We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to serve as Deputy Director for major crisis response initiatives focused on the California 988 Crisis Center Network and Mobile Crisis Technical Assistance Center (M-TAC). In this senior leadership role, you will oversee program operations, grant management, client relationships, and the delivery of high-quality training and technical assistance. You will work closely with government agencies, crisis service providers, community organizations, and internal teams to strengthen crisis response systems and improve access to essential behavioral health services. You will also provide strategic guidance, subject matter expertise, and thought leadership to support the development of innovative crisis intervention models. This position offers an opportunity to influence statewide and national initiatives while contributing to meaningful improvements in suicide prevention and mobile crisis services. The role is fully remote within the United States, with a preference for candidates located in the Pacific Time zone due to the significant California-based responsibilities.
Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight for the California 988 Crisis Center Network and Mobile Crisis Technical Assistance Center programs, ensuring effective implementation and delivery of contractual commitments.
Work closely with the Program Director and clients to anticipate organizational needs, provide strategic guidance, and shape project objectives, structures, and service delivery approaches.
Supervise and support assigned team members, provide organizational oversight, and encourage professional development and expertise in crisis response services.
Serve as a subject matter expert and thought leader on crisis center operations, mobile crisis services, and behavioral health system transformation across internal and external initiatives.
Lead independent projects and strategic assignments within areas of expertise, ensuring successful execution and alignment with program objectives.
Analyze program data, identify trends, and develop evidence-based recommendations to inform client decisions, operational improvements, and strategic planning.
Coordinate with internal departments to ensure effective project management and the delivery of high-quality services, reports, and other deliverables.
Design, facilitate, and evaluate training and technical assistance (TTA) sessions, workshops, working meetings, and learning activities for internal and external stakeholders.
Represent programs at conferences, webinars, professional events, and learning collaboratives, sharing expertise on crisis response systems and best practices.
Respond to urgent client requests involving policy development, data analysis, financial questions, and operational challenges, independently or by coordinating additional resources.
Document technical assistance activities, recipient progress, project outcomes, and progress toward established program goals.
Lead Request for Proposal (RFP) processes, contracting activities, budgeting, and performance monitoring for 988 crisis centers.
Collaborate with data specialists to develop cost projections, funding allocation methodologies, and policy recommendations.
Work with diverse stakeholders to design and implement comprehensive, multi-system crisis service continuums.
Manage assigned grant portfolios, monitoring budgets, contractual obligations, implementation plans, statements of work, and grantee performance.
Oversee research, literature reviews, and key informant interviews to support program development and technical assistance assignments.
Lead the development and quality assurance of reports, websites, publications, and other program materials, ensuring accuracy and professional standards.
Manage multiple projects, competing deadlines, and deliverables while maintaining strong documentation and consistent communication with stakeholders.
Contribute to strategic business development initiatives that expand crisis response programs and strengthen services across additional states and communities.