Senior Director of People and Program Operations

“Every person deserves compassion, dignity, and the safety of a place to call home.”

Homelessness is the largest social and public health crisis in California. Illumination Health + Home (IH+H) is a growing non-profit organization dedicated towards disrupting the cycle of homelessness by providing targeted, interdisciplinary services in our recuperative care centers, emergency shelters, housing services and children's and family programs. IH+H currently has 13+ facilities with 22+ micro-communities scattered across Orange County, Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire.

Job Description

The Senior Director of People and Program Operations is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for the strategic and hands-on management of the organization’s 24-hour recuperative care programs and the Human Resources department. This leader ensures high-quality service delivery, operational efficiency, and a healthy organizational culture through strong systems, staff development, and compliance oversight.

This role requires a mission-driven leader with experience in health or housing programs, deep knowledge of human resources, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic, client centered environment.

The salary range for this role is: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00, depending on experience. This is a primarily in-office position based in Santa Ana, with candidates having the option to work from home 1-2 days per week after their initial onboarding period.  

Responsibilities

• Provide direct oversight of day-to-day operations for all 24/7 recuperative care sites, ensuring compliance with healthcare standards, contracts, and licensing. 
• Develop and implement operational protocols and workflows to ensure quality care, safety, and efficiency. 
• Lead program directors and site managers; support staff performance, coverage, and ongoing training needs. 
• Track program metrics and outcomes; collaborate with quality assurance staff to monitor performance indicators and implement improvements. 
• Support program expansion and capacity-building efforts, including new site launches and cross-agency partnerships. 
• Serve as the primary liaison between executive leadership and program teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. 

• Lead the HR department and oversee all HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, training, performance management, and compliance. 
• Develop and track HR metrics to include: Monthly Employee turnover analysis monthly (voluntary/involuntary and reasons why), employee retention strategies, time to fill open positions, leadership and supervisory employee relations and basic management training. 
• Foster a diverse, inclusive, and supportive work culture that reflects the values of the organization.
• Partner with the CEO and leadership team on workforce planning and organizational development.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws and best practices.
• Manage HR vendors and consultants as needed (e.g., benefits, payroll, legal counsel).
• Support leadership development, coaching, and succession planning across departments. 

• Participate in executive-level planning and decision-making; align operations and HR strategy with organizational mission. 
• Develop and manage budgets related to HR and program departments. 
• Represent the organization in stakeholder meetings, funder site visits, and public forums as needed.

• We uphold the values of Community, Action, Respect, and Empowerment in all aspects of our work.
  • Community - We lead with the vision of a strengthened and compassionate community for all. By embodying collective care, we serve as an example of what is possible when we come together. 
  • Action - Our “whatever it takes” mindset drives us forward. We take initiative, step in where others have stepped out, and create solutions when none exist. 
  • Respect - We deeply value the dignity and uniqueness of every individual we serve. We honor their stories, their journeys, and their right to be seen and heard. 
  • Empowerment - We heal—always. Our work enables clients to grow stronger in health, confidence, and belief in their potential as they move forward on their life journey. 
• Demonstrate the ability to motivate and support colleagues while adapting to new procedures and promoting a positive, team-oriented culture. 
• Maintain professional communication, responding to phone calls and emails in a courteous and timely manner. 
• Set and model appropriate boundaries with clients while maintaining trust and rapport. 
• Exercise sound judgment, confidentiality, and ethical decision-making in line with Illumination Health + Home’s core values: integrity, transparency, accountability, respect, and responsibility. 
• Present oneself in accordance with Illumination Health + Home's dress code and professional standards. 
• Model openness, honesty, and accountability in all interactions with clients, colleagues, leadership, volunteers, and external partners. 
• Maintain strict confidentiality of client and organizational information. 
• Accept personal responsibility and accountability for job performance and continuous improvement. 
• Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to the needs of low-income and homeless populations. 
• Exhibit effective interpersonal and communication skills, including tact, diplomacy, and active listening. 
• Collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team, clients, and members of the public. 
• Work independently, manage time efficiently, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing priorities with minimal supervision

Preferred Experience/Minimum Qualifications
Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Human Resources, Healthcare Administration, Social Work, or related field required.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit or healthcare operations, with at least 3 years overseeing HR functions or departments. 
• Experience managing 24-hour or residential programs (e.g., recuperative care, shelters, skilled nursing, behavioral health). 
• Strong understanding of employment law, HR compliance, and staff development best practices. 
• Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to build systems, lead through change, and manage teams with 
  empathy and accountability. 

• Master’s degree strongly preferred. 

Benefits

• Medical Insurance funded up to 91% by Illumination Heatlh + Home (Kaiser and Blue Shield), depending on the plan
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life, AD&D and LTD Insurance funded 100% by Illumination Health + Home
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 401K with Company Matching
• 15 days vacation PTO/year
• 6 days sick PTO/year
• 10 days holiday PTO/year
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSFL) for federally qualified loan