“Every person deserves compassion, dignity, and the safety of a place to call home.”
Homelessness is the largest social and public health crisis in California. Illumination Health + Home (IH+H) is a growing non-profit organization dedicated towards disrupting the cycle of homelessness by providing targeted, interdisciplinary services in our recuperative care centers, emergency shelters, housing services and children's and family programs. IH+H currently has 13+ facilities with 22+ micro-communities scattered across Orange County, Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire.
Job Description
The Senior Director of People and Program Operations is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for the strategic and hands-on management of the organization’s 24-hour recuperative care programs and the Human Resources department. This leader ensures high-quality service delivery, operational efficiency, and a healthy organizational culture through strong systems, staff development, and compliance oversight.This role requires a mission-driven leader with experience in health or housing programs, deep knowledge of human resources, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic, client centered environment.The salary range for this role is: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00, depending on experience.
This is a primarily in-office position based in Santa Ana, with candidates having the option to work from home 1-2 days per week after their initial onboarding period.
Responsibilities
Program Operations (Recuperative Care) – 30%
- Provide direct oversight of day-to-day operations for all 24/7 recuperative care sites, ensuring compliance with healthcare standards, contracts, and licensing.
- Develop and implement operational protocols and workflows to ensure quality care, safety, and efficiency.
- Lead program directors and site managers; support staff performance, coverage, and ongoing training needs.
- Track program metrics and outcomes; collaborate with quality assurance staff to monitor performance indicators and implement improvements.
- Support program expansion and capacity-building efforts, including new site launches and cross-agency partnerships.
- Serve as the primary liaison between executive leadership and program teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Human Resources Oversight – 60%
- Lead the HR department and oversee all HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, training, performance management, and compliance.
- Develop and track HR metrics to include: Monthly Employee turnover analysis monthly (voluntary/involuntary and reasons why), employee retention strategies, time to fill open positions, leadership and supervisory employee relations and basic management training.
- Foster a diverse, inclusive, and supportive work culture that reflects the values of the organization.
- Partner with the CEO and leadership team on workforce planning and organizational development.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws and best practices.
- Manage HR vendors and consultants as needed (e.g., benefits, payroll, legal counsel).
- Support leadership development, coaching, and succession planning across departments.
Organizational Leadership & Strategy – 10%
- Participate in executive-level planning and decision-making; align operations and HR strategy with organizational mission.
- Develop and manage budgets related to HR and program departments.
- Represent the organization in stakeholder meetings, funder site visits, and public forums as needed.
Expectations
- We uphold the values of Community, Action, Respect, and Empowerment in all aspects of our work.
- Community - We lead with the vision of a strengthened and compassionate community for all. By embodying collective care, we serve as an example of what is possible when we come together.
- Action - Our “whatever it takes” mindset drives us forward. We take initiative, step in where others have stepped out, and create solutions when none exist.
- Respect - We deeply value the dignity and uniqueness of every individual we serve. We honor their stories, their journeys, and their right to be seen and heard.
- Empowerment - We heal—always. Our work enables clients to grow stronger in health, confidence, and belief in their potential as they move forward on their life journey.
- Demonstrate the ability to motivate and support colleagues while adapting to new procedures and promoting a positive, team-oriented culture.
- Maintain professional communication, responding to phone calls and emails in a courteous and timely manner.
- Set and model appropriate boundaries with clients while maintaining trust and rapport.
- Exercise sound judgment, confidentiality, and ethical decision-making in line with Illumination Health + Home’s core values: integrity, transparency, accountability, respect, and responsibility.
- Present oneself in accordance with Illumination Health + Home's dress code and professional standards.
- Model openness, honesty, and accountability in all interactions with clients, colleagues, leadership, volunteers, and external partners.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of client and organizational information.
- Accept personal responsibility and accountability for job performance and continuous improvement.
- Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to the needs of low-income and homeless populations.
- Exhibit effective interpersonal and communication skills, including tact, diplomacy, and active listening.
- Collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team, clients, and members of the public.
- Work independently, manage time efficiently, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing priorities with minimal supervision
Preferred Experience/Minimum Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Human Resources, Healthcare Administration, Social Work, or related field required.
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit or healthcare operations, with at least 3 years overseeing HR functions or departments.
- Experience managing 24-hour or residential programs (e.g., recuperative care, shelters, skilled nursing, behavioral health).
- Strong understanding of employment law, HR compliance, and staff development best practices.
- Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build systems, lead through change, and manage teams with empathy and accountability.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree strongly preferred.
Benefits
- Medical Insurance funded up to 91% by Illumination Heatlh + Home (Kaiser and Blue Shield), depending on the plan
- Dental and Vision Insurance
- Life, AD&D and LTD Insurance funded 100% by Illumination Health + Home
- Employee Assistance Program
- Professional Development Reimbursement
- 401K with Company Matching
- 15 days vacation PTO/year
- 6 days sick PTO/year
- 10 days holiday PTO/year
- Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSFL) for federally qualified loan