Senior Director, Operations

About the Organization

SSG-Project 180 helps people rebuild their lives by delivering coordinated, wraparound support that keeps individuals out of institutions and connected to their communities. The division is recognized for specialized forensic treatment services supporting justice-involved people across multiple points of the criminal justice system, including pre-arrest intervention, court diversion, jail in-reach, and intensive services after release. Project 180 works in partnership with county agencies such as the Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Department of Health Services (DHS), and the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD).

Role Overview

This position is designed for an operations leader who can build the systems, infrastructure, and logistics foundation needed for scale and long-term stability. The Senior Director will sit on the Project 180 executive team as a peer to the Senior Directors of People & Culture, Programs, and Quality & Outcomes, and will influence strategy through expertise, collaboration, and strong relationships.

Project 180 operates as a division of Special Service for Groups, Inc. (SSG). HR and fiscal administration are handled by SSG at the legal entity level, while this role focuses on the Project 180-specific areas of facilities, information technology, financial management, and program logistics. The role reports to the Division Director and partners closely with SSG’s CFO, senior leaders, outside consultants and vendors, and employees across the organization.

First 18–24 Months

The incoming Senior Director will inherit a capable team that already includes two Operations Coordinators and a Facilities Manager. Over the first 18–24 months, the role will guide that team in strengthening operations across the division’s core functions, with a planned addition of either a Finance Manager or Operations Generalist, bringing the team size to 5–6.

• Review the current state of Facilities, IT, and Financial Management, then set a clear, prioritized roadmap with the team
• Finish building out the team by hiring a Finance Manager or Operations Generalist
• Lead the sourcing and rollout of enterprise tools that replace fragmented, manual processes
• Rework policies and procedures to align with current best practices
• Define ownership, performance measures, and feedback systems so each function is accountable
• Create logistics systems through the team that directly support service delivery to clients

Core Responsibilities

The Senior Director is responsible for building and sustaining strong organizational infrastructure across Facilities and Program Logistics, Information Technology, and Financial Management. The position is expected to strengthen efficiency, sustainability, and outcomes across the division.

Facilities, Safety & Program Logistics

• Direct the care and upkeep of Project 180 buildings, housing sites, vehicles, and equipment
• Improve health, safety, and security practices across four interim housing sites and the broader division
• Create and refine facilities systems for work orders, inventory, purchasing, inspections, and vendor coordination
• Lead site selection, leasing, renovation, and furnishing for new spaces
• Develop the logistics systems that help staff deliver services reliably, including transportation, equipment readiness, and site operations
• Oversee relationships with property managers, building owners, developers, and funders

Information Technology

• Own the IT strategy and implementation roadmap for Project 180
• Manage the managed service provider relationship covering infrastructure, security, and user support
• Oversee the development and maintenance of the website and intranet
• Direct software purchasing, licensing, and lifecycle planning
• Manage equipment tracking and replacement cycles

Financial Management

• Work with the Division Director to shape and execute financial strategy
• Put in place strong systems for budgeting, forecasting, controls, and accounts payable
• Act as the main Project 180 contact for SSG financial processes, improving coordination, reducing friction, and maintaining clean data flows between the division and the parent organization

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise and develop a team of 5–6 staff, including two Operations Coordinators, a Facilities Manager, and a Finance Manager or Operations Generalist to be hired
• Contribute as a peer executive on the Project 180 leadership team and help guide division-wide strategy
• Set direction, remove barriers, and support the team without micromanaging

Baseline Staff Expectations

• Regular attendance is required, and occasional holiday or weekend work may be necessary
• Uphold the agency’s mission, values, policies, procedures, and guiding principles
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Skills and Abilities

• Strong grasp of systems and infrastructure development
• Comfort building operational frameworks from the ground up
• Ability to move between long-term strategy and hands-on execution
• Disciplined project management and accountability focus
• Trusted leadership style that works well in peer and matrixed settings
• Ability to guide technical specialists and explain complex issues to senior leaders
• Confidence setting direction and shaping strategy independently
• Change leadership and strong communication skills
• Service-oriented approach to internal operations and staff support
• Experience leading large-scale improvements while maintaining strong relationships
• Adaptable mindset with a continuous-improvement focus
• Strong commitment to community-based care and reduced criminal justice involvement

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 8 years of professional experience across operations, facilities, IT, financial management, or related areas
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience, preferably across more than one function
• At least 2 years of experience in a government, nonprofit, or mission-driven setting
• Proven ability to build new operational systems or significantly improve existing ones
• Valid California driver’s license, proof of insurance, and access to a reliable personal vehicle
• Alignment with Project 180’s mission and strong DEI leadership
• Employment eligibility verification and background screening are required

Working Conditions

Work will take place in both office and field environments, including Project 180 interim housing sites.

Physical Requirements

The role requires frequent movement throughout the worksite, which may include walking, standing, stair climbing, or the use of a mobility device. The employee may also need to drive, carry up to 20 lbs, listen, and speak to complete job duties.

Mental Requirements

The position calls for the ability to manage complex, varied tasks; synthesize information; make decisions without immediate supervision; handle interruptions, noise, and shifting priorities; interact professionally in stressful situations; and work to plans and deadlines.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $150,000 to $180,000.