Associate Director of Operations

Location: Los Angeles or San Francisco

Salary: $100,000 to $110,000

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, 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 Associate Director of Operations to lead Fiscal Intermediary (FI) operations, enterprise systems implementation and improvement, and statewide program operations coordination. This role partners closely with Program Directors, Finance, Data & Technology, Housing Services, and other departmental leaders to standardize, scale, and optimize operational systems, fiscal processes, and program delivery across regions.

The Associate Director oversees systems design, process improvement, FI workflows, and program-level operational support, building the tools, training, and infrastructure that enable consistent, compliant, and efficient frontline service delivery. This leader also contributes to agency-wide policymaking and advances Brilliant Corners’ commitment to housing justice and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).

The ideal candidate brings a strong commitment to housing accessibility, demonstrated nonprofit operations leadership, expertise in contracts and budgets, and experience managing complex, multi-site teams. They are collaborative, solutions-oriented, and champion cross-departmental communication while modeling Brilliant Corners’ values.

Position Responsibilities

Operations, Fiscal Intermediary & Program Support

• Lead daily FI workflows, including intake/onboarding, approvals, payment processing, exception handling, and month-end reconciliation.
• Monitor SLAs, spenddown, variance, and payment timeliness.
• Serve as the operations liaison for Program Directors and regional teams, providing guidance, troubleshooting, and escalation support.
• Ensure operational alignment and consistent service delivery across programs and regions.

Systems, Data & Reporting

• Manage, optimize, and drive adoption of ERP, contract management, and related systems.
• Configure workflows, user roles, automations, and data quality controls.
• Develop dashboards, KPIs, and reports that ensure accurate, actionable operational and financial insights for leadership.

Process Improvement, Standardization & Compliance

• Map, redesign, and standardize workflows for efficiency, scalability, consistency, and compliance.
• Create and maintain SOPs, templates, and standardized toolkits.
• Embed compliance checkpoints into operational and program workflows and ensure documentation aligns with funder and audit requirements.
• Identify bottlenecks and lead continuous improvement initiatives.

Training, Change Management & Communication

• Develop and deliver training for systems, workflows, and SOPs.
• Lead change management efforts to support adoption and sustained use.

Professional Experience

• 5+ years of experience in operations management, systems implementation, fiscal processes, or related roles within mission-driven or public-sector environments.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams or initiatives across multiple sites.
• Demonstrated success implementing and managing operational systems and workflows.
• Experience working with government-funded programs, compliance frameworks, and braided funding.
• Demonstrated leadership progression, with increasing responsibility and management scope 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 operational leadership, including budget oversight and management of large, geographically distributed teams through an equity lens.
• Strong financial and analytical acumen, with experience managing budgets, government contracts, and complex resource allocation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple complex initiatives, empower teams, and exercise sound judgment in interpersonal and business decisions.
• Strategic, systems-oriented thinker skilled in inclusive design, solution development, and transparent decision-making processes.
• Strong, proactive communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening, empathy, and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback.
• Anticipates operational challenges and proactively designs solutions to meet evolving program and funder needs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel); Salesforce experience 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

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 $100,000 to $140,000 annually. This position is being offered at $100,000 to $110,000 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. 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