Deputy Director

Help a Mother Out ('HAMO') works to improve baby and family well-being by increasing access to diapers for families in need. We distribute diapers through a network of social service partners operating within diverse communities, service models, and geographic focus. We also advocate for the inclusion of diapers in the social safety net. Since 2009, we have distributed over 75 million diapers, primarily in the Bay Area metropolitan region. We are a small and mighty organization; our workplace culture is centered on our core values of Gratitude, Compassion & Mutuality, Growth, Integrity, Inclusion & Belonging, and Sustainability.

Summary

The Deputy Director serves as HAMO's Chief Operating Officer and the Executive Director's second in command, bringing operational excellence to the organization's internal systems and capacity building. This role provides strategic oversight and day-to-day management of finance, administration, human resources, and government grants compliance while building scalable systems that support current operations and future growth. As a hands-on operational leader, the Deputy Director will balance big-picture thinking with meticulous attention to detail, cultivating a healthy workplace culture, maintaining exceptionally high standards, and ensuring organizational resilience through periods of growth and evolution. They will supervise staff and serve as the organization's senior representative when the Executive Director is unavailable. This is a rare opportunity for an operational leader who thrives as a strategic executor and collaborative thought partner.

We value diversity in all forms. We strongly encourage bilingual and bicultural candidates to apply to our team.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Operations & Organizational Development (30%)

• Partner with the Executive Director on strategy, priorities, and long-term planning
• Design and implement scalable systems, policies, and procedures
• Lead capacity-building initiatives to improve organizational effectiveness
• Ensure operational systems support clean financial audits and organizational accountability through rigorous attention to detail and high standards
• Represent HAMO externally when the Executive Director is unavailable

Finance & Administration (25%)

• Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and monthly financial reporting, partnering with external accounting firm on technical accounting matters
• Lead annual budget development and provide regular financial analysis to leadership
• Manage accounting systems and ensure accurate, timely financial data
• Lead annual audit preparation and serve as primary staff liaison to auditors
• Manage vendor relationships and oversee facilities, technology, and administrative operations

Human Resources & People Management (20%)

• Provide leadership for HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, professional development, and retention
• Directly supervise staff
• Manage HR consultant and serve as operational executor for HR initiatives
• Lead annual performance review process
• Cultivate a positive, equitable workplace culture aligned with HAMO's core values
• Coach and mentor team members

Government Grants Compliance & Administration (15%)

• Provide oversight of government grants portfolio
• Ensure compliance with all grant requirements, reporting deadlines, and internal controls
• Oversee grant budget management and financial reconciliation
• Review and approve grant reports before submission
• Serve as primary liaison to government funders on compliance matters

Cross-Functional Support (10%)

• Foster collaboration and communication across all organizational functions
• Provide backup support for critical organizational functions
• Support development operations, donor stewardship, and fundraising activities as needed
• Contribute to community outreach, advocacy, and annual fundraising
• Perform other duties as assigned that advance HAMO's mission

Qualifications

With the understanding that no one person will offer every desired skill, compelling candidates will offer much of the following:

• Exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills
• Outstanding organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and follow-through
• Proven people management excellence with ability to build, lead, and develop teams
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
• Systems thinking with demonstrated ability to design sustainable processes
• Collaborative, servant leadership style
• Experience with government grants compliance (strongly preferred)
• Adept at building relationships across all levels and constituencies
• Proficiency in financial management systems
• Self-motivated lifelong learner with high standards for excellence
• Calm under pressure with ability to maintain effectiveness during dynamic situations
• Experience navigating complex organizational challenges and making difficult decisions
• Personal attributes of integrity, discretion, intellectual curiosity, and cultural humility
• Demonstrated commitment to communities centered in our program work

We know there are strong candidates who may not have all the qualifications above. If you have skills and experiences that we have not thought of and would be an asset to the role, please apply.

Position Requirements

Ability to perform the duties described above. A typical means of acquiring those abilities would be:

• 7-10+ years of progressive responsibility in nonprofit management, with at least 3-5 years in senior operational/financial leadership roles
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience; relevant graduate degree may substitute for some years of experience
• Proficiency in database systems, Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Google Workspace, with strong accuracy standards
• Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. occasionally
• Flexibility for occasional weekend/evening hours
• Commitment to hybrid work environment (80% virtual / 20% in-person)

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position with growth potential. Starting compensation is $140,000 annually. Comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, long-term disability/life insurance, 401K matching, vacation, holiday, and sick time.

HAMO is committed to paying competitive industry wages with annual salary reviews. In an effort to increase pay equity, we do not participate in salary negotiations.

Office and Hours

• Our office is in Oakland (near Jack London Square) with weekly in-person team meetings
• Company hours are 9 am–5 pm; flexibility determined in collaboration with the Executive Director
• Additional hours, occasional nights, and weekends as needed
• The organization greatly values work/life integration and employee well-being

To Apply (Please read these instructions carefully)

Please submit your resume along with a cover letter stating why you are interested in this position, the experience that uniquely qualifies you for the role, and why you want to work at HAMO. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered for review

Help a Mother Out is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, long-term disability/life insurance, 401K matching, vacation, holiday, and sick time.