Assistant Director - Adult Services Program

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE, PLEASE SUBMIT A COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). BY FEBRUARY 22, 2026.

Kara provides a compassionate space for those navigating the journey of grief. We are seeking an Assistant Director to provide essential operational and administrative leadership for our Adult Services Program . Based onsite at our Palo Alto office, this role partners with the Adult Services Program Director to ensure that our peer groups, one-on-one support, and volunteer-led initiatives are delivered with compassion, efficiency, and operational excellence.

This position is ideal for a professional who combines strong organizational systems with a deeply empathetic mindset. You will be instrumental in managing current services while helping to expand our support for young adults and other key initiatives. We are looking for a collaborative team member who understands that behind every operational task is a person seeking support, and who can maintain professional, compassionate boundaries while ensuring our services run seamlessly.

We are looking for a professional who brings:

• Compassionate Professionalism: You blend a "can-do" operational approach with high EQ, ensuring clients and volunteers feel heard and supported.
• Operational Reliability: You possess the organizational skills and attention to detail necessary to keep program logistics and operations running smoothly.
• Technical Proficiency: You are comfortable using digital tools to enhance service delivery and client and volunteer engagement.
• Poise & Flexibility: You remain steady under pressure and can adapt quickly to the evolving needs of a mission-driven environment.

If you are a highly organized leader dedicated to supporting those navigating loss through both operational excellence and genuine empathy, we invite you to join our team.

Key Responsibilities:

Direct Client & Program Impact

• Compassionate Service:
  Conduct empathetic screenings and intakes, matching clients with support—whether consultations, peer groups, one-on-one sessions, or internal/external referrals.
• Service Coordination:
  Manage the end-to-end client journey, from monitoring paperwork and digital signatures to coordinating invitations, key communications, and feedback surveys.
• Program Innovation:
  Partner with the Director to develop and execute innovative training for volunteers and help spearhead the growth of our Young Adult services and other initiatives.
• Volunteer Lifecycle:
  Assist with the recruitment, training, supervision, and ongoing support of Adult Services volunteers.
• Process Improvement:
  Continuously review and streamline program processes to improve operational efficiency.

Operational & Technical Leadership

• Data Stewardship:
  Maintain the integrity of our records management system, tracking client/volunteer data, attendance, waitlists, and service statistics.
• Hybrid Operations:
  Provide seamless logistical support for both in-person and online client groups, training, and volunteer meetings.
• Technical Advocacy:
  Act as the "go-to" for technical troubleshooting (meeting room scheduling, Zoom, G-Suite) for our dedicated volunteers and clients.

Community Engagement

• Volunteer Support:
  Empower our volunteer base by updating digital resource libraries, managing communications engagement, and providing monthly services tracking and reporting.
• Collaborative Spirit:
  Work cross-functionally with the Kara team to ensure a cohesive experience across all agency-wide services.

Required Qualifications

Core Qualifications & Values

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
• Mission Alignment:
  Deep commitment to Kara’s mission, vision, and the guiding value of compassion.
• Empathy & Awareness:
  Client-focused with an understanding of the issues facing adults navigating grief, death and dying.
• Professionalism:
  Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with a high standard of integrity and ethics.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Command of Language:
  Strong verbal and written English skills; comfortable with public speaking.
• Collaboration:
  
  Excellent interpersonal skills; a proven team player, team builder, and effective collaborator.
• Engagement:
  Ability to outreach and…