Director of Operations, Government Affairs

Reports to – COOOrganization OverviewBaby2Baby is a non-profit organization that provides children in need with diapers, formula, clothing, and the basic necessities that every child deserves, serving more than one million children across all 50 states. The organization has distributed over half a billion items in the past 14 years to children in homeless shelters, domestic violence programs, foster care, hospitals and school districts as well as children who have lost everything in the wake of disaster. The organization’s success has been propelled forward by its industry-leading model that is redefining what it means to operate a non-profit with a seamless integration of impact, innovation, and influence, which earned them praise from TIME Magazine as one of 2023’s most influential companies and recognition as the #1 non-profit on Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies List.Position Overview As Baby2Baby enters a period of significant growth and expanded opportunity, we seek a dynamic, creative, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as a strategic partner to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). The Director of Operations, Government Relations will play a critical role in strengthening operational effectiveness, driving execution, and increasing efficiency across Baby2Baby’s government-funded programs.Reporting to the COO, this role serves as a trusted right hand, leading the planning, coordination, and project management of complex, cross-departmental initiatives tied to public funding. The Director will translate strategic priorities into actionable plans, ensure alignment across departments, and drive accountability to meet programmatic, financial, and compliance objectives. This position requires a highly organized and solutions-oriented operator who can manage multiple stakeholders, anticipate challenges, and keep initiatives moving forward in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.This is a highly collaborative, hands-on role for a strategic thinker with strong execution skills who thrives at the intersection of operations, programs, and leadership.The Director of Operations, Government Relations works Monday–Friday at Baby2Baby’s headquarters (5830 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016) and other locations as needed. The role is currently in-office 3–5 days per week and may include occasional weekend hours or travel. Duties and ResponsibilitiesServes as a strategic operational partner to the Chief Operating Officer, translating organizational priorities into clear, actionable project plans for government-funded programs while leading the management and coordination of relationships with government officials.Acts on behalf of the COO, as delegated, to drive cross-departmental alignment, collaboration, and accountability across funded initiatives, partnering with Finance, Programs, Warehousing, Communications, Development, Procurement, and others..Coordinates the planning and execution of complex, cross-functional initiatives, ensuring on-time delivery, operational excellence, and full compliance with grant requirements.Manages communication with internal and external stakeholders, including program teams, finance, compliance partners, and funders, to ensure initiatives advance efficiently and remain aligned with organizational goals.In partnership with Program Directors, provides oversight, direction, and accountability for Program Specialist Leads, ensures consistency, quality, and operational rigor across programs.Monitors project performance and timelines; proactively identifies issues and elevates decision points, recommendations, and solutions to the COO.Facilitates regular meetings and check-ins to maintain momentum, resolve operational barriers, and ensure clear communication across teams.Develops and delivers data-driven updates for the COO related to project status, performance metrics, budgets, and compliance obligations.Ensures strong alignment between program implementation, financial oversight, and compliance requirements in close coordination with Finance and Program teams.In collaboration with the COO and Finance team, supports budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning for government-funded projects.Supports operational decision-making by synthesizing input from program staff, partners, and funders into clear, actionable recommendations.Identifies and implements process improvements and operational efficiencies to strengthen execution and scalability across government-funded programs.Serves as a thought partner to the COO and senior leadership on government-funded initiatives; ensures the appropriate departments are engaged from ideation through implementation.Additional responsibilities as needed.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.Minimum of 8–10 years of professional experience in government, nonprofit, or related sectors, with increasing levels of responsibility.At least 3 years of experience managing and developing staff.Demonstrated success in a similar operational or project management leadership role, with a strong track record of driving execution and results.Proven ability to plan, lead, and manage complex, cross-functional initiatives in fast-paced environments.Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and operate effectively under pressure.Strong strategic thinker with a high level of attention to detail and follow-through.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize information and tell a compelling story to diverse audiences.Highly collaborative, flexible, and solutions-oriented, with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.Self-motivated, confident, energetic, and creative problem-solver.Strong editing and proofreading skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.Demonstrated commitment to Baby2Baby’s mission and values. Preferred QualificationsExperience leading or managing programs funded in whole or in part by state or federal government sources.OtherBaby2Baby is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering diversity within its staff. We have made diverse thinking a priority in order to keep our organization in touch with the needs of families in our program and to help hold us accountable to those we serve. Our organization strives for diversity, from the children we serve to our board and staff, not only in race, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and religion but also in cultural background and life experiences.