Job Description

Compensation Range: $200,000 to $250,000 annually plus excellent benefits.

***This position is ON-SITE in our DTLA HQ office***

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

PACE was founded in 1975 to provide job training and placement services for the Asian Pacific Islander communities in Los Angeles. PACE has since expanded into a variety of service areas, all tailored to meet the growing and changing needs of the multi-ethnic communities in Los Angeles County. Now, in addition to job training and employment services, significant PACE programs encompass: business development; early childhood education (Head Start); financial education and asset building; housing and rehabilitation services; weatherization and energy-conservation programs; and affordable housing development. PACE serves more than 40,000 people each year with our wide scope of services with approximately 400+ staff. PACE is recognized as a leader in addressing problems of poverty and economic inequity in ethnic minority communities and has a reputation of being responsive to community needs and is known for creating innovative solutions to the myriad of challenges faced by our clients. Visit our website to learn more about our organization: https://pacela.org

POSITION SUMMARY

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 Language skills
• 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

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive Salary range from $200k to $200k annual (commensurate with experience)
• Affordable and robust Medical, Dental, Vision, and life insurance plans for employee plus family with generous employer contributions
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous PTO, paid holidays, and sick leave

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must satisfactorily pass background and employment/reference check
• Must have reliable transportation
• Travel will be required: Primarily local, with occasional out-of-area and overnight travel.
• Some evening/weekend work may be required.
• COVID vaccination required; must have two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna or a single-dose of Johnson & Johnson. Those that need a medical or religious exemption must reach out separately.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• All applicants MUST apply on our website by uploading a resume AND completing our online application to be considered: See link to apply: https://pacela.org/about/work-at-pace/
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until position has been filled.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The working conditions and physical demands of this position will be those that must be met to successfully perform the essential duties of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. The physical environment the incumbent will work in is typically an office environment with moderate noise levels that would be expected in that type of work environment. Representative physical demands of the job include: normal vision and hearing, standing for extended periods, sitting for extended periods, kneeling and stooping, manipulating objects with hands, reaching overhead, and occasionally lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

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