Vice President, California Connect

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

The Vice President, California Connect provides strategic and operational leadership for all initiatives under Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD)’s California Connect program. This role is responsible for shaping long-term program strategies, overseeing high-impact state contracts, driving innovation in telecommunications accessibility, and ensuring robust stakeholder and community engagement. Working in close collaboration with Directors and Project Managers who execute the daily activities of each contract, this role ensures that all program goals and contractual obligations are met. As a key member of the executive team, the Vice President aligns program goals with California Connect’s overarching mission to empower California’s disabled communities. Reporting to the Division President, the Vice President focuses on high-level oversight, resource alignment, and compliance across all contracts.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and implement multi-year strategic plans, ensuring alignment with CSD’s mission and California Connect’s objectives.
• Monitor emerging trends in telecommunications accessibility and champion innovative solutions that address the needs of disabled communities.
• Regularly communicate program vision, progress, and strategic priorities to the Division President and other key stakeholders.

Program Oversight & Delivery

• Oversee all state contracts and initiatives under California Connect, ensuring compliance with regulatory, contractual, and performance standards.
• Establish and refine program policies, processes, and standards to promote excellence, scalability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide leadership and guidance to Directors and Project Managers in setting program milestones, tracking deliverables, and managing resources effectively.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage and mentor a cross-functional team of Directors and Project Managers working under various California Connect contracts, providing guidance, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation, particularly in remote or hybrid work environments.
• Champion an inclusive work culture that values diversity and celebrates Deaf culture and the unique contributions of all team members.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

• Build and maintain strong relationships with state agencies, community organizations, vendors, and other external stakeholders.
• Represent CSD and California Connect at high-level meetings, public forums, and conferences, advocating for initiatives that expand communication access.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to drive awareness, increase funding opportunities, and cultivate community support.

Financial Management & Budgetary Control

• Develop and oversee the program budget for all California Connect contracts, ensuring responsible allocation of resources and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Monitor financial performance and analyze key metrics, making data-driven decisions to optimize fiscal sustainability and program impact.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable financial regulations and reporting requirements.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify potential risks that could affect program operations or deliverables; develop mitigation strategies in collaboration with Directors, Project Managers, and legal counsel.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as contractual obligations related to California Connect initiatives.
• Promote ethical business practices and maintain high standards of integrity throughout the program.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Drive the adoption of best practices and emerging technologies to enhance program efficacy and beneficiary experience.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics, using data insights to refine strategies and improve service delivery.
• Encourage a culture of learning, reflection, and adaptation, leveraging feedback from beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with other CSD departments (e.g., HR, Finance, IT) to ensure consistent application of organizational policies and smooth coordination of resources.
• Provide executive leadership in organizational initiatives that intersect with California Connect’s objectives, ensuring synergy and shared learning.
• Serve as a key liaison with the Division President, translating executive directives into actionable plans for California Connect teams.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Adapt to evolving organizational needs and priorities as determined by the Division President or executive leadership.
• Participate in special projects and committees to support broader CSD California Connect objectives.

Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To perform the essential functions of this position successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Leadership & Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to develop visionary strategies and lead teams through complex, multi-year initiatives.
• Program & Project Management: Thorough understanding of PMBOK methodologies, with proven success in delivering large-scale, high-impact programs.
• Financial Acumen: Strong budget management skills, with experience in forecasting, resource allocation, and cost optimization.
• Regulatory & Contractual Compliance: Familiarity with California state contracting, procurement processes, and public-sector compliance requirements.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills; ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including state agencies and the Deaf community.
• Cultural Competency: Commitment to CSD’s mission, with an understanding of or willingness to learn Deaf culture, ASL, and the needs of diverse communication accessibility communities.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: High-level critical thinking skills, capable of leveraging data and insights to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Openness to new ideas, technologies, and methodologies; ability to pivot strategies in response to changing conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Engineering, or another industry-related field required
• PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent certification (preferred)
• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in an executive or senior management capacity.
• Demonstrated success overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets and complex state contracts.
• Track record of leading cross-functional teams (including Directors and Project Managers) in a remote or hybrid setting.
• Residency Requirement: California residency (strongly preferred), residency in Pacific time zone (required)
• Ability to communicate effectively using American Sign Language (preferred)

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

This position is self-directed and requires understanding and compliance with company policies, procedures, and values. The position works in a virtual office environment utilizing a computer and standard office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to interact collaboratively with the team and stakeholders, and communicate via phone, videophone, or text messaging. The employee may be required to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

The position may require travel up to 10%.