Chief Administrative Officer

Life Works of
Austin, TX is looking for a Chief Administrative Officer, to join our Executive team! The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is a senior executive leader responsible for stewarding and strengthening Life Works’ operational, administrative, and risk infrastructure in service of the organization’s mission, strategy, and long-term sustainability. The CAO provides executive oversight of Technology, Asset & Facilities Management, Administrative, and Risk Management functions, ensuring these complex, interdependent systems operate cohesively, efficiently, and in alignment with organizational priorities Owns and continuously improves the agency’s operating model, including cross-functional workflows, processes and service standards to drive efficiency, consistency and staff and client experiences.

The CAO balances strategic leadership with disciplined execution, ensuring compliance, safety, and operational excellence across a multi-site, multi-program nonprofit environment.

This full time, exempt position earns a competitive rate ranging from $-$ depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Executive leadership and strategic partnership:
  • Acts as a strategic thought partner to the CEO on operational risk, infrastructure investments, and enterprise-wide initiatives.
  • Serves as a key member of the Executive Team, participating in organizational strategy, policy development, and long-term planning.
  • Translates organizational strategy into clear administrative, technology, facilities, and risk management priorities and execution plans.
  • Oversees enterprise vendor governance, including contract standards, monitoring, and risk management, in partnership with the CFO, CEO, and CPO.
  • Establishes and monitors operational performance metrics to assess effectiveness, identify risks, and inform decision making.
  • Provides clear, data-informed recommendations to executive leadership and the Board as appropriate.
  • Participates in Board meetings or committees as requested by the CEO.
• Oversight of asset & facilities management:
  • Provides executive oversight and strategic direction to the Vice President of Asset & Facilities Management across the full lifecycle of Life Works’ real estate assets, affordable housing developments, and agency facilities.
  • Partners with leadership, the Board of Governors, and the Life Works Affordable Housing Corporation to support long-term capital planning, major development initiatives, and facilities investment decisions aligned with organizational strategy and client needs.
  • Ensures effective planning, development, and management of new housing projects and facilities, including needs assessment, site acquisition, financing strategies, and pro forma development.
  • Partners with the CFO on financial strategies, budgeting, and pro forma development, while responsible for planning, execution, and risk oversight of capital projects.
  • Oversees organizational risk, governance, and executive decision-making related to design development, contractor and vendor selection, construction management, and lease‑up activities.
  • Ensures appropriate controls are in place for project budgets, timelines, and performance to support timely, cost-effective, and compliant delivery of capital and facilities projects.
  • Oversees ongoing property management and facilities operations, including maintenance, safety, security, and compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and funder requirements.
• Oversight of technology:
  • Provides executive oversight and strategic direction to the Vice President of Technology.
  • Ensures the agency’s technology strategy aligns with organizational goals, program needs, and future growth.
  • Oversees organizational risk related to cybersecurity, data privacy, system reliability, and business continuity.
  • Ensures appropriate governance, controls, and accountability for…