Chief Operating Officer / Vice President
- Compensation : $180,000+ plus excellent benefits
- In-person position
About PACE
Founded in 1976, PACE is a nonprofit community development organization originally established to address the employment and job training needs of the Pacific Asian Islander (API) communities. Over time, PACE has expanded to serve diverse, multi-ethnic communities across Los Angeles County. Our programs span :
Job Training & Employment ServicesSmall Business DevelopmentEarly Childhood EducationFinancial Education & Asset BuildingWeatherization & Energy ConservationWe are committed to building economic opportunity, equity, and sustainability for the communities we serve.
Position Overview
The Chief Operating Officer / Vice President (COO / VP) is a senior executive responsible for ensuring the operational excellence, financial health, and mission alignment of PACE's diverse portfolio of programs. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the COO / VP oversees day-to-day operations, compliance, and strategic initiatives while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
This role requires a seasoned nonprofit leader with a proven ability to lead through change, leverage data for decision-making, ensure operational resilience, and build a strong leadership pipeline for the organization's future.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Organizational Management
Partner with the President / CEO and executive team to shape and execute organizational strategy.Lead the "Good to Great" agenda by identifying talent, fostering leadership growth, and creating a high-performance culture.Oversee the development and implementation of operational systems, processes, and infrastructure to support growth.Ensure effective succession planning by identifying and developing future leaders at all levels of the organization.Operational Oversight & Compliance
Supervise all program operations, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations as well as funder requirements.Conduct periodic internal audits to ensure programmatic and financial integrity.Review and approve contracts, program initiatives, and major expenditures prior to CEO sign-off.Develop and maintain crisis management and resilience plans to safeguard operations during emergencies or funding disruptions.Data-Driven Decision Making & Performance Management
Implement and oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting systems to measure impact, improve program effectiveness, and guide strategic priorities.Use data insights to inform resource allocation, operational adjustments, and funding strategies.Present clear, timely, and accurate performance reports to the CEO, Board of Directors, and funders.Financial Stewardship
Collaborate with the Controller and program directors to develop and manage annual budgets.Ensure sound financial controls and long-term fiscal sustainability.Diversify revenue streams by expanding fee-for-service programs, developing social enterprises, and securing new funding opportunities.Evaluate program financial viability and recommend continuation, restructuring, or discontinuation as needed.People & Culture
Lead, mentor, and coach program directors to achieve organizational goals while fostering professional growth.Work with HR and the CEO on personnel policies, labor relations, benefits, and staff development.Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across the organization.External Relations & Advocacy
Represent PACE with clients, funders, partners, government agencies, and community stakeholders.Build and maintain strong relationships with philanthropic, corporate, and government partners.Enhance PACE's visibility through media engagement, community events, and strategic partnerships.Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's degree in business, nonprofit management, public administration, or related field (Master's preferred).Minimum 7 years senior-level nonprofit management experience.Proven track record in operations, compliance, financial management, and program oversight.Strong experience with data analysis, performance metrics, and impact reporting.Knowledge of community and economic development, social services, and nonprofit governance.Preferred
Experience working with diverse, multicultural communities, especially API communities.Bilingual proficiency in an Asian or Pacific Islander language.Experience in social enterprise development or earned-income initiatives.Core Competencies
Visionary & Strategic LeadershipIntegrity & AccountabilityData-Driven Decision MakingSuccession Planning & Leadership DevelopmentCrisis Management & Operational ResilienceResults-Oriented Decision MakingFinancial & Business AcumenOrganizational Management & Change LeadershipConflict Resolution & Problem-SolvingExcellent Communication & Public SpeakingAdditional Details
Travel : Primarily local, with occasional out-of-area and overnight travel.Work Environment : Professional office setting; some evening / weekend work required.Physical Requirements : Ability to work at a computer, attend meetings, and occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.