Chief Executive Officer Job Description

Overview:

Senior Community Services (SCS) is a nonprofit organization. Founded in 1950 as Suburban Recreation Association, Senior Community Services adopted its current name and focus on older adults in 1981.

Today, the agency has become one of Minnesota’s top nonprofits in the field of aging. We provide various programs and services in many communities in Carver, Hennepin, Scott, Sherburne and Wright counties.

Mission:

Empower People as They Age.

Vison:

Reimagine Aging by serving compassionately, connecting communities, and supporting independence.

Promise:

We are committed to creating a culture of belonging for all our staff, volunteers, partners, and those we serve with no discrimination on the basis of status or identity. We know that celebrating a diverse range of identities, experiences, and perspectives is crucial to carrying out our mission.

Values:

Community

Assisting older adults to remain independent by working with families, volunteers, funders, and other community partners

Compassion

Demonstrating passionate and empathetic commitment to each older adult’s and caregiver’s quality of life and independence

Inclusion

Embracing the diversity of those we work with and those we serve through the lens of equity

Innovation

Using imagination and creativity to design and deliver affordable quality services

Stewardship

Maximizing the efficient use of funds and time entrusted to us, while maintaining a high ethical standards

Volunteerism

Engaging volunteers in vital and meaningful roles

Culture:

The culture at Senior Community Services is characterized by a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, guided by Lean Startup principles. This approach involves iterative development and rapid feedback loops to ensure that programs and services effectively meet the needs of the community. The organization values strategic collaboration, with the CEO leading planning efforts alongside the board and staff to align with the mission and values. Building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners, is central to the culture.

Empowering staff through mentorship and shared decision-making is also a key aspect, fostering an environment where employees can thrive. Financial sustainability and operational efficiency are prioritized through sound fiscal management and data-driven decision-making.

Programs:

Household & Outdoor Maintenance (HOME) Program Serving ages 60+ in select cities in Hennepin, Sherburne, and Wright Counties, services include:

  • Reliable and affordable house cleaning
  • Minor repairs, odd jobs, and indoor maintenance
  • Grab bars & other safety installations
  • Exterior home maintenance
  • Interior & exterior painting
  • Seasonal snow removal, lawn mowing, and yard care.
  • Spring & Fall yard cleanup provided by volunteers
  • In home health & safety assessments

In response to the insights shared by older adults, we launched TECH Services (Technology Education, Connection, and Help) in 2020, piloting the initiative in four cities. This service was crafted to meet the distinct needs of older adults, enhancing their access to essential resources, fostering self-reliance, and facilitating meaningful social connections with loved ones and community support networks.

The innovation of this service lies in its personalized, one-on-one support, which is both continuous and tailored to each individual’s needs. By offering services in the homes of older adults, over the phone, and at community locations, we ensure accessibility and convenience. Our approach is to engage with older adults in their current circumstances, attentively addressing their needs and constraints. This enables us to educate them on available technological solutions and resources, empowering them to thrive and remain active participants in their communities. Service Area: Hennepin, Scott, Carver, Wright and Sherburne Counties

The Senior Outreach Program serves individuals aged 55 and older in suburban Hennepin County, offering support through licensed social workers. This program focuses on:

  • Identifying Strengths and Needs: The process begins with a conversation to understand the individual’s strengths and areas where support might be beneficial. This helps in tailoring assistance to each person’s unique circumstances.
  • Connecting to Trusted, Affordable Programs and Resources: Based on the assessment, the program connects participants with a personalized combination of resources to enhance their independence and well-being.
  • Navigating Life Changes: The program provides ongoing support to help individuals manage life transitions, such as changes in income, the loss of a partner, chronic illness, and planning for the future.

