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In collaboration with the Board, Executive Team, Management Team, and Staff, the COO will provide the strategic leadership necessary to ensure that DAC has the resources and infrastructure to effectuate its programmatic goals in service of its clients and community. As part of the Executive Team, the COO provides big-picture oversight to the operations and financial arm of the organization, and likewise ensures that decisions made by executive leadership appropriately reflect the financial and operational realities of the organization.

Strategic Vision & Leadership - Partner with Board and Executive Team to develop and implement DAC’s long-term strategy in alignment with vision and strategic direction. - Build DAC’s capacity to enhance strategic contribution to the child welfare system. - Create and oversee infrastructures needed to move forward DAC’s growth goals. - Center diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across all internal and external work.

Finance & Operations - Provide fiscal and administrative oversight and daily management to ensure compliance, organizational sustainability, and effective service delivery. - Oversee Director of Operations and other administrative staff responsible for financial, operational, and personnel processes. - Manage financial processes: accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, donations, credit cards, bank deposits, and cash flow, as well as reporting and forecasting. - Guide annual budgeting, resource allocation, and goal-setting processes. - Oversee annual audit, 990 filing, and organizational insurance needs. - Oversee contract renewals, contract/grant invoicing, and budget compliance.

HR & Administration - Develop and provide oversight to the HR/People function, including on notable HR matters. - Oversee improvements to internal systems, processes, workflow, and policies. - Manage standards and changes related to staff compensation and benefits . - In partnership with other leadership, retain and build a strong team with a values-aligned culture.

Fund Development - Take lead on budget development for government program contracts and private funding asks. - In partnership with the CEO, design development strategies and infrastructure to attract individual donors and philanthropic support. - Manage daily development processes.

Program Oversight - Work with program managers to ensure program contract compliance. - Along with CPO and program managers, participate in program reporting requirements.

External Relations - Maintain good working relationships with outside financial firm, accountants, HR attorney, and other consultants. - Build strong relationships with funders. - Serve as an ambassador for DAC.

Board Engagement - Support the Board’s annual goals and attend board meetings. - Work with Board Treasurer on board finance committee. - Participate in financial reporting to board at board meetings and upon request.

DAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides interdisciplinary family defense legal services to indigent parents and children involved with Santa Clara County’s child welfare system and the juvenile dependency court. Additionally, DAC has established innovative programs focused on preventing unnecessary entry into the dependency court and foster care systems by offering crucial early access to legal advice and resources designed to assist parents who are at risk of having their children removed. DAC is committed to addressing injustice and ensuring that families receive the support they need to thrive in our communities.

Our adult clients face the risk of permanent separation from their children due to allegations of abuse and neglect. Substance use disorder, intimate partner violence, and mental health concerns are commonly presenting issues, often rooted in the layered effects of poverty, marginalization, and intergenerational trauma. DAC's focus on legal advocacy work, coupled with social services and lived experience resources, helps our parent and youth clients be fully supported in a system that is not otherwise designed for their success.

The holistic support offered by DAC’s interdisciplinary team of attorneys, social workers, and peer mentors provides parents and children with a more comprehensive network of resources and support. DAC advocates for parents and children who are often overlooked, judged, and not seen as worthy, during the most painful moments of their lives. With this pioneering approach to advocacy and a proven commitment to client-centered strategies, DAC is making a difference for thousands of underserved families in Santa Clara County.

As DAC continues its growth and evolution, it is imperative that the next COO work to bridge DAC's overarching mission, vision, and strategies with practical, sustainable practices and processes.

For more information, please visit the DAC website.