Senior Officer, Behavioral Health Strategy & Operations

About the Policy and Innovation Center

The Policy and Innovation Center (PIC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose founding partners include the San Diego Foundation, the County of San Diego, and The Brookings Institution. PIC conducts research and policy analysis to help solve the region's most pressing challenges. Its mission is to unlock the region's potential by cultivating and building cross-sector partnerships that address intractable issues — climate resilience, critical infrastructure, community wealth disparities, and housing affordability.

Learn more at thinkpic.org.

Position Overview

PIC is seeking an experienced Senior Officer to provide strategic and operational leadership to the Senior Director and the Behavioral Health team. This role is central to the efficient operation of the department, encompassing fiscal oversight, program development and monitoring, coalition building, and cross-sector stakeholder engagement.

The Senior Officer will manage day-to-day operations, partner closely with the finance team, support grant and contract compliance, contribute to data collection and reporting, and lead key initiatives including the Strategic Behavioral Health Initiative (SBHI). This is a highly visible, senior-level role requiring strong judgment, executive presence, and the ability to navigate complex multi-partner environments.

This is a hybrid position with weekly onsite requirements at PIC's San Diego headquarters in Liberty Station.

Key Responsibilities

Fiscal Oversight

• Oversee the ELEVATE County invoice and reporting process, working with Project Coordinators to develop detailed monthly progress reports to the County and documentation to support audit requirements.

• Partner with the Accounting Team to guide programmatic accounts payable and receivable.

• Develop, manage, and ensure compliance with all ELEVATE subcontracts; work with legal counsel as needed.

• Develop and enforce program-related operational standard operating procedures.

• Partner with the Accounting Team to develop and provide ongoing input on the departmental budget.

• Participate in internal and external program audits, ensuring compliance with policies and identifying opportunities for improvement.

Program Development, Monitoring & Implementation

• Work with the Senior Director and Program Manager to ensure ELEVATE subcontractor deliverables are met, including program impact and outcomes.

• Oversee preparation of annual reports detailing program achievements, challenges, and financials.

• Work with the Senior Director to secure funding for department programs and projects.

• Provide input to the Senior Director and Project Manager on all evaluation activities.

Coalition Building, Coordination & Advocacy

• Foster strong relationships with program partners, subcontractors, and key stakeholders.

• Lead the Strategic Behavioral Health Initiative (SBHI), including facilitating the Advisory Board, Constituency Council, and Work Groups; ensure ongoing partner development and retention.

• Work closely with subject matter experts to manage and continuously update the SBHI Policy Framework.

• Facilitate and inform coordinated systems change advocacy in support of the SBHI Framework.

• Assist in preparing meeting agendas, providing strategic recommendations, and tracking follow-up action items to ensure timely execution of decisions.

• Support development, maintenance, and enhancement of the program's website, ensuring content is current, informative, and engaging.

Other Duties

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Senior Director, adapting to the program's emerging needs.

• Maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive program information in compliance with privacy regulations and organizational policies.

• Adhere to all program policies, procedures, and ethical standards; foster a culture of accountability and excellence within the team.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required in business administration, public health, social work, public policy, or a related field; Master's degree strongly preferred.

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in program management, operations, or policy roles, with at least 3 years in a senior or lead capacity.

• Demonstrated experience managing grants, subcontracts, or complex multi-partner initiatives — including fiscal oversight, compliance, and reporting.

• Experience in behavioral health, workforce development, or related public sector/nonprofit settings strongly preferred.

Core Competencies

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with data management, reporting tools, or project management platforms preferred.

• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills — written and verbal.

• High attention to detail with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines across a complex portfolio.

• Demonstrated experience with budget management, financial reporting, and audit preparation.

• Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders including government agencies, community organizations, and funders.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate organizational goals into actionable plans.

• Strong facilitation and meeting leadership skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

• Knowledge of systems change, coalition-building, or policy advocacy frameworks is a plus.

Language

• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English required.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Professional hybrid work environment based in San Diego, CA, with weekly onsite presence required at Liberty Station headquarters.

• Fast-paced work setting with multiple concurrent priorities and stakeholder demands.

• Ability to sit for extended periods at a desk, computer, or in meetings; ability to drive as needed.

• Ability to view a computer screen and use a keyboard for extended periods.

• Ability to communicate verbally in person and by phone.

Compensation

Salary Range: $140,000 – $155,000 annually (Salaried, Exempt)

The Policy and Innovation Center is committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. Actual offers will reflect qualifications, skills, experience, internal equity, and alignment with market data, among other relevant factors.

Benefits

• Supportive, inclusive organizational culture committed to mission-driven work.

• Hybrid work environment with support for home office setup.

• 100% employer-paid premiums for medical, vision, dental, life, AD&D, and long-term disability; 75% employer-paid premiums for all dependents.

• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 4% employer match plus annual discretionary contribution.

• Earned Incentive Program.

• 3 weeks paid time off annually, plus 1 additional paid week off in July for all staff.

• 4-week paid sabbatical for every 5 years of service.

• 13 paid holidays + 2 paid volunteer days per year.

• Extended Health Care Time accruing at 2.77 hours per pay period (up to 480-hour cap) — usable for sick leave, family care, and parental leave/baby bonding.

• $100/month cell phone and internet reimbursement.

• $75/quarter gym reimbursement.

• Annual service award: $100 donation to a nonprofit of your choice.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.