EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Valley Mountain Regional Center
Date: November 2023
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Executive Director is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership to Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC), located in Stockton, California, and serving children and adults with developmental disabilities in San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. Key duties include overseeing strategic planning, financial management, organizational development, staff management, program operations, and contract compliance. Guidance and oversight is provided by the VMRC Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Positions reporting to the Executive Director include the Special Assistant to the Director, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Adult’s Case Management, Director of Children’s Case Management, Director of Community Services, Director of Administration, Director of Clinical Services, the Compliance Officer, the Project Manager, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager, and the Cultural Specialist.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Vision, Mission, and Strategy
- Cultivate a strong partnership with the Board of Directors to develop a shared vision for the future of the organization, build understanding around the current mission, and develop appropriate goals and strategies to advance that mission.
- Create an effective process for long-range strategic planning that engages the Board, staff, vendors, and consumers to develop goals, objectives and operational plans.
- Develop and lead VMRC’s strategy within the broader context of the state political landscape.
- Provide inspirational leadership and direction to all executives and ensure the continued development and management of a professional and efficient organization; establish effective decision-making processes that will enable VMRC to achieve its goals and objectives.
- Maintain a working knowledge of developments and trends in the developmental disability services field.
- Work effectively with the Board to expand and develop VMRC’s Board of Directors.
- Responsible for leading the organization to ensure all interactions with people with disabilities, their families and all of the staff adhere to the principles of Person-Centered Thinking.
- Provide leadership that communicates zero tolerance for any discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. The director will consistently portray that VMRC is a place where “everyone belongs” and that it celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Ensure people with disabilities served or employed by VMRC who require alternative means of communication (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) will receive all accommodations needed.
Operations Management
- Be responsible for the recruitment, employment, and release of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers. Ensure that an effective management team, with appropriate provision for succession, is in place.
- Encourage staff development and education and assist program staff in relating their specialized work to the strategic priorities of the organization.
- Maintain a climate which attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of top-quality people who achieve program goals and objectives.
- Ensure that the organization has the appropriate systems, physical space, and technology to operate efficiently and effectively.
- Execute and maintain official records and documents and ensure compliance with the terms of the performance contract with the State of California, as well as with all federal, state and local legal and regulatory requirements; implement sound risk management policies and practices.
- Recommend new programs and the modification or discontinuance of current programs, as appropriate, to the Board of Directors.
Fiscal Management
- Be responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices.
- Ensure qualified staff are retained to accurately manage the financial health of VMRC; ensure a clear and accurate accounting system is maintained, allowing the Board to monitor the VMRC’s finances and operations in relation to the approved budget and make informed decisions.
- Align strategic and operational planning with the organization’s budgeting process.
- Work effectively with the Board, union, and outside counsel to negotiate a union contract that is fair and reasonable for VMRC and employees.
- Ensure timely financial audits and tax filings by independent audit firms.
- Ensure the fiscal department completes timely annual audits of vendors as required by law.
Communications, Public Relations, and Advocacy
- Implement a comprehensive communications plan that engages and informs the Board, staff and stakeholders.
- Direct current and consistent updates to the company website to ensure adherence to full transparency to the public and meet the open meetings rules and best practices for the board of directors.
- Communicating in various languages necessary for all parts of our community to receive and understand information from VMRC.
- Serve as an articulate and knowledgeable spokesperson for the organization. Establish and maintain positive relationships and cooperative arrangements with the many groups that support the work of VMRC, including community and business leaders, consumers and families, public officials, vendors, and potential funders.
- Keep current on public policy and legislation affecting VMRC’s work and provide strong advocacy for the organization’s interests; collaborate with other regional centers and the Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA).
- See that the board is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and all-important factors influencing it including measurement of financial, programmatic, and impact of performance against stated milestones and goals.
- Ensure representatives from VMRC are participating in outreach events to partner with community organizations throughout the five-county region.
- Communicate all changes to services and regulations to consumers, families, employees, and community partners and ensure consumers and families have all the information they need to access services equitably.
- Complete other duties as assigned to maintain the efficient functioning of the organization.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s or bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Organization Development/Leadership, Psychology, Education, Social Work, Law, or related area; an advanced degree is highly desirable.
- A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in administrating an organization or division involved in human social services. Experience in organizations providing services for people with developmental disabilities is preferred.
- Applied knowledge of the unique needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families.
- Working knowledge of government contracting, compliance, state and federal funding.
- Demonstrable blend of practical, policy, and administrative experience.
- Candidates will demonstrate strong skills in fiscal management, resource development, strategic and operational planning, and public relations.
- Prior experience providing support to a Board of Directors is preferred.
- Prior experience working in a unionized environment is preferred.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office computer applications.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- A combination of training, education, and experience, that is equal to all the qualifications above.
WORKING CONDITION AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Most duties are performed in the office and out in the community. The person in this position must have reliable transportation and be able to travel locally and out of town regularly. The position requires the ability to read, write and comprehend large amounts of written material such as reports and regulations, use the telephone, and communicate via electronic mail daily. Excellent oral and written skills are essential.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary range depending on the experience and degrees and specialization: anticipated $220,000 to $235,000. Valley Mountain Regional Center provide a generous benefit package including health, dental, vision, vacation, and holiday schedule. Click here for details: https://www.vmrc.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SOB-NONBARGAINING-FEB-2023.pdf.
TO APPLY: Send resume and cover letter to:
Attention: Margaret Heinz, Selection Committee Chair, EDRecruitingProcess@VMRC.NET