Director of Finance and Administration

WHO WE ARE

Safe Parking LA is a nonprofit organization that provides safe overnight parking to facilitate stability and housing in Los Angeles County for individuals living in their vehicles, and advocates for fair and equitable treatment and resources of the unhoused.

Founded in 2017, Safe Parking LA has evolved to become the largest safe parking program in Los Angeles and the only provider of safe lots exclusively focused on vehicular homelessness. We operate in the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, and West Los Angeles, including a VA West Los Angeles program.

WHAT WE DO

According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority 2024 homeless count, people experiencing vehicular homelessness comprise over 44% — totaling more than 23,000 adults and children — of Los Angeles County’s unsheltered population. This is the largest subgroup of people living on the streets throughout LA County.

By employing underutilized parking lots, Safe Parking LA provides access and engagement to households whose only source of shelter is their vehicle. We currently operate in San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, and West Los Angeles, including programs on the VA West Los Angeles and Los Angeles World Airport campuses. Since our inception, we have received over 11,000 inquiries and permitted more than 2,500 vehicles for safe parking. Our safe parking programs are more than a safe place to park. Our services are designed to meet the needs of our community, facilitate safety and stability, and provide an actionable roadmap for participants to return to permanent housing.

WHY WE NEED YOU

Working closely with Safe Parking LA’s Executive Director, Leadership Team and Board Committees, the Director of Finance and Administration oversees and optimizes the organization’s internal operations, administration, and financial management functions. This leadership position requires a strategic thinker and problem-solver who can collaborate across departments, streamline processes, and ensure operational efficiency while upholding our commitment to our mission, values, and organizational culture. This position supervises an emerging administrative department that currently includes an Operations Manager.

WHY WE NEED YOU

Working closely with Safe Parking LA’s Executive Director, Leadership Team and Board Committees, the Director of Finance and Administration oversees and optimizes the organization’s internal operations, administration, and financial management functions. This leadership position requires a strategic thinker and problem-solver who can collaborate across departments, streamline processes, and ensure operational efficiency while upholding our commitment to our mission, values, and organizational culture. This position supervises an emerging administrative department that currently includes an Operations Manager.

WHAT YOUR DAYS CONSIST OF

Financial Management (50%)

- Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board Finance Committee to develop financial objectives and long-range financial strategy for the organization.

- Direct the annual budgeting process with the Leadership Team and Board Finance Committee.

- Monitor financial position, review monthly financial reports and present updates to the Leadership Team and Board of Directors.

- Work with accounting firm to ensure accurate record keeping, tax payments, and reporting.

- Identify opportunities for cost optimization to sustain and grow the organization’s impact.

- Lead monthly invoicing for government contracts, ensuring accurate allocations and timely submissions.

- Oversee bi-weekly payroll approval and processing.

- Oversee vendor invoice process, approving submitted invoices for timely payment and ensuring proper allocations.

- Lead annual audit process and file tax reports; distribute reports as required.

Administration (30%)

- Oversee day-to-day operations of the office and manage facility needs.

- Collaborate with Leadership Team and Board Operations Committee to develop objectives and long-range operational planning.

- Work with IT vendor to oversee IT services, technology and devices, and communication systems for the organization.

- Collaborate with all departments to improve cross-functional coordination, processes, and performance.

- Build and maintain positive relationships with vendors, suppliers, and service providers to ensure quality services and cost-effectiveness.

- Lead contract process with government departments and other funders as required.

- Promote and help maintain an organizational culture of support, collaboration, and transparency.

- Support Operations Manager in oversight of Participant Financial Assistance program to ensure proper funding allocation and efficient fulfillment process.

Risk Management and Compliance (20%)

- Develop and implement effective operational policies, procedures, and risk management strategies to enhance overall efficiency and mitigate potential liabilities.

- Manage organization’s liability insurance policies, renewals, and certificates of coverage for contract and grant compliance.

- Ensure compliance with relevant local, state, and federal regulations and maintain necessary licenses, permits, and filings for the organization.

- Oversee grant and contract compliance including expense allocations.

QUALIFICATIONS

- Degree in Business Administration, Non-profit Management, Finance, or a related field.

- Proven experience (5+ years) in senior financial management and operations management, preferably within a non-profit or social services environment.

- Demonstrated leadership abilities, with a track record of successfully managing and developing teams.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

- Knowledge of non-profit regulations is highly desirable.

- Proficiency in technology systems, data management, and information security practices.

- Demonstrated passion for addressing homelessness and working towards social change.

- Reliable transportation for moderate travel within the Los Angeles area

- Background check (Live Scan) required by funding and regulatory agency.

- COVID-19 vaccination and TB clearance are required by funding and regulatory agencies.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

- Ability to write participant data accurately, cohesive reports, and professional correspondence.

- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from your supervisor, participants, Safe Parking LA teammates, partner organizations, and the public.

- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret organizational procedures, governmental regulations, and news alerts from public agencies.

- Ability to respond effectively and compassionately to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.

- Spanish or other language skills, highly desirable.

REASONING ABILITY

- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.

- Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.