CHIEF PEOPLE & CULTURE OFFICER
Dream Center Los Angeles

MINISTRY SUMMARY

The Dream Center was founded in 1994 by Pastor Tommy Barnett and his son, Pastor Matthew Barnett, later joined in leadership by Pastor Caroline Barnett. What began as a small outreach to a struggling Los Angeles neighborhood has grown into a global movement of compassion and transformation.

For more than 30 years, the Dream Center has been a faith-based charitable organization committed to “finding and filling the needs” of individuals and families facing poverty, homelessness, addiction, abuse, and human trafficking. Every day, lives are restored through innovative residential programs, community outreach, education, workforce development, and leadership training.

The Dream Center’s mission is simple yet profound: to connect broken people to a community of support by offering free resources and services that meet immediate needs while also addressing long-term restoration. Rooted in the vision of its founders, the Dream Center continues to be a lighthouse of hope for Los Angeles and a model replicated by churches and nonprofits across the nation and the world.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief People & Culture Officer (CPCO) is a senior executive role developed to strengthen and align the Dream Center’s people systems, organizational culture, and servant leadership philosophy. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CPCO will oversee all Human Resources functions—payroll, benefits, onboarding, compliance, and employee relations—while also championing staff learning, leadership development, and holistic staff care.

This role is shaped by the Dream Center’s Upside-Down Servant Leadership Pyramid, which teaches that leaders exist to serve staff, staff exist to strengthen frontline ministries, and all roles exist to serve the people we care for

The CPCO ensures this philosophy is lived out in every HR and culture initiative, creating a Christ-centered, people-first culture that empowers staff and volunteers to flourish in their work and calling.

GUIDING FRAMEWORK

At the Dream Center, leadership is not about climbing higher, but stooping lower to lift others up. Guided by the Upside-Down Servant Leadership Pyramid, the CPCO exists to serve the staff and leaders so they can better empower frontline ministries—and ultimately bring restoration and transformation to the people we serve

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Culture & Leadership

• Champion a Christ-centered servant leadership culture rooted in the Dream Center’s values of humility, integrity, and compassion.
• Embed the Servant Leadership Pyramid into culture and HR practices to ensure that every layer of leadership strengthens the one above it.
• Partner with the CEO and executive team to align people strategy with mission and long-term vision.
• Lead diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts within a faith-driven context.

Human Resources Operations

• Oversee payroll, benefits, insurance, and compliance with state and federal laws.
• Manage recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and orientation.
• Provide employee relations support, policy oversight, and legal compliance.
• Partner with Finance and Operations to align HR processes with organizational systems.

Learning, Development & Staff Care

• Lead staff training, professional development, and leadership pipelines.
• Coach and mentor leaders to grow in both servant leadership and management capacity.
• Coordinate staff meetings, retreats, and team-building activities.
• Build recognition and appreciation systems that reflect the Dream Center’s culture.

Employee & Volunteer Engagement

• Strengthen employee satisfaction, retention, and engagement.
• Partner with volunteer leadership to ensure volunteers are equipped, supported, and aligned with HR practices.
• Provide holistic staff care by integrating spiritual, social, and professional growth opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Organizational Leadership, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Master’s degree and/or SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification preferred.

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive HR and organizational leadership experience, with at least 5 years at the senior leadership level.
• Proven track record of shaping organizational culture and leading HR operations.
• Experience in nonprofit and/or faith-based organizations strongly preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Deep commitment to Christ-centered servant leadership.
• Strong HR operations expertise (compliance, payroll, benefits).
• Proven ability to embed organizational culture into systems and strategy.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to lead with humility, courage, and vision.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary range: $110,000 – $135,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits include health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
• Faith-based staff care resources including chaplaincy and spiritual formation programs.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send all applications, emails, and inquiries to Liana Garcia at lgarcia@dreamcenter.org or 213-273-7018.

Required Materials

1. Cover Letter — Describe your interest in the role, your alignment with the Dream Center’s mission, and your experience in people & culture leadership. Please also share how your personal faith and servant-leadership philosophy align with the Dream Center.
2. Resume / CV — Detail your professional experience, education, and relevant accomplishments.