Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Director of Special Projects (D-SP) focuses on CARI concept development, new program prototyping, and new program implementation. The D-SP will help assemble innovative design elements into coherent program models and solutions that can be explored, evaluated, and implemented. The D-SP will also take a lead in the initial launch and subsequent management of new CARI program initiatives. The D-SP works closely with the Managing Director to research, plan, implement, and liaison CARI special projects in Orange County in a manner consistent with The Salvation Army's mission. The D-SP will also help review and source funding contracts between agencies, cities and The Salvation Army and serve as a TSA Homeless Services subject matter expert to OC community offices and agencies. The D-SP will collaborate closely with the OC Director of Social Services to facilitate the seamless transition of new initiatives to the OC Social Services team, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational efficiency.

The D-SP advises OC leadership on the Homeless Throughput System, best practices, and serves as a TSA strategic partner to agencies and community groups to educate and encourage collaboration.

Pay Range

$95,000/yr. - $105,000/yr.

Essential Functions

• Lead the CARI focus on new concept design, new program prototyping, and new program implementation as assigned.
• Provide supervision and management to new CARI program initiatives as required. Following the initial stages, the D-SP will facilitate a seamless handoff to the Social Service Director and the OC Social Services team for ongoing management and operations.
• Participate in the development of a robust data feedback loop between OC programs and CARI research and new program development efforts and OC existing social service programs.
• Drive successful leadership, management, and budgetary aspects of special projects(s); oversee services. policies and contracts, ensuring compliance with all funding agreements.
• Develop objective performance measurements across CARI and Special Project initiatives and existing OC social service program to assess program quality and design fidelity.
• Establish and maintain baseline service expectations for all services provided within CARI and existing social service programs in OC.
• Understand TSA policies and procedures and ensure compliance as required by TSA and local/federal agencies. Consult with CARI and Special Project sites to regularly review, create, and update Policies and Procedures as operational needs dictate.
• Represent, or ensure representation of CARI and TSA in relevant coalitions, policy discussions, city and/or community meetings and advocacy settings to enhance TSA visibility and increase strategic collaborative opportunities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to collect information needed to draft and finalize contracts involving social services programs and initiatives in OC, incorporating necessary terms and conditions to meet the needs of the organization and its clients. Facilitate review process for ELT's approval.
• Conduct needs assessments when needed in collaboration with Managing Director of CARI and upon request by OC Exectuvie Leadership Team.
• Perform other assignments/duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Planning: Ability to conceptualize, prototype, and implement new programs aligned with organizational objectives.
• Project and Budget Management: Proficiency in overseeing program initiatives, ensuring compliance, and managing resources effectively.
• Data Analysis and Performance Measurement: Skill in establishing data feedback loops and developing performance metrics for program evaluation.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Representation: Capacity to engage with stakeholders, represent the organization, and foster collaboration in various settings.
• Contract Negotiation and Needs Assessment: Competence in negotiating contracts, conducting needs assessments, and aligning initiatives with organizational and client needs.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax, and telephone. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

• By virtue of its direct contact with, and representation to people who engage in Salvation Army programs, people who demonstrate an understanding of The Salvation Army's Christian mission are required for this position.
• MSW, or equivalent degree with an administrative emphasis.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of program management experience; strategic planning component preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years' experience managing outside partnerships and collaborations.
• Have successful experience in supervising and managing professional staff and volunteers.
• Must have data management and reporting skills, including budgeting, expense monitoring, and contract development skills.
• Must be able to read, write and communicate in English. Bilingual/Bi-literate English/Spanish preferred
• Meet all health and safety regulations as defined by the Health Department as well as The Salvation Army.
• Must be in good physical health and mental health, capable of meeting the demands of the position.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Driving Test and clean MVR check (if applicable).
• If working in vicinity of children a criminal background check is required with certification for Protect the Mission policies and procedures.
• Must have ability to work with, direct, and relate well with co-workers, community partners/members, and guests/clients.
• Able to function and thrive in a fast-paced, frequently evolving environment.
• Excellent computer skills: must be able to utilize all necessary office equipment adequately (i.e. computers, copy machines, scanners, calculator, etc.).
• Excellent organizational skills; highly self-motivated and detail oriented.
• Must have outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional and courteous; excellent presentation skills

Masters of Social Work (required)

Experience Supervising And Managing Professional Staff And Volunteers. (required)
2 years: Minimum Experience Managing Outside Partnerships and Collaborations. (required)
Strategic Planning Component Experience. (preferred)
3 - 5 years: Minimum Experience Of Program Management. (required)

Driver's License (required)
Motor Vehicle Check (required)