Executive Director Job Description

Job Title: Executive Director

Supervisor: Board of Directors

Supervisees: At present, Head of Operations and Head of Service

Once Residential Center is open: Head of Service, Head of House, Head of Quality Assurance, Head of Finance, Head of Operations

Status: Full-time, exempt

Compensation: $139,000-$155,000 depending on skill set and experience, plus full benefits

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY: This position offers an opportunity to join and take a formative leadership role in an exciting and dynamic new nonprofit organization formed to answer one of Humboldt and the North Coast of California’s most pressing mental health needs: crisis care for young people. Sorrel Leaf Healing Center is an integrated system of care that currently offers youth mobile crisis response, and will open a twelve bed crisis residential facility and an outpatient aftercare clinic in early 2026. Sorrel Leaf's comprehensive system of care will serve the needs of children and adolescents ages 7 to 18, offering transformative, compassionate, evidence-based and trauma-informed care for young people experiencing a mental health crisis.

JOB SUMMARY: Working in partnership with the Board Chairperson, the Head of Operations, the Head of Service and the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership of the organization, assuring quality, mission-driven programs and services; effectively advocating and fundraising on behalf of the organization; and leading staff towards the achievement of the organization’s mission and vision. In this leadership role, the individual performs the following duties personally or through subordinate managers and models respect and professionalism in all dealings with others.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Capital Project Oversight:

Makes decisions for capital project including materials, scope of work, and design in line with safety recommendations, STRTP and CCRP regulations, code, and budgetary constraints
Provides all contracts or changes to contracts to the Board of Directors that are in excess of $10,000 or outside the approved budget
Tracks capital project expenditures and budgets and reports any cost overruns to the Board

Organizational Management/Oversight:

In partnership with the board of directors, develops and establishes short and long-range goals, objectives, plans and policies.
Works closely and directly with the board, staff and relevant committees to execute effective governance of the organization.
Provides leadership to the staff, volunteers and other stakeholders in implementing the vision and mission of the organization.
Plans, coordinates, and manages the operation and programs of the organization directly or through staff.

Ensures that the responsibilities, authorities, and accountability of all direct subordinates are defined and understood.
Establishes and maintains an effective system of communications throughout the organization.
Oversees and directs Human Resources development and guides management in personnel matters, including the large hire that is planned prior to the Residential Center opening.
Works with the Head of Operations, the Head of House, the Chairperson of the Board, and when appropriate other board members and community groups to develop the policies and procedures manual for licensing and the smooth operation of the organization.

Fiscal Management:

Develops and submits fiscal budget to board of directors for approval and reports financial activity to the board on a regular basis.
Reviews operating results of the organization, compares them to established objectives, and takes steps to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to correct unsatisfactory results.
Oversees the adequacy and soundness of the organization’s financial structure.
Ensures the organization meets and exceeds all regulation, transparency, accountability and reporting requirements from government entities, funders, board and other stakeholders.
Reviews all expenses and payroll against budget prior to approval

Public Relations/Resource Development:

Maintains working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the community and recommends programs or services to address those trends.
Develops and maintains effective relationships with donors, peer agencies, legislators, and funders.

Develops strategies for mission-based earned income to diversify and strengthen the funding base subject to approval of the board of directors.
Acts as one of the organization’s primary spokespeople as an ambassador and advocate with the public and media and actively promotes the organization and its value in the community.

Responsibilities to the Board of Directors:

Maintains a good working relationship with the board of directors
Prepares a monthly Executive Director report to the board
Attends all board meetings and presents an executive director report

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION:

College degree or higher
Preference will be given to applicants from a mental health clinical background and/or business/nonprofit management background

EXPERIENCE:

At least 3 years of executive leadership, preferably in the nonprofit sector
Preferred experience in mental health nonprofit facilities, ideally but not necessarily in residential care
Experience in leading a team in a start-up or entrepreneurial setting

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES:

Valid California Driver’s license and a satisfactory driving clearance
CPR/First Aid (will train)

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Must be at least 21 years of age
Health Screening and Tuberculosis Test at time of hire
Meets qualifications regulated by the BBS to provide clinical supervision in California

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Strong leadership and organizational skills
Strong public speaking abilities
Ability to balance multiple competing priorities while assuring responsible and effective outcomes
Proven ability to communicate vision and engage others in successfully executing that vision
High level of diplomacy and tact, combined with a strong sense of confidentiality
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise written and verbal reports
Superior ability to request and analyze relevant data and recommend strategic action
Team player with ability to motivate and positively engage staff, management, and board and earn their trust
Strategic thinker able to provide leadership and practical applications of current sector trends
Ability to exercise sound judgment
Thorough knowledge of the nonprofit sector and the aspects of managing a nonprofit organization
Working knowledge of financial management, budgeting, audit, and long-range forecasting
Be client centered and focused
Have and promote flexibility, creativity, and a growth mindset
Desire to be part of a startup program and organization
Assume positive intent in working relationships
Be committed to nonviolent communication ideals and respectful interactions with all stakeholders
Provide clear guidance and communication that promotes learning
Have a strong commitment to promote equity and decrease disparities
Be familiar with computerized documentation systems (Word, Excel, web-based applications, and email accounts) and with clinical documentation in electronic health record
Work with a diverse patient and staff population
Work effectively with groups
Be knowledgeable about, observe and comply with hospital and community health codes of safe practice, safety policies and emergency procedures.

COMPETENCIES: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Client Service - Manages difficult or emotional client situations; Responds promptly to client needs; Solicits client feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
Interpersonal - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Utilizes self-regulation skills; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed; Recognizes accomplishments of other team members.
Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Inspires respect and trust; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others; Displays passion and optimism.
Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Aligns work with strategic goals; Develops and implements cost saving measures.
Ethics - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Treats people with respect; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Asks for and offers help when needed.
Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Develops realistic action plans.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to environments of their choice due to the on-call nature. Employee should practice safety in all environments and be conscious of sound, distractions, and confidentiality when providing work activities.

AA/EOE: Sorrel Leaf provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.