Director of Grants and Compliance.

Job Description

Job Description

First Place For Youth-Join Our Team Video!

Are you dedicated to empowering and supporting youth, regardless of their background? We're searching for passionate individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of foster youth. Become an integral part of their transformative journey and join the First Place for Youth team. 

About First Place for Youth, We’re a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed. 

Why Work at First Place For Youth :

• Meaningful Impact :  Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.
• Innovative Approach:  We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and you’ll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.
• Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we're a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.
• Culture of Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

POSITION SUMMARY:  The position of Director of Contracts and Compliance is a vital role of a growing public contracts team at First Place. Working closely with the VP of Contracts and Compliance, this dynamic role supports and guides many aspects of public contracting—including working with multiple local, county, and statewide funders, providing critical lead guidance and support on procurement processes, and overseeing contract management and compliance across California with a focus on Los Angeles. The Director will work with the VP of Contracts and Compliance to shape, plan, and implement First Place’s public contracts strategy, which includes ensuring the solicitation of new and existing procurements, compliance processes, and building and maintaining funder partnerships for approximately 25-30 contracts totaling $30 Million Dollars annually. The Director will oversee two members of the Contracts team: the Contract and Compliance Manager and the Contracts Associate. Currently, the Contracts and Compliance Department is responsible for identifying new funding sources, submitting proposals for published RFP’s, maintaining existing contracts, ensuring program regulatory compliance, and representing the agency in various public facing convenings. The department explores various public funding opportunities including the use of CalAIM as an additional revenue source. The Director is a new position to build capacity for the department to expand its presence and oversight of all public contracts, particularly in the Los Angeles region as the agency sets out to expand programming in multiple jurisdictions in the coming years. The Director will be the agency lead for the Los Angeles contracts as well as resource and technical expert for Community Care Licensing compliance.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Public Funding Procurement

• As directed by the VP, oversee the procurement process for public funds from inception to submission including researching, writing, and packaging proposals with support from the Contracts Team.
• Stay informed on latest trends within relevant funding industries such as child welfare, homelessness, affordable housing, CalAIM, juvenile justice, and workforce development.
• The Director is expected to be able to write and oversee the assembly and final submission.
• The Director may delegate some procurements to the Manager as lead such as workforce related opportunities.

Contract Management and Funder Relations

• The Director plans, develops and directs staff in the preparation of budget line item narratives, recommendations and justifications based on various agency analyses for annual, supplemental and multi-year requests. 
• Work effectively with agency leaders to develop and manage calendars and tracking mechanisms to ensure that all contract development, implementation and reporting is accurate and timely. 
• Develop effective collaboration between fiscal and program to develop contract components in timely manner. 
• Ensure congruency between program and fiscal components of contracts; providing final check for accuracy before contracts leave the agency. 
• Track contract signatures, publish contract status grid/calendar and communicate proactively with stakeholders, file and maintain official contract library. 
• Provide administrative documents in support of contracts (e.g. corporate compliance plan, cultural competence plan, insurance documents, etc.) as needed. 
• Provide each manager with a list of important dates for contract compliance (e.g. various reports required and dates due) at start of each contract year.
• Build and/or maintain relationship with funders; particularly in Los Angeles and attend relevant meetings and convenings in person.

Contract Compliance

• Provide final oversight of compliance activities performed by the Contracts Team, particularly in the area of agency single audit for client eligibility checks and new monitoring of Los Angeles contracts.
• Maintain or create efficient processes for improvements
• Ensure and lead team on various new compliance processes across various jurisdictions.
• Leadership support for all on site monitoring and reviews by funders.  

Team Management and Supervision 

• Provide overall leadership to the Contracts team, with one direct report. Motivate, inspire, manage and develop staff so they continue to be informed and passionate about our mission, and committed to First Place’s core competencies. 
• Utilize a strengths-based approach to management, provide ongoing guidance and coaching to members of the team. 

Other Duties and Projects as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required in human services, social work, social sciences, public administration, public policy, or relevant area. Master’s degree preferred.

• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in grant and contracts procurement and compliance within public sector with 5+ years of direct supervisory experience managing multi-level teams.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in nonprofit or government agency including strong familiarity with best practices in engagement and stewardship of government funders.
• Understanding and experience with government competitive bid processes.
• Minimum of 5 years managing public contracts within the fields of child welfare, homelessness, affordable housing, social services, and/or juvenile justice.
• Must be a strong grant writer with experience writing government grants.
• Prior program budget management experience is required for this role.
• Understanding of the child welfare and homeless systems preferred.
• Understanding or experience in direct services to relevant vulnerable populations such as transition age youth, homeless, families required.
• A track record of success managing staff and collaborating with peers.
• Ability to think strategically, then communicate and implement innovative ideas successfully.
• Ability to interpret social science data.
• Ability to interpret complex regulations and explain.
• Highly organized with superior attention to detail and project management skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to take initiative, be proactive, and independent.
• Excellent communication skills, including written, interpersonal, and presentation skills for potential funders.
• Commitment to the mission of First Place for Youth.
• Computer/Software skills.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.

  Benefits

• 15 days of vacation time in the first year
• 12 days of sick time
• 2 floating holidays
• 15 paid holidays
• Employee’s choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place on certain plans
• Principal dental and vision coverage with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place
• Healthcare and Dependent care FSA plans
• Principal basic life and voluntary life insurance coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) retirement savings plan 
• Paid sabbatical