Deputy Director, Strategy & Operations

Grail Family Services (GFS); San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

401(k) with 10% employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Grail Family Services (GFS) is seeking a Deputy Director to partner with the Executive Director, drive strategy, and lead across programs, operations, and development. This in-person role is based in San Jose, CA, with a strong emphasis on building organizational systems and partnerships within the Sí Se Puede Collective.

The ideal candidate brings 15+ years of nonprofit leadership, equity focus, and proven ability to scale impact while nurturing staff and community relations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of progressive program and organizational management experience, with at least 7 years in a leadership role.
• Experience leading operations, programs, staff, or portfolios in a growing nonprofit.
• Familiarity with government and state contracts, budgets, grants, and implementation requirements.
• Financial and budgetary experience, including budget formulation, revenue capture, financial analysis, and connecting program decisions to spending.
• Experience implementing systems, processes, strategic plans, accountability tools, onboarding, documentation, and organizational change.
• Experience managing large or cross-functional teams and working with people across generations and levels of an organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Deep commitment to equity, social justice, and community empowerment
• Authorization to work in the United States (proof required upon employment)

Responsibilities

• Drive the programmatic vision and strategic direction across all mission-related initiatives.
• Partner with the Executive Director to establish strategic priorities and collaborate with the senior leadership team to ensure effective implementation.
• Lead the implementation of Grail Family Services Strategic plan, including execution, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Act as a thought partner to the Executive Director, contributing to high-level decision-making, change management, cross-functional leadership strategies.
• Serve as a bridge between the Executive Director and functional leaders, providing clear and consistent communication and direction
• Serve as a senior organizational leader, helping to set strategic direction and shape culture, policies, and practices in collaboration with the Executive Director and senior team.
• Support the work of Board committees, providing strategic insight and programmatic updates to inform decision-making, strengthen governance, and ensure alignment with GFS’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Partner with the SSPC Senior Director and represent Grail Family Services in SSPC leadership meetings, working groups, and cross-sector collaborations as needed to advance collective priorities and strengthen organizational alignment.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional efforts within GFS to implement SSPC-aligned strategies, ensuring clear accountability, measurable progress, and strong integration with organizational goals and community outcomes.
• Strengthen an inclusive, mission-driven culture that balances collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and respect for diverse perspectives and experiences.

Skills

Leadership experience

Nonprofit management

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Budget and finance

Staff development

Communication

Equity and social justice

Authorization to work in US

Education

Master’s degree in education/child development/social work

Job description

Grail Family Services (GFS) is seeking a Deputy Director to partner with the Executive Director, drive strategy, and lead across programs, operations, and development. This in-person role is based in San Jose, CA, with a strong emphasis on building organizational systems and partnerships within the Sí Se Puede Collective.

The ideal candidate brings 15+ years of nonprofit leadership, equity focus, and proven ability to scale impact while nurturing staff and community relations.