Director of Programs & Operations

Are you a mission-driven leader passionate about expanding educational equity? The Legacy Funds of Holy Names University (HNU) is seeking a Director of Programs & Operations to lead our scholarship programs and ensure the continued impact of HNU’s proud legacy.

About Us:

The Legacy Funds of HNU provide scholarships to Bay Area students attending California colleges and universities. Our mission is to honor the history and values of Holy Names University by supporting students who demonstrate financial need, academic ambition, leadership, and a commitment to social justice.

About the Role:

The Director of Programs & Operations is a senior leader responsible for advancing the organization’s mission through effective management of both its scholarship programs and internal operations. This role ensures organizational systems, policies, and staffing align with strategic goals and support high-quality, equitable service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Operations & Infrastructure

• Lead the design and optimization of organizational systems, tools, and workflows to support operational efficiency, scalability, and compliance.
• Oversee IT systems, data governance, and internal controls, ensuring platforms (e.g., CRM, scholarship portals, databases) are secure, functional, and integrated.
• Ensure the organization complies with legal and regulatory requirements (e.g., FERPA, IRS guidelines, grant reporting, employment law).
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and external vendors on facilities, risk management, and operational contracts.

Administrative Support Responsibilities

• Maintain and update the Raiser’s Edge database with alumni information, obituary notices, and donor gift records.
• Serve as the main point of contact for estate notifications, including communications with attorneys regarding planned gifts, beneficiary claims, and estate revisions.
• Respond to alumni and student requests related to verification of credentials, teaching licenses, and past course syllabi.
• Use the Student Information System (via Citrix) and the National Student Clearinghouse site to verify enrollment, degree, or student record information.
• Maintain organized electronic and physical filing systems to support student and donor recordkeeping.
• Other Office Support Tasks as assigned.

Program Strategy & Management

• Oversee the full lifecycle of scholarship programs, including strategy development, implementation, evaluation, and impact measurement.
• Ensure alignment of all programmatic activities with organizational mission, funding priorities, and community needs.
• Evaluate and adapt programs based on data, stakeholder feedback, and emerging trends in education access.
• Manage a diverse portfolio of scholarship funds, stewarding donor intent and program integrity.

Finance & Budget Oversight

• Develop and monitor operational and programmatic budgets in collaboration with the Executive Director and finance team.
• Oversee timely scholarship disbursement, financial reporting, and compliance with funder and audit requirements.
• Support long-term financial planning through scenario modeling and resource optimization.

External Engagement & Partnerships

• Support and engage with donors, funders, schools, higher education institutions, and community partners as needed.
• Contribute to fundraising and communications efforts by providing program data
• Assist the organization at external events to strengthen relationships and expand visibility.

Qualifications & Skills

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Education, or related field is strongly preferred.

Experience: 5+ years of progressive leadership experience, with a strong foundation in both program management and operational oversight. Experience in nonprofit or educational settings is preferred, and we also value comparable leadership gained through volunteer service, board involvement, or community engagement.

Ability to Travel: Local travel is required; reliable transportation is necessary. The role involves attending outreach events, meetings, and other in-person activities within the community or at partner locations.

Skills:

• Proven success managing complex programs and teams, ideally in scholarship administration or student support services.
• Demonstrated experience with budget oversight, technology platforms (Jotform, Salesforce, Submittable, etc.), and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Deep understanding of and commitment to educational equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Strategic thinker with strong planning, organizational, and execution skills.
• Confident communicator with ability to inspire and engage staff, donors, and partners.
• Analytical mindset with experience using data for program and operational improvement.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity, solving problems, and leading through change.
• Skilled at relationship management and representing the organization externally.