These services are designed to empower older adults to maintain independence and thrive in their communities. (Suburban Hennepin County)

The Caregiver Services program, delivered by our licensed Social Worker team, provides a person-centered focus on the caregiver, and includes one-on-one coaching and consultation, community-based (and virtual) support groups, family meeting facilitation, and assistance in finding personally relevant information and resources. (Hennepin, Wright, Sherburne, Carver, and Scott Counties)

At the forefront of caregiving innovation stands CareNextion.org and its accompanying app, a groundbreaking initiative developed and powered by SCS. CareNextion is revolutionizing the landscape of family and caregiver support for older loved ones, offering a comprehensive platform that strengthens informal support networks. Through centralized coordination of care, task assignment, journaling, and seamless communication with care team members, CareNextion.org is an award- winning, free, secure online tool (and mobile app) that provides care teams of families and friends with centralized communication, including task scheduling & assignment, journaling, and local resources. (Worldwide)

Senior Community Centers
SCS takes pride in its commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults by managing daily operations and programming at the Monticello and Crow River senior centers, along with our affiliate Minnetonka Community Center.  Through partnerships with senior centers and municipalities, SCS ensures that older adults have access to a diverse range of activities and services tailored to their needs and interests. (Wright County)

The online platform mnseniorcenters.org serves as a valuable hub of information, offering a centralized resource for individuals to explore and connect with senior centers in their area. Moreover, it goes beyond geographical boundaries, providing free online access to a wealth of educational and recreational resources for seniors worldwide. By leveraging technology to expand reach and accessibility, SCS continues to promote social engagement, lifelong learning, and well-being among older adults everywhere. (Worldwide)

Funding Sources:

The funding sources for SCS in 2023 include 70% Government Grants & Contracts, 19% Foundation Grants and Donations, and 11% Fee-for-Service.

Strategic Direction 2024 – 2026:

In 2023, SCS developed a 3-year strategic plan (2024 – 2026) to amplify its impact and build a network of support for older adults and the informal caregivers who support them, leading to transformative change in the field of aging services.

Our plan focuses on initiatives to achieve both short and long-term goals that will expand the reach of SCS capabilities, services and geography to empower more older adults and caregivers, including:
1. Growing Technology Education, Connection & Help (TECH) services
2. Expanding Caregiver Services through new geographies and partnerships, including corporate settings
3. Expanding CareNextion visits and adoption, while focusing on user experience and improved usability
4. Increasing and diversifying revenue sources.

Position Summary:

SCS is seeking an experienced CEO who is passionate about our mission and able to lead our organization with excellence. The CEO will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization’s operations, including fundraising, program development, financial management, and staff supervision. As a mentor to staff, the CEO will motivate and empower the team to achieve their best work.

In addition to their operational responsibilities, the CEO will be a passionate leader who inspires others to engage with our mission. They will work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure that the organization is fulfilling its mission and serving its constituents effectively. The CEO will also be responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, and community leaders.

Our ideal candidate will be a motivational leader with a proven track record of success in nonprofit management. They will be passionate about our organization’s mission and committed to achieving our goals. The CEO will be a strategic thinker who is able to balance short-term needs with long-term planning. They will have excellent communication skills and be able to represent our organization to a variety of audiences.

Direct Reports:

CFO, HOME Program Director, Senior Outreach & Caregiver Services Program Director, Senior Center Directors (2), Marketing Coordinator, and Development Coordinator. 

Key Accountabilities:

Strategic Leadership/Board Governance:

  • Provide the vision, leadership, and information needed to facilitate ongoing Board and staff strategic positioning.
  • Collaborate with the Board of Directors to ensure that the organization is fulfilling its mission.
  • Monitor implementation of strategic plan and track cross-functional outcomes through team and individual workplans; regularly report progress toward accomplishing deliverables to the Board.
  • Provide regular updates to the Board of Directors regarding the organization’s operations and performance.
  • Work with the Board of Directors to develop and implement policies and procedures that support the organization’s mission and goals.
  • Work with the Board of Directors and staff to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan.
  • Conduct regular assessments of the organization’s performance and adjust the strategic plan as needed.
  • Identify opportunities for growth and expansion and develop plans to pursue them.
  • Ensure that the organization’s programs and activities align with the strategic plan and the organization’s mission and values.

 Staff Management & Mentorship:

  • Serve as a transformative leader to the organization’s staff, providing guidance, motivation, and support to help them succeed in their roles.
  • Foster a positive work environment and promote teamwork and collaboration, encouraging staff members to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
  • Provide regular feedback to staff members to ensure that they are meeting performance expectations and growing in their roles.
  • Develop and implement staff development plans to support the ongoing growth and professional development of each team member.
  • Model and promote the organization’s values and culture, setting