We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to serve as Deputy Director for major crisis response initiatives focused on the California 988 Crisis Center Network and Mobile Crisis Technical Assistance Center (M-TAC). In this senior leadership role, you will oversee program operations, grant management, client relationships, and the delivery of high-quality training and technical assistance. You will work closely with government agencies, crisis service providers, community organizations, and internal teams to strengthen crisis response systems and improve access to essential behavioral health services. You will also provide strategic guidance, subject matter expertise, and thought leadership to support the development of innovative crisis intervention models. This position offers an opportunity to influence statewide and national initiatives while contributing to meaningful improvements in suicide prevention and mobile crisis services. The role is fully remote within the United States, with a preference for candidates located in the Pacific Time zone due to the significant California-based responsibilities.
- Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight for the California 988 Crisis Center Network and Mobile Crisis Technical Assistance Center programs, ensuring effective implementation and delivery of contractual commitments.
- Work closely with the Program Director and clients to anticipate organizational needs, provide strategic guidance, and shape project objectives, structures, and service delivery approaches.
- Supervise and support assigned team members, provide organizational oversight, and encourage professional development and expertise in crisis response services.
- Serve as a subject matter expert and thought leader on crisis center operations, mobile crisis services, and behavioral health system transformation across internal and external initiatives.
- Lead independent projects and strategic assignments within areas of expertise, ensuring successful execution and alignment with program objectives.
- Analyze program data, identify trends, and develop evidence-based recommendations to inform client decisions, operational improvements, and strategic planning.
- Coordinate with internal departments to ensure effective project management and the delivery of high-quality services, reports, and other deliverables.
- Design, facilitate, and evaluate training and technical assistance (TTA) sessions, workshops, working meetings, and learning activities for internal and external stakeholders.
- Represent programs at conferences, webinars, professional events, and learning collaboratives, sharing expertise on crisis response systems and best practices.
- Respond to urgent client requests involving policy development, data analysis, financial questions, and operational challenges, independently or by coordinating additional resources.
- Document technical assistance activities, recipient progress, project outcomes, and progress toward established program goals.
- Lead Request for Proposal (RFP) processes, contracting activities, budgeting, and performance monitoring for 988 crisis centers.
- Collaborate with data specialists to develop cost projections, funding allocation methodologies, and policy recommendations.
- Work with diverse stakeholders to design and implement comprehensive, multi-system crisis service continuums.
- Manage assigned grant portfolios, monitoring budgets, contractual obligations, implementation plans, statements of work, and grantee performance.
- Oversee research, literature reviews, and key informant interviews to support program development and technical assistance assignments.
- Lead the development and quality assurance of reports, websites, publications, and other program materials, ensuring accuracy and professional standards.
- Manage multiple projects, competing deadlines, and deliverables while maintaining strong documentation and consistent communication with stakeholders.
- Contribute to strategic business development initiatives that expand crisis response programs and strengthen services across additional states and communities.
Requirements
- At least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience, including complex program management, project leadership, grant or contract administration, and oversight of multidisciplinary teams.
- Significant experience designing, developing, implementing, or evaluating suicide prevention initiatives, crisis centers, 988 services, and/or mobile crisis response programs.
- A Master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional background may be considered with additional relevant experience; approximately five years of professional experience may substitute for a Master's degree.
- Expert-level understanding of the national, state, and community-level policy and organizational landscape surrounding crisis services, including 988 systems and mobile crisis response. Knowledge of California-specific programs and regulations is strongly preferred.
- Comprehensive knowledge of crisis service delivery models, relevant policies, funding structures, emerging trends, best practices, implementation challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
- Strong understanding of nonprofit, behavioral health, and government organizational structures, including workforce development, recruitment and retention, program management, budgeting, and systems transformation.
- Knowledge of social determinants of health, Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards, diversity, equity and inclusion strategies, and Tribal engagement within crisis response systems.
- Demonstrated experience managing grants and contracts, including developing scopes of work, reviewing budgets, establishing allocation methodologies, and monitoring deliverables and contractual performance.
- Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, with experience using data to develop actionable recommendations and improve program outcomes.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional reports, deliver presentations, facilitate meetings, and communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
- Proven leadership, coaching, and diplomatic skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders, develop staff, resolve challenges, and build consensus even without direct reporting authority.
- Experience facilitating diverse stakeholder groups and helping them establish shared priorities, practical solutions, and coordinated action plans.
- Familiarity with business development strategies and demonstrated participation in identifying and developing new projects, partnerships, or service opportunities.
- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities while remaining responsive to changing client and program needs.
- Strong self-management, initiative, adaptability, and professional judgment, serving as a positive example for colleagues and project teams.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and other relevant project management, reporting, and collaboration platforms.
- Ability to maintain accurate project documentation, including subcontractor records, training and technical assistance activities, meeting notes, and implementation progress reports.
- Comfortable working remotely with reliable and secure internet access, participating in frequent virtual meetings, and collaborating with geographically distributed teams.
- Must be currently authorized to work full-time in the United States or its territories and reside in an eligible US location throughout employment.
- Location preference: Candidates based in the Pacific Time zone are preferred due to the significant California-focused responsibilities.
- Travel requirements: Availability for occasional travel to offices in Pasadena, California, or other locations for meetings, training sessions, and project-related activities.
Benefits
- Competitive salary: Annual compensation ranging from $130,000 to $145,000 USD, depending on experience, education, qualifications, and geographic location.
- Additional compensation: Potential eligibility for annual bonuses, short-term and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards.
- Comprehensive healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and their families.
- Retirement planning: Employer-sponsored retirement plan with a 3% company match.
- Student loan assistance: Access to student loan repayment support.
- Financial protection: Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage.
- Paid time off: Generous paid leave to support personal commitments, rest, and work-life balance.
- Remote flexibility: Fully remote working arrangement within the United States or its territories.
- Employee well-being: Strong emphasis on mental health, emotional well-being, self-care, and work-life balance.
- Professional development: Opportunities to expand subject matter expertise, participate in strategic initiatives, and contribute to national behavioral health programs.
- Meaningful impact: Opportunity to influence crisis response systems, strengthen suicide prevention services, and improve access to behavioral health support for communities.
- Inclusive workplace: Commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and a supportive working environment.
