Job Description

*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 Services
• Small Business Development
• Early Childhood Education
• Financial Education & Asset Building
• Weatherization & Energy Conservation

We 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 Leadership
• Integrity & Accountability
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Succession Planning & Leadership Development
• Crisis Management & Operational Resilience
• Results-Oriented Decision Making
• Financial & Business Acumen
• Organizational Management & Change Leadership
• Conflict Resolution & Problem-Solving
• Excellent Communication & Public Speaking

Additional 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.

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