CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)

THE ORGANIZATION

The Los Angeles Community Design Center ("LACDC") is a regional non-profit architectural, real estate development and property management firm. Celebrating forty years as a leader in the affordable housing and community development industry, LACDC has built more than 3,000 units of permanent affordable housing and other community facilities to serve the needs of low income people throughout Southern California. With ownership in 37 properties, LACDC has an asset base of $247 million and its real estate portfolio generates $13 million per year. LACDC currently employs 131 staff members, 45 of which are in the Los Angeles corporate office and 86 are on-site at its properties. The annual corporate budget is approximately $7 million. As a non-profit firm, LACDC has a double bottom line - a social mission to serve the community and a professional responsibility to assure the financial viability of the organization and its developments.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

LACDC is seeking a results-oriented, entrepreneurial, experienced senior executive as its Chief Operating Officer (COO) to manage the daily operations of the organization and oversee the key program divisions - architecture, real estate development, property management and resident services - to meet project commitments and the broader organizational goals. LACDC has achieved an operational scale which requires a more focused approach on creating institutional infrastructure, systems and processes, improving intra-divisional operations and cross-divisional relations, and building stronger accountability and responsible decision making in its business model. The COO will ensure best practices throughout LACDC's business processes while achieving community development goals and implementing organizational and structural changes to enhance LACDC's ability to execute its mission. Responsibilities include coaching, mentoring and developing professional staff, coordination of major projects, and management of the operational and programmatic activities of the organization. The COO will also participate as a member of the senior management team to formulate and implement the corporation's strategic plan and annual goals and objectives. The COO reports directly to the President / Chief Executive Officer. The direct reports to this position include the three corporate Vice Presidents for Architecture, Housing Development and Property Management.

Specific duties and functions of the COO position are as follows:

• Operationalize the organization's Mission, Vision and Values
• Implement and ensure achievement of the organization's Strategic Plan and annual work plans with measurable goals and objectives
• Provide cross-divisional coordination of all projects and activities of the organization
• Coach, mentor and develop professional staff including direct reports
• Ensure delivery against all project commitments and performance goals
• Implement cross-divisional systems and processes to ensure operational excellence
• Supervise the implementation of human resources policies and practices in line with the organization's desired culture
• Participate in the corporation's board and relevant committee meetings
• Serve as a strategic partner to the President/CEO in the overall growth, development and operation of the organization
• Participate as a member of the corporation's senior management team
• Serve as the senior executive leader in the absence of the President/CEO
• Carry out other duties as required to further LACDC's mission in the provision of affordable rental housing.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

The successful candidate will have the following educational and career experience:

• 10 - 15 years senior management experience, preferably in the affordable housing and community development, real estate and other related field
• A master's degree in urban planning, real estate, business, or a similar field
• Demonstrated experience in key aspects of real estate development, architecture, and/or property operations, preferably in the affordable housing industry
• Understanding of both for profit and non-profit business models
• Strong working knowledge of government relations and the planning, land use, and housing and community development aspects of local government
• Progressive leadership and management skills
• Ability to make well-reasoned and strategic decisions
• Demonstrated experience in leading and working with senior managers
• Strong financial planning and fiscal management experience
• Knowledge of organizational systems
• Strong facilitation skills
• Commitment to process excellence
• Strong in executing and meeting performance targets
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work effectively and to perform multiple tasks simultaneously
• Strong staff development and management skills; enthusiasm and team building spirit
• Good presentation skills; excellent oral and written communication skills
• An expert at "quietly influencing"
• Good stakeholder management

COMPENSATION

The salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, short-tem and long-term disability insurance, voluntary retirement plan, free parking, vacation and sick leave, and a 9/80 work schedule.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The position will be held open until a suitable candidate is found. Please send resume and salary history with a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position to:

Los Angeles Community Design Center
315 W. Ninth Street, Suite 410
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Attention: Director of Administration

LACDC is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.