Senior Program Manager II - CA 988/MTAC Deputy Director

• 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.