Director of Programs, Resident Services

About TELACU

For over five decades, The East Los Angeles Community Union (TELACU) has been a powerful force for change, transforming underserved communities in Eastside Los Angeles and beyond. Founded in 1968, TELACU is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement dedicated to economic empowerment, housing equity, and community revitalization. Through innovative programs and strategic investments, TELACU creates opportunities that uplift families, seniors, and individuals with special needs, ensuring they have access to quality housing, education, and economic stability.

At the heart of our impact is a pioneering approach that blends mission-driven business with social good. TELACU operates a network of for-profit businesses under TELACU Industries, generating sustainable revenue to fuel our nonprofit initiatives. This synergy allows us to reinvest in the very communities we serve—creating jobs, expanding access to homeownership, and funding scholarships that open doors to higher education.

In 1996, we launched TELACU Residential Management (TRM), a nonprofit arm dedicated to providing safe, affordable housing for seniors, families, and individuals with disabilities. Today, TRM manages 51 properties with over 3,300 housing units, ensuring that our residents not only have a place to live but a community to thrive in.

Our impact speaks for itself: 50+ senior and disability-friendly housing communities, hundreds of first-time homebuyer opportunities, and the construction of more than 40 schools and commercial centers that bring jobs and economic growth to local neighborhoods. TELACU isn’t just about development—it’s about creating lasting change, empowering people, and strengthening communities for generations to come.

To learn more, visit https://telacu.com/

Position Summary

TELACU Residential Management (TRM) is seeking a dynamic and hands-on Director of Programs, Resident Services to lead and inspire a dedicated team in providing high-quality support for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This leader will play a critical role in empowering residents to maintain their independence with dignity and respect while ensuring our programs run efficiently across 33 affordable housing communities throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.

We are looking for a highly organized problem-solver and strategic thinker who will oversee all aspects of resident services. The Director will be responsible for driving program excellence, including developing and implementing impactful resident programs, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations (including Civil Rights standards), securing funding through grant writing, optimizing policies and procedures, managing budgets, and enhancing resident satisfaction.

Beyond managing operations, the Director will serve as a unifying force for the team, fostering a culture of purpose, collaboration, and motivation. They will provide strong leadership, professional development, and hands-on training to ensure that staff feel valued, equipped, and aligned with TRM’s mission.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Compliance & Strategy, the Director will oversee an annual operating budget of approximately $3.5M and lead a team of 32+ passionate employees, including three direct reports. This is an opportunity for an energetic leader to make a lasting impact—building a team that is engaged, empowered, and committed to delivering exceptional services to our residents.

Key Responsibilities

Program Excellence & Resident-Centered Service

• Oversee the creation, implementation and evaluation of all direct and contracted resident services programming at each housing community.
• Promote collaborative relationships between teams and ensure expectations of internal and external stakeholders are consistently met
• Deliver exceptional service and high-quality care across all programs by leveraging data and resident feedback to enhance outcomes.

Compliance Champion & 504 Coordinator

• Ensure all strategies and programs are built in compliance with state and federal civil rights laws prohibiting disability discrimination, including Section 504 and Title II of the ADA.
• As the 504 Coordinator, oversee the requirements under state and federal disability discrimination laws and regulations and guide TRM’s policies to comply
• Maintain a working knowledge of federal, state, and local affordable housing program requirements, including general regulations governing rental housing and fair housing laws.
• Research and analyze changing and/or new laws and regulatory requirements related to service coordination and fair housing.

Fiscal Oversight & Secure Funding

• Research and secure additional funding opportunities, leading the process from grant writing, submission, award, management and reporting.
• Manage individual housing community budgets by streamlining expenses and cross utilizing resources
• Identify and pursue opportunities for revenue generation, cost optimization, and operational efficiency across all program areas.

People Leadership and Management

• Coach, advise, and empower Resident Services Supervisors with the tools and resources necessary to lead their teams toward achieving program goals, driving outcomes, and delivering on budget.
• Support the professional development and growth of all team members by modeling a culture of accountability, feedback, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure clear and effective decision-making, communication cascades, and roles and responsibilities within and across teams to maximize program success.
• Build a learning-oriented culture that prioritizes continuous improvement and resident-centered approaches.
• Exhibit strong management skills including the ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports, foster trust and collaboration among team members, and possess the ability to manage change with flexibility and poise.

Desired Qualifications

The Director will possess strong communication skills, with a talent for setting clear, actionable goals and effectively allocating resources to meet both individual housing community and organizational goals. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in grant writing, program management, and compliance (i.e. Section 504). Additionally, they will be comfortable with public speaking and have a proven history of coaching and mentoring teams to foster growth and development.

While it’s understood that no single candidate will bring every single competency, strong candidates will offer the following skills, characteristics, and experiences:

• Master’s degree in social work, Gerontology, Psychology, Counseling or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in affordable housing is required.
• Demonstrated success in grant writing, donor engagement, or securing funds.
• A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with the drive and resilience to navigate challenges and overcome obstacles in dynamic environments.
• Flexible in adjusting to shifting daily priorities and strong motivational and staff leadership abilities
• Proficient in leveraging data to track and enhance program effectiveness and operational results.
• Strong cultural awareness and experience working with diverse populations, including individuals from varying social, economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds, as well as non-English speaking adults.
• Background in risk mitigation, trauma informed care, mental health, substance abuse, or self-care beneficial.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in multi languages is a plus.

Location

This is an on-site position located in Los Angeles, CA, with offices at 5400 E Olympic Blvd and 1248 Goodrich Blvd. This role is expected to travel locally 30-50% of the time, with 3 days visiting one of the 33 communities and 2 days at the headquarters office. Candidates must be willing to travel within Los Angeles and surrounding areas to build strong relationships with both the team and residents. Occasional out-of-state travel for conferences and training is required. A valid California Driver's License, proof of current vehicle insurance, the ability to use a personal vehicle for work-related travel, and a driving record that meets TELACU Industries' insurance criteria are necessary. Travel mileage will be reimbursed.

COVID-19 Vaccination

All employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before their first day of employment. A copy of the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card must be provided to Human Resources.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is determined by several factors, including skill level and relevant experience. The salary for this position ranges from $100,000 to $120,000. An annual bonus of $6,000 is available based on annual goals and evaluations.

We also provide a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401k savings plan with 20% of each dollar you contribute matched, company-paid life, AD&D insurance and long-term disability, voluntary supplemental life, EAP program, education reimbursement program, and comprehensive PTO policy, which includes paid days for vacation, illness, and holidays.

How to Apply

Maneva Group, a woman and minority-owned national executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven searches, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. To express interest in this role, please submit your resume and cover letter here: https://adr.to/tcywqai

All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential. This position is available immediately; we will accept and review new applications until the position is filled.