NAMI Santa Clara County is Hiring!

Open Job Positions:

Executive Director

Job Profile

The Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The Executive Director is responsible for performing or delegating the following:

Leadership

  • Participate with Board of Directors in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organization
  • Identify, assess, and inform Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect the organization
  • Act as a professional advisor to Board of Directors on all aspects of the organization’s activities
  • Foster effective teamwork between Board of Directors and Executive Director and between Executive Director and staff
  • In addition to the President of the Board, act as a spokesperson for the organization
  • Conduct official correspondence on behalf of Board of Directors as appropriate and jointly with the Board as appropriate
  • Represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization’s community profile

Operational planning and management

  • Develop an operational plan incorporating goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organization
  • Ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its clients, Board of Directors, and Funders
  • Oversee efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization
  • Draft policies for the approval of Board of Directors and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to Board of Directors as appropriate
  • Ensure that personnel, client, donor, and volunteer files are securely stored and privacy/confidentiality is maintained

Program planning and management

  • Oversee planning, implementation, and evaluation of the organization’s programs and services
  • Ensure that programs and services offered by the organization contribute to the organization’s mission and reflect the priorities of Board of Directors
  • Monitor day-to-day delivery of the programs and services of the organization to maintain or improve quality
  • Oversee planning, implementation, execution, and evaluation of special projects
  • Demonstrate ability to delegate to ensure that responsibilities are shared across the organization

Human resources planning and management

  • Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery
  • Ensure that all staff receive an orientation to the organization and that appropriate training is provided
  • Oversee implementation of human resources policies, procedures, and practices including the development of job description for all staff
  • Establish positive, healthy, and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations
  • Recruit, interview, and select staff with the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organization’s mission
  • Implement performance management process for all staff that includes monitoring the performance of staff on an ongoing basis and conducting an annual performance review
  • Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance
  • Discipline staff when necessary using appropriate techniques; release staff when necessary using appropriate and legally defensible procedures

Financial planning and management

  • Work with staff and Board Treasurer to prepare a comprehensive budget
  • Work with Board of Directors to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization
  • Oversee the development of fundraising plans and funding proposals to increase the funds of the organization
  • Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by Board of Directors
  • Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed
  • Administer funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization
  • Ensure that the organization complies with all legislation covering taxation and withholding payments

Community relations/advocacy

  • Communicate with funders/members to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in the community served by the organization
  • Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization
  • Participate in fundraising activities as appropriate

Risk management

  • Identify and evaluate risks to the organization’s people (clients, staff, management, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image; implement measures to control risks
  • Ensure that Board of Directors and the organization carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage
  • Ensure that Board of Directors and staff understand the terms, conditions, and limitations of the insurance coverage

Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

  • Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to nonprofit/voluntary organizations
  • Knowledge of all federal and state legislation applicable to voluntary sector organizations including: employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, charities, taxation, health coverage, etc.
  • Knowledge of current community challenges and opportunities related to the mission of the organization
  • Knowledge of human resources management
  • Knowledge of financial management
  • Knowledge of project management

Personal characteristics

The Executive Director should demonstrate competence in some or all of the following:

  • Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization
  • Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques
  • Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
  • Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile, and tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency
  • Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and business practices, and ensure that own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization
  • Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities
  • Focus on Client Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters
  • Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization
  • Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency, and risks, and make clear decisions that are timely and in the best interests of the organization
  • Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information, and activities
  • Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results
  • Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem
  • Think Strategically: Assess options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment, and the vision and values of the organization

Experience

  • 5 or more years of progressive management experience in a nonprofit organization or prior Executive Director experience in a nonprofit organization
  • Knowledgeable about severe and persistent mental illness and passion for the mission of the organization

This is an exempt position that requires the Executive Director to sometimes work evenings, weekends, and overtime hours in order to attend Board Meetings and represent the organization at public events.

To apply for this position, please send a cover letter and your resume to Stacy Badgis at sbadgis@namisantaclara.org