Chief Administrative Officer

Chief Administrative Officer – Life Works, Austin, TX

Life Works is seeking a Chief Administrative Officer to join our executive team. The CAO will steward and strengthen Life Works’ operational, administrative, and risk infrastructure to support our mission, strategy, and long‑term sustainability. The role oversees Technology, Asset & Facilities Management, Administration, and Risk Management functions, ensuring these systems operate cohesively and efficiently across a multi‑site, multi‑program nonprofit environment.

This full‑time, exempt position offers a competitive salary ranging from $ to $ based on experience, and includes benefits such as 24 PTO days per year, 11 paid holidays, a premium‑free employee medical plan with a $100 monthly HSA contribution, retirement savings with a 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and additional medical, dental, and vision options.

• Executive leadership and strategic partnership
  • Strategic thought partner to the CEO on operational risk, infrastructure investments, and enterprise‑wide initiatives.
  • Key member of the Executive Team, contributing to strategy, policy development, and long‑term planning.
  • Translate strategy into clear administrative, technology, facilities, and risk management priorities.
  • Oversee enterprise vendor governance, contract standards, monitoring, and risk management in partnership with the CFO, CEO, and CPO.
  • Monitor operational performance metrics, assess effectiveness, identify risks, and inform decision making.
  • Provide data‑informed recommendations to executive leadership and the Board.
  • Participate in Board meetings or committees as requested by the CEO.
• Oversight of asset & facilities management
  • Executive oversight and strategic direction of the Vice President of Asset & Facilities Management for all life‑cycle activities of real estate assets, affordable housing developments, and agency facilities.
  • Partner with leadership, the Board of Governors, and the Life Works Affordable Housing Corporation on capital planning, major development initiatives, and facilities investment decisions.
  • Ensure effective planning, development, and management of new housing projects and facilities, including needs assessment, site acquisition, financing strategies, and pro forma development.
  • Collaborate with the CFO on budgeting, financial strategies, and pro forma development for capital projects.
  • Oversee risk—governance, executive decision‑making, contractor and vendor selection, construction management, and lease‑up activities.
  • Maintain controls for project budgets, timelines, and performance to support cost‑effective, compliant delivery.
  • Oversee ongoing property management and facilities operations, including maintenance, safety, security, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversight of technology
  • Executive oversight and strategic direction of the Vice President of Technology.
  • Align technology strategy with organizational goals, program needs, and growth.
  • Oversee cybersecurity, data privacy, system reliability, and business continuity risk.
  • Ensure governance, controls, and accountability for technology investments, vendors, and major system initiatives.
  • Partner with leadership to assess and prioritize digital transformation initiatives, including CRM optimization, data analytics, and emerging technologies.
• Administrative operations & risk management
  • Executive oversight and strategic direction of the Vice President of Administration & Risk.
  • Oversee enterprise‑wide business continuity, emergency response, and recovery planning.
  • Maintain effective risk management frameworks, policies, and procedures.
  • Ensure continuous improvement and risk mitigation post‑incidents.
  • Oversee front‑ and back‑of‑house administrative operations, ensuring consistent and welcoming support across all sites.
  • Align administrative staffing models, workflows, and service standards with organizational needs.
• People leadership and organizational accountability
  • Handle hiring, orientation, training, supervision, evaluation, and dismissal of direct reports, including senior leadership positions.
  • Establish governance structures, decision rights, and escalation pathways across administrative…