Director Operational Excellence Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

YSS is seeking a a collaborative, mission-driven North Iowa Campus Director who can balances strategic vision with operational excellence in our Mason City location. The Campus Director oversees residential programs, crisis services, and campus operations to ensure exceptional care, operational excellence, and meaningful outcomes for youth and families. As the leader for the North Iowa campus, this position is responsible for setting the direction, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability, and ensuring every program reflects YSS's mission, values, and commitment to trauma-informed care.

Working closely with organizational leadership, the Campus Director develops and executes strategic initiatives, leads high-performing teams, manages campus resources, and ensures compliance with licensing, contractual, grant, and CARF accreditation standards. This role champions continuous quality improvement, monitors program performance, and identifies opportunities to strengthen services, enhance outcomes, and support sustainable growth.

Beyond campus operations, the Campus Director serves as the primary ambassador for YSS throughout North Iowa, building strong relationships with schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, referral partners, funders, and local leaders. By cultivating partnerships and advocating for the needs of youth and families, this leader helps expand YSS's impact across the region.

Through thoughtful leadership, sound decision-making, and a commitment to developing people and programs, this role empowers teams to deliver life-changing services while positioning the North Iowa Campus for continued success and growth.

What You'll Do...

Strategic Leadership

• Set the vision and direction for the North Iowa Campus, ensuring programs align with YSS's mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Establish campus goals, monitor outcomes, and lead continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Identify opportunities for program growth, innovation, and expanded community impact.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the North Iowa Campus, ensuring safe, welcoming, and high-quality services.
• Ensure compliance with licensing requirements, CARF accreditation, contracts, grants, and agency policies.
• Lead campus response to critical incidents and complex operational challenges.
• Oversee campus policies, procedures, program manuals, and client handbooks to ensure services remain current, effective, and compliant.
• Provide executive oversight for significant client care decisions, program operations, and risk management.
• Participate in leadership, clinical, and quality review meetings to ensure coordinated, high-quality service delivery.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, coach, and develop high-performing leaders and staff.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning.
• Support employee engagement, professional development, and staff retention.
• Ensure staff receive comprehensive onboarding, training, coaching, and ongoing professional development
• Provide leadership and support during critical incidents, including staff debriefing and operational response.

Program & Financial Management

• Oversee campus budgets, staffing, facilities, and operational resources.
• Monitor program performance and use data to improve service quality and client outcomes.
• Partner with organizational leaders to ensure effective, sustainable operations.
• Develop and manage campus budgets while ensuring responsible stewardship of financial and operational resources.

Community Partnerships

• Serve as the primary YSS representative throughout North Iowa.
• Build and strengthen relationships with schools, healthcare providers, referral partners, funders, and community organizations.
• Promote YSS services and identify opportunities to expand partnerships and community engagement.
• Provide strategic oversight for Crisis Stabilization, Safe Place, and other North Iowa Campus programs, ensuring services meet community needs and organizational goals.

Client & Family Impact

• Champion a culture of trauma-informed, client-centered care across all campus programs.
• Ensure youth and families receive coordinated, compassionate, and effective services.
• Create an environment where youth, families, and staff feel safe, respected, and supported.

This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.

As the Campus Director, you'll need flexibility to be present when needed, including occasional evening and weekend availability, to support staff, youth, families, and campus operations. Ultimately, you'll inspire people, strengthen programs, build community partnerships, and ensure the North Iowa Campus continues to deliver life-changing services for youth and families.

Who You Are...

You're an inspiring leader who brings people together, develops strong teams, and isn't afraid to roll up your sleeves when needed. You think strategically, lead with compassion, and know how to balance people, programs, partnerships, and performance. Building relationships comes naturally, and you're energized by creating opportunities that help youth, families, staff, and communities thrive.

What We Provide...

We invest in people—because when you thrive, so do the communities we serve. At YSS, you’ll find meaningful work, strong support, and benefits designed for real life.

Supportive Culture & Work Environment

• Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture
• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Voluntary dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Flu shots and mental health support resources

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)
• Paid holidays, including a birthday holiday
• Volunteer time off

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Supplemental compensation award
• 403(b) retirement savings plan

Professional & Career Support

• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer

We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit.

Required Qualifications - MUST HAVES:

• Bachelor's degree in human services or related field.
• Five years of progressive leadership experience in human services or nonprofit settings.
• Two years of supervisory experience, including team leadership, staff development, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, behavioral health, youth services, or residential programming.
• You’ll occasionally be transporting clients and driving a YSS vehicle, so we need you to:
  • Be at least 21
  • Have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
  • Carry insurance that meets YSS standards

Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:

• Master’s degree in human services or related field.
• Experience leading residential treatment, crisis, shelter, or other youth-serving programs.
• Experience in mental health or social work services.
• Experience overseeing program operations, staffing, budgets, and resources.
• Experience with strategic planning, quality improvement, and data-informed decision-making.
• Experience with fundraising, grant management, or community relations.
• Knowledge of licensing requirements, CARF standards, contracts, grants, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to build and maintain strong partnerships with community organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and stakeholders.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Self-directed with strong organizational and time management skills.

The IDEAL Candidate

• Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
• Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
• Speaks a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).

We Celebrate Your Story...

Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply.

Who We Are...

We’re YSS—one of Iowa’s largest and longest-standing nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission is simple but powerful: spark hope, create opportunity, and help young people thrive.

• From life-changing programs to a new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at yss.org.
• We value the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed.
• YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.

Stay Connected...

We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system address: systemmessage@paycomonline.com. Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case). If the message does end up in spam/junk, make sure to add systemmessage@paycomonline.com to your list of safe senders. We may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions? Reach us anytime at yss@yss.org

Our Hiring Process - Here’s What to Expect...

• Apply – Submit your application at yss.org/ysscareers
• Assessment – We review your skills and experience
• Interview – Phone, video, or in-person conversation
• References – We’ll connect with 3+ professional references
• Screening – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if required
• Offer – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom