Program Operations Manager (Part-Time) - Orange County, CA

For The Children; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

For The Children in Santa Ana, California seeks a part-time Program Operations Manager to oversee grant-funded initiatives and ensure program integrity. You will collaborate across departments, manage vendor relationships, and advise on child-safety best practices.

This role emphasizes organization, accountability, and delivering results for vulnerable children. You will report to the Vice President of Training, Programs and HR as part of the Programs Department, coordinating with external

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders, budgets, deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and accountability.
• Experience monitoring budgets and expenditures.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication.
• Familiarity with child protection or trauma-informed practices is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day grant-funded initiative management.
• Coordinate reports and documentation for grant funding.
• Maintain project plans, timelines, accountability systems.
• Monitor grant spending with Finance.
• Liaise with funders, evaluators, and project partners.
• Oversee vendor relationships for merchandise and supplies.

Skills

Project management

Budget management

Communication

Stakeholder management

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

At For The Children, we believe the local Church can be a powerful source of belonging, connection, and hope for children who have experienced relational trauma.

Through Royal Family KIDS Camp and Mentoring, we mobilize churches and volunteers to serve children in foster care. Today, more than 20,000 volunteers across 45 states and 9 countries reach over 7,500 children each year—and we want to ensure these programs continue to serve children with excellence.

We are looking for a gifted organizer and problem solver who can help make this possible.

The Opportunity

The Program Operations Manager helps ensure that For The Children's programs are well-supported, effectively managed, and positioned for long-term success. You will oversee the day‑to‑day management of a significant grant‑funded initiative, manage key vendor relationships, and serve as an internal resource on child‑safety best practices.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys bringing structure to complex projects, building strong relationships, and turning plans into results. You'll work across departments and with external partners to keep projects on track, manage resources responsibly, and ensure important commitments are fulfilled.

Your ability to anticipate challenges, follow through on details, and hold projects accountable will help our organization deliver on its commitments and ultimately create more life‑changing moments for children.

This position reports to the Vice President of Training, Programs and HR and serves as part of the Programs Department.

What You’ll Do

Lead Grant Management and Project Accountability

• Manage the day‑to‑day execution of a significant grant‑funded initiative, ensuring project milestones, deliverables, and reporting requirements are met.
• Serve as a primary operational point of contact for grant funders, external evaluators, and other project partners.
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, and accountability systems that bring clarity to complex work and ensure commitments are fulfilled.
• Monitor grant spending in partnership with the Finance team, maintaining accurate records and identifying potential budget concerns.
• Anticipate challenges, proactively resolve barriers, and keep stakeholders informed of progress, risks and next steps
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of grant‑related reports and documentation.

Support Child Safety and Program Integrity

• Complete designated child‑safety training and maintain knowledge of recognized standards and best practices for youth‑serving organizations.
• Serve as an internal resource and advisor to organizational leadership on child‑safety policies, practices, and emerging recommendations.
• Establish and maintain a regular process for reviewing existing child‑safety policies and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain relationships with external child‑safety experts and organizations to stay informed about evolving standards.
• Research and present recommendations to the Vice President and Executive Team for consideration.
• Collaborate with relevant departments to ensure recommendations and approved policy changes are communicated to the appropriate teams.

Manage Program Resources and Vendor Relationships

• Manage relationships with vendors who provide merchandise, supplies, and other resources to For The Children's chapters.
• Monitor vendor performance, product quality, pricing, and fulfillment to ensure chapters receive reliable service and resources.
• Identify opportunities to improve products, processes, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Partner with Finance to review financial performance, monitor expenses, and support responsible resource management.
• Address vendor‑related challenges and coordinate solutions that support our chapters and volunteers.

What Success Looks Like

In this role, success means:

• Grant‑funded projects stay on track, with clear accountability, timely deliverables, and accurate reporting.
• Funders, evaluators, and organizational partners experience For The Children as a responsive, organized, and dependable partner.
• Grant resources are managed responsibly, with clear visibility into spending and project commitments.
• Child‑safety policies and practices are reviewed consistently, and leadership receives informed recommendations grounded in current best practices.
• Vendors provide reliable, cost‑effective resources that support the needs of our chapters.
• Projects and operational responsibilities are managed with exceptional attention to detail, proactive communication, and consistent follow‑through.
• Colleagues and partners experience a collaborative, solutions‑oriented approach that builds trust and keeps work moving forward.
• Our programs are supported by effective systems and processes that help For The Children serve children with excellence.

You May Be a Great Fit If You Are

• Someone who takes ownership, follows through consistently, and ensures important work gets completed.

• Exceptionally organized and energized by bringing structure and clarity to complex projects.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities, deadlines, budgets, and stakeholder relationships.
• Proactive in anticipating challenges, identifying solutions, and keeping projects moving forward.
• A collaborative relationship builder who can work effectively with colleagues, funders, vendors, and external partners.
• Detail‑oriented while maintaining a clear understanding of the bigger picture.
• Comfortable working independently, exercising sound judgment, and communicating progress without needing constant direction.
• Motivated by improving systems, strengthening processes, and helping organizations operate more effectively.
• Deeply committed to protecting and serving children who have experienced relational trauma.
• A Christ follower with a passion for the local Church.

Experience and Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in project management, program operations, grant management, nonprofit administration, or a related field.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, budgets, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Strong organizational skills, with a track record of independently managing responsibilities and ensuring accountability.
• Experience monitoring budgets, tracking expenditures, and maintaining accurate project records.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with external partners and organizational leadership.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, coordinating services, or overseeing operational resources is preferred.
• Familiarity with child protection, youth‑serving organizations, or trauma‑informed practices is helpful but not required.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant professional experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, and comfort learning project‑management and collaboration tools.
• Alignment with the Christian mission and values of For The Children.

Compensation and Work Location

• This is a part‑time, hourly (non‑exempt) position averaging 28 hours per week.
• Compensation range is between $35-38 per hour.
• The position will be based at For The Children's office in Santa Ana, California.

Schedule and Travel

• Flexible work schedule, with availability during agreed‑upon core business hours to support collaboration with colleagues and external partners.
• Minimal travel is expected, with occasional in‑person meetings, organizational gatherings, or program‑related events.
• Occasional flexibility may be needed to accommodate grant deadlines or partner meetings.

For The Children’s vision and mission are available here; our statement of faith is available here.