Director of Strategic Operations

Position Overview

The Director of Strategic Operations is a key member of Harvest Home’s Leadership Team, working closely with the Executive Director. This role exists to strengthen and build the operational foundation that will allow Harvest Home to scale its mission of equipping and empowering unhoused pregnant women to transform their lives.

The Director provides strategic and day-to-day leadership across core operational functions including: People & Culture (HR), Facilities, Technology, and Finance, ensuring that systems, people, and resources are aligned with Harvest Home’s mission and values.

The Director directly supervises the Operations Manager and People & Culture Manager (new role) and manages relationships with key external contractors supporting finance, IT, and benefits/payroll/compliance.

This is a builder role. The right leader brings an entrepreneurial mindset, strong creative problem solving and critical thinking, and the ability to design and implement systems that improve clarity, capacity, and execution while ensuring day-to-day operations run smoothly.

Let’s Build Together. In this role, you will:

• Assess organizational needs and strengthen operational readiness so Harvest Home can respond confidently to growth opportunities and changing conditions.
• Build scalable systems, workflows, and operating rhythms that reduce friction and improve follow-through.
• Strengthen the performance and consistency of operations by developing managers, clarifying accountability, and elevating vendor effectiveness.
• Improve operational visibility and decision support by partnering with finance leadership (including external accounting support).

Responsibilities are split into 2 key areas—Organizational and Operational Leadership.

Organizational Leadership:

• Strategic Operational Leadership to Build for What’s Next
• Partner with the Executive Director and Leadership Team to develop strategy and translate into operational priorities, plans, and resourcing.
• Lead cross-department planning, risk assessment, and continuous improvement of systems and SOPs.
• Ensure clear operational cadences (planning cycles, reporting rhythms, decision paths) that improve alignment and reduce surprises.
• Ensure operations reinforce Harvest Home’s culture and long-term sustainability.
• Operations oversight for day-to-day excellence
• Provide strategic direction for organizational infrastructure, tools, and workflows.
• Oversee day-to-day operational execution, including resourcing, implementation of new systems, and operational problem-solving.
• Develop system to ensure SOPs, handbooks, and compliance documentation are clear, current, and actively used.

Operational Leadership:

• People & Culture Cultivation for a Healthy Team
  • Provide strategic oversight of HR systems, compliance, and employee lifecycle processes.
  • Supervise the People & Culture Manager; strengthen manager support systems and performance management practices.
  • Manage the benefits/payroll contractor relationship to ensure accurate administration and strong staff utilization.
  • Support supervisors with culture-building, coaching, and consistent people practices.

• Finance & Resource Stewardship for Long Term Sustainability
  • Work with external accounting team to ensure strong financial visibility, decision support, and operational integration of financial insights.
  • Coordinate the annual budget process and ensure monthly financial reporting is timely, clear, and actionable.
  • Partner on forecasting and scenario thinking to support readiness and sustainability.
  • Ensure internal controls, audit coordination, and grant/funder reporting inputs are organized and on time (in partnership with finance contractors).
  • Support preparation of financial and operational materials for leadership and Board partnership as needed.

• Facilities that Ensure our Mission is Carried out Safely
  • Oversee facilities operations across all sites to ensure safe and functional environments.
  • Supervise the Operations Manager in managing maintenance planning and vendor relationships.
  • Serve as a liaison for leased spaces and facility partners.

• Information Technology to Advance our Mission
  • Oversee IT strategy and systems (including Microsoft 365, Slack, BambooHR, Asana).
  • Manage the external IT support provider relationship; oversee procurement and staff onboarding/offboarding access.

Team Management

• The Director of Strategic Operations reports directly to the Executive Director and collaborates with Harvest Home’s Leadership Team
• Directly supervise the Operations Manager and People Operations Team member (not yet hired), and oversees external operational vendors (finance, IT, benefits/payroll/compliance).

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support fundraising efforts and serve as staff liaison to the Board (including President and Treasurer).
• Represent Harvest Home at community events as needed.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of nonprofit or business operations experience; nonprofit/social services preferred.
• 5+ years of supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to coach and develop people.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple priorities with professionalism.
• Comfort with operational systems and technology tools; strong Microsoft Office skills.
• SHRM certification a plus.
• Valid CA driver’s license; ability to lift 25+ lbs; successful background check after offer.

Work Schedule / Location

• This role is expected to be onsite 3-4 days per week at both of our locations with flexibility for hybrid work. Because we are a shelter environment, onsite presence matters for equity, relationship-building, and responsive decision-making.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $100,000 – $110,000 (full-time, exempt)
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision coverage, and Life & AD&D insurance
• 401(k) with employer match + FSA
• Cell phone stipend
• Paid time off: 3 weeks PTO, 15 paid holidays, and 5 sick days

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision coverage, and Life & AD&D insurance
• 401(k) with employer match + FSA
• Cell phone stipend
• Paid time off: 3 weeks PTO, 15 paid holidays, and 5 sick days