encouraging staff to identify, propose, and pilot solutions.

Financial & Contract Oversight

• Oversee budgeting, allocations, and contracts teams, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with agency priorities, while collaborating with Finance for timely reporting and forecast-based planning.
• Ensure all government contracts and braided funding streams are managed in accordance with funder requirements and agency policies.
• Cross-Departmental & Stakeholder Relations
• Partner with Program Directors, Housing Services, Property Management, Housing Development, Finance, and Data & Technology to align operational systems with service delivery goals.
• Facilitate information flow between departments to ensure cohesive project execution and operational decisions that support front-line realities.
• Engage with funders, community partners, and government agencies, demonstrating responsiveness and strong problem-solving skills.

DEIB & Organizational Culture

• Embed DEIB principles in operational policies, staffing, and leadership, modeling inclusive decision-making that values diverse perspectives.
• Partner with HR and leadership peers to ensure equitable practices in hiring, promotions, and resource allocation.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in business or program operations, contract management, and team leadership, preferably in mission-driven organizations and ideally across multiple locations.
• Demonstrated leadership as evidenced by increasing levels of responsibility and management over the course of the candidate’s career.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep commitment to Housing First principles, Brilliant Corners’ mission, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Proven leadership in operations, contract management, budget oversight, and managing large, geographically distributed teams through an equity lens.
• Strong financial acumen and data-driven decision-making, with comfort handling budgets, government contracts, and complex resource allocation.
• Exceptional leadership capacity to manage multiple complex initiatives, empower teams, and navigate interpersonal and business decisions with sound judgment.
• Strategic, global thinker with a focus on inclusive design and decision-making, skilled at developing solutions and implementing transparent group processes.
• Strong, proactive communication skills, including active listening and empathy, with the ability to clearly articulate ideas and engage others openly.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including a practice of giving and receiving both positive and critical feedback for shared growth.
• Skilled at anticipating operational challenges and proactively designing solutions to meet evolving program and funder needs.
• Proficiency with MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel; experience with Salesforce a plus.

Core Competencies

• Dealing with Ambiguity: Remains productive and effective in uncertain, rapidly changing situations by quickly analyzing information to adapt approach. Demonstrates flexibility, composure and good judgment despite challenges 
• Building Effective Teams: Builds cohesive, high-performing teams through collaboration, positive culture, coaching, cross-functional work, and recognition of successes 
• Priority Setting: Focuses on highest impact priorities advancing strategic objectives. Aligns resources, eliminates roadblocks, and provides direction through a compelling vision 
• Managing through Systems:Designs and implements systems, processes and infrastructuresenabling effective execution, oversight, empowerment and accountability. Drives results through indirect influence and continuous improvement 
• Functional/Technical Expertise: Possesses advanced functional/technical skills of direct reports, enabling high-level task accomplishment, optimal partner support, and team development 

Organizational Values

• Humanity:Putting people first: We are committed to meeting people where they’re at, honoring their dignity, diversity, and experience.
• Community: Building a better future: Sustainable housing solutions are fostered through partnership, collaboration, and human connection.
• Ingenuity: Innovating for transformation: Systems-change requires relentless determination, thinking outside the box and challenging the status quo.

Physical Requirements

Candidates should have physical mobility for tasks such as standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, twisting, and walking on uneven surfaces. They should be capable of performing stationary tasks like sitting for up to 6 to 8 hours a day.  Additionally, candidates should be able to lift, carry, push, pull light to moderate weights up to 15 pounds safely. Requires mental acuity for analytical reasoning and document interpretation.

Salary range for this position is $130,000 to $140,000 annually. This position is being offered at $130,000 to $140,000 annually.

Brilliant Corners does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental, & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (With 5% Match)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary and AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources
• Hybrid Work