Job details

Director of Special Projects

Who We Are

Hively, derived from ‘lively’ and ‘hive’, is a thriving community full of life and energy. At our core, we are a family-centered social impact organization dedicated to multi-generational well-being. Our mission is to strengthen and support children and their families throughout Alameda County. We believe that through subsidized child care, mental health support, and community services centered in families of all types and backgrounds, we can significantly change children and parents' possibilities to thrive in life. If this resonates with you, we invite you to apply to join our team!

Our Team & Culture

Our Team at Hively is a passionate and diverse group of individuals from a wide range of different lived experiences, backgrounds and professional expertise. We strive every day to create an environment for families and staff that is inclusive and welcoming of different experiences and perspectives. We prioritize learning, listening, and growing together and to foster a culture of respect.

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Special Projects to build and lead a small, high-performing team within our high-growth nonprofit. This role will serve as the leader of our Innovation Incubator, a key initiative focused on developing, testing, and launching new programs and services that drive growth, market differentiation, and long-term sustainability.

As the Director, you will be responsible for shaping the direction and strategy of this incubator, fostering a culture of innovation, and executing projects that challenge the status quo. You will work closely with senior leadership to identify emerging opportunities, prototype solutions, and scale successful initiatives across the organization. Your team will be at the forefront of driving transformational change, launching new offerings, and bringing innovative ideas to life.

What You Will Do:

Leadership & Strategy: Lead and manage the Innovation Incubator team, developing and executing projects that drive innovation in programs, services, and business models. Ensure alignment with organizational goals and potential for client success and future funding.
Project Management: Oversee all project management activities, from ideation to execution, utilizing strong project management methodologies to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery with expected outcomes. Track project progress and communicate updates to stakeholders.
Program Development & Launch: Oversee all aspects of new program development, including program design, securing funding, building and managing project teams, and ensuring successful program launch and transition to ongoing operations.
Team Management & Development: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing, collaborative team and cross-functional subject-matter experts. Foster a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous learning.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with senior leadership and other departments (Programs, Marketing & Development, Finance, Clinical Services) to ensure alignment and effective execution of incubator projects.
Metrics & Reporting: Establish OKRs and other metrics to evaluate the success of incubator projects. Regularly report on progress, results, and lessons learned to senior leadership and other stakeholders.
Market Research & Trends: Stay informed of industry trends, emerging technologies, and market shifts to identify new opportunities for innovation.
Change Management: Support the organization through the adoption of new programs and services, ensuring smooth transitions and stakeholder buy-in.

What You Should Bring:

8-10+ years of progressive experience in innovation, program management, product development, or similar leadership roles, preferably in a mid-sized or fast-growing organization.
Proven experience leading teams and delivering impactful projects with measurable business outcomes.
Strong track record of incubating and launching new ideas, services, or products from concept to execution.
Exceptional leadership, team management, communication, and presentation skills.
Proficiency in project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Lean) and tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira).
Strong business acumen, analytical skills, and experience with data analysis and reporting tools.
Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field; an advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MSW) is a plus.
Entrepreneurial mindset, adaptability to a fast-paced environment, and strong collaboration skills.

$140,000 - $160,000 a year

Salary ranges are based on industry data, and final employment offer will be determined based upon factors including but not limited to an applicant's experience, specialized skills, and internal alignment.

Benefits

* Medical, dental and vision plans covered at 100% for the employee

* Health & Dependent Care FSA & HSA

* 15 Paid Holidays + flex holidays!

* Generous paid time off policy

* Tuition Reimbursement ($1,000/year)

* Employee Appreciation Program

* Life & Long Term Disability Insurance covered 100% by Hively

* 403(b) plan

* SEP-IRA plan with an employer contribution of 5% of annual salary

* Learning & Development Opportunities

*Financial wellness program with unlimited access to personal financial advisors

* Industry competitive salary ranges

Welcoming Candidates from All Backgrounds

While we try to be thorough with our prerequisites, not everything about you as a candidate can be condensed into a list of bullet points.

We welcome applicants of any educational background, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, disability, and veteran status.

* Note: Benefits described apply for full-time, permanent positions only. Temporary, internships, part-time or contract roles are not generally eligible.

Average salary estimate

$150000 / YEARLY (est.)

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What You Should Know About Director of Special Projects, Hively

Hively is excited to announce a fantastic opportunity for a Director of Special Projects in Pleasanton, California! As a budding hero of innovation at our vibrant nonprofit, you'll lead our Innovation Incubator, helping to create groundbreaking programs aimed at enhancing the well-being of children and families throughout Alameda County. You'll manage a talented team, spear-heading projects that not only challenge convention but actively drive meaningful growth and sustainability within our organization. If you've got a flair for strategizing, a history of launching successful initiatives, and a passion for community impact, we want to hear from you! Your knack for leadership, coupled with solid experience in program management and product development, will be crucial as you collaborate with senior leadership to prototype ideas and adapt to market shifts. Hively's culture celebrates diverse perspectives and promotes an environment where everyone can thrive. Plus, with our comprehensive benefits package and a commitment to your professional development, you’ll feel right at home. Are you ready to dive into meaningful projects that make a difference? If this resonates with you, take the leap and apply now to become an integral part of our mission-driven team!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Director of Special Projects Role at Hively

What are the responsibilities of the Director of Special Projects at Hively?

The Director of Special Projects at Hively is responsible for leading the Innovation Incubator team, managing all project management activities from ideation to execution, and overseeing the development and launch of new programs. This includes ensuring that projects align with organizational goals, monitoring project progress, and fostering collaboration across departments.