The Opportunity The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a newly created executive role at The Open Door Network — and one of the most consequential hires the organization will make. TODN is a Bakersfield-based nonprofit with over 200 employees supporting victim advocacy, homeless services, trauma-informed care, medical respite, workforce development, childcare, and clinical services across multiple sites, including a new four-building shelter campus at 529 Dolores Street. Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will own the internal operational leadership of the organization — overseeing programs and grants and data — so the CEO can remain focused on external strategy, board governance, the capital campaign, and community relationships. This is a hands-on executive role for a seasoned operator who thrives in complex, mission-driven environments. The COO will serve as a trusted operational partner to the CEO, building the systems, structures, and accountability culture TODN needs to sustain and accelerate its growth. What You'll Do Operational Leadership

• Provide day-to-day executive oversight of TODN's program and grants functions
• Partner closely with the CEO to advance organizational priorities, taking ownership of internal operations so the CEO can remain focused on external leadership and mission growth
• Build and maintain a culture of accountability, transparency, and high performance across all departments
• Lead cross-functional coordination to eliminate silos and ensure alignment across a multi-site, multi-program organization
• Represent the CEO internally and with key operational partners as delegated
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed to attend internal and external events, community functions, and organizational activities Programs Oversight
• Supervise the Director of Programs and provide strategic and operational guidance across TODN's full service continuum: victim advocacy, homeless services, trauma-informed care, medical respite, workforce development, childcare, and clinical services
• Ensure programs are delivered with fidelity, meet contractual and grant compliance requirements, and are staffed appropriately
• Lead operational planning for the Dolores Street four-building shelter campus, including on-campus service model design, vendor coordination, and readiness milestones
• Partner with program directors to develop and monitor performance metrics, client outcome data, and program quality indicators Grants & Compliance
• Supervise the Director of Grants & Data and ensure organizational compliance with all federal, state, and private grant requirements
• Maintain working fluency in 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance; ensure TODN's grant management practices meet audit standards
• Partner with the Controller and CEO on financial reporting obligations tied to grant awards
• Oversee the development and maintenance of internal controls, policies, and documentation systems that support grant compliance and organizational integrity
• Support grant renewals, reports, and new funding applications in coordination with the grants team and CEO Strategy & Organizational Development
• Translate the CEO's strategic vision and board direction into operational plans, timelines, and accountability structures
• Lead implementation of TODN's strategic planning priorities using a quarterly planning and tracking system
• Lead a structural review of TODN's organizational design — assessing reporting lines, spans of control, role clarity, and departmental alignment — and present findings and recommendations to the CEO and board
• Design and build organizational infrastructure — SOPs, internal controls, workflows, and systems — that supports sustainable scale
• Identify operational risks and lead mitigation planning; escalate board-level issues to the CEO in a timely manner
• Support the CEO in board reporting by preparing operational updates, metrics dashboards, and risk summaries What We're Looking For You'll thrive in this role if you:
• Bring 7-12 years of progressive leadership in nonprofit, government, or human services operations, with demonstrated experience managing multi-department or multi-program organizations at comparable scale (150+ staff preferred)
• Have strong working knowledge of federal grant compliance, including 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance, and a proven track record building and supervising senior-level teams
• Have experience developing and implementing organizational infrastructure, SOPs, and internal controls
• Are an exceptional organizer and project manager — able to hold multiple complex workstreams simultaneously without losing momentum or detail
• Lead with high emotional intelligence; able to hold authority with compassion in a trauma-informed environment where staff carry significant vicarious burden
• Interest to represent the organization at community events, government hearings, and other external stakeholder functions
• Communicate clearly and confidently in writing and in person, including with boards and external stakeholders
• Graduate degree in public administration, nonprofit management, social work, business, or related field Preferred
• Background in human services, trauma-informed care, housing, or behavioral health, with experience in homeless services or victim advocacy program management
• Familiarity with California nonprofit compliance requirements and California human resources laws
• Prior experience managing a capital project, facility expansion, or new site launch
• Kern County or Central Valley networks and community ties Compensation & Benefits

Salary:

$120,000 - $150,000 annually, commensurate with experience

• Comprehensive medical insurance for eligible employees and their dependents, effective the first day of the month following 30 days of continuous employment
• Dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Vacation accrual begins on the first day of employment — accrual schedule: 24 hrs (0-6 months), 40 hrs (6-12 months), 128 hrs/yr (1-4 years), 144 hrs/yr (4-5 years), 160 hrs/yr (5-7 years), 176 hrs/yr (7+ years); maximum accrual cap of 360 hours
• Paid sick leave: 48 hours credited upon completion of 30 days of employment; eligible for use after 90 days; maximum accrual of 144 hours
• Minimum 12 paid holidays, which may include: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, Good Friday (half day), Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve (half day), and Christmas Day
• Professional development support Physical Requirements Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods while operating standard office equipment.

Must be able to read, write, and communicate clearly in spoken and written form. Must be able to lift and carry office materials and files as needed. Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel between TODN sites and community events, including occasional evenings and weekends. How to Apply To apply, please submit the following to [lskidmore@opendoorhelps.org] with the subject line "COO Application - [Your Name]":

• A current resume
• A cover letter (one page) describing your experience leading operations in a multi-program organization of comparable scale and your experience with federal grant compliance
• Three professional references, including at least one former supervisor (references will not be contacted until the finalist stage)
• Confirmation that the posted salary range meets your expectations Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; for priority consideration, please apply by October 9, 2026.

Screening interviews may be scheduled. Finalists will be asked to participate in a panel interview with the CEO and potentially members of the leadership team, Board of Directors, and/or interested stakeholders. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, drug screening and DMV record check, as required by our funding sources.

Pay:

$120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Vision insurance

Education:

Master's (Required)

Experience:

working with survivors of DV, SA, or human trafficking: 2 years (Preferred) working with survivors of child abuse and trauma.: 2 years (Preferred)

Homeless Services:

2 years (Preferred) Multi-program management: 1 year (Preferred)

Nonprofit Leadership:

7 years (Preferred)

Government Leadership:

7 years (Preferred)

Human Services Operations:

7 years (Preferred) federal grant compliance: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Bakersfield, CA 93301 (Required)

Work Location:

In person