Foothill Unity Center - Executive Director

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ABOUT FOOTHILL UNITY CENTER

For over 40 years, Foothill Unity Center has helped neighbors in need with programs that focus on: food, health, crisis case management, job development, volunteerism and housing and homeless services. Foothill Unity Center, a multi-service agency, serves as the San Gabriel Valley’s primary provider of integrated services that help individuals and families move out of poverty to reach economic stability. Our program model helps to advance equity in the San Gabriel Valley community. We provide access and opportunities, remove barriers for the low-income and working poor, providing a safety net to the disadvantaged to prevent homelessness, and support the underserved homeless population by addressing their full spectrum of needs for the whole family. Foothill Unity Center is a place of real hope and possibilities for people in crisis. We serve the San Gabriel Valley Foothill communities of Altadena, Arcadia, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bradbury, Duarte, Irwindale, Monrovia, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena and Temple City.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Executive Director (ED) will lead a high-performing organization with a proven model for providing comprehensive support services to individuals and families in need. Building upon over 40 years of success and growth, the new Executive Director will work with the Board and other constituents to set the strategy for Foothill Unity Center’s future and drive the greatest possible impact for the community.

Reporting directly to the Foothill Unity Center Board, the ED will collaborate with local stakeholders, partners, and community organizations to optimize the work in the San Gabriel Valley and deliver the greatest possible impact for those served. This role is ideal for a leader who excels both internally and externally—building a collaborative team culture while simultaneously expanding strong community-based relationships with partners and donors—and who is a fierce and passionate advocate for economic stability and social mobility.

The ED will be responsible for the organization's strategic and operational leadership, overseeing a committed staff, a Board of Directors, and a dedicated corps of volunteers. As an experienced and entrepreneurial professional, the primary focus will be ensuring the overall health of organizational finances, operations and culture, fundraising and overseeing grants for sustainability, assessing programs and making recommendations, and promoting financial growth and stability. To succeed, the ED must be an effective and empathetic communicator energized by networking across a diverse set of stakeholders.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• Create and guide a respectful overall leadership of the organization including operations, programming, advocacy, fundraising, and finances.
• Perform strategic program analysis with Board and staff, recommending optimization in relation to mission.
• Work with the Board and senior leadership team to create and implement a strategic plan that aligns with Foothill Unity Center’s core values, mission, and vision.

Finances & Fundraising

• Establish a financial strategy, aligned with the overall vision of the organization, that ensures sustainability, healthy cash flow, and adequate reserves.
• Exhibit proficiency in managing and reporting on government grants for a nonprofit organization.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships and communications with major donors, corporations, and foundations.

Staff Leadership

• Create a collaborative and supportive workplace environment, developing the leadership team while retaining, supporting and recruiting quality staff and volunteers.
• Develop organizational chart and staffing to maximize efficiencies and job optimization.  
• Lead a cohesive team to work together to meet the mission’s goals.

Board Relations

• Engage Board members with the organization and programs, delegating ambassador role to volunteer leaders.
• Demonstrate leadership by making informed decisions and effectively communicating them to the board.
• Implement a Marketing & Communications Plan to support donor engagement and fund development.
• Conduct regular Board meetings provide guidance and communicate organizational needs and the financial status of the organization.

Community Engagement

• Strengthen and grow community advocacy, awareness and advocacy by initiating, and developing cooperative relationships with key constituencies including government officials, leaders of nonprofit organizations, corporations, foundations, and private philanthropists.
• Champion the organization as its leading voice and visible presence across all platforms and engagements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience as an Executive Director, or member of the senior leadership team of a nonprofit organization with a minimum operating budget greater than $2M.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in progressively responsible roles within senior management positions at a social services organization.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing the financial management of an organization and working with the Board of Directors to diversify funding to support the mission of the organization.
• Demonstrated fundraising success with major and individual donors.
• A proven track record in nonprofit organizations creating a collaborative culture, improved efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of the organizational budget.
• Demonstrated experience in risk management, with an emphasis on addressing strategic and financial implications.
• Demonstrated experience with expanding community engagement, awareness and advocacy
• Demonstrated belief in and a commitment to continued professional growth and development of employees, volunteers and the Board of Directors.
• Ability to lead operations work with diverse groups of people and a wide range of faiths, beliefs, ages, cultures, and experiences.
• Demonstrated experience working with at-risk populations.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range for the Foothill Unity Center ED role is $145,000-$160,000. Employees have a choice of healthcare plans fully covered by the organization.

Foothill Unity Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining a diverse community with a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and encouraging to all. We foster a culture of inclusion that celebrates and cultivates diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, out-of-home care, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience. We encourage applications from those who identify as people of color and/or as first-generation college graduates.

Envision Consulting was retained by Foothill Unity Center to search for their incoming Executive Director.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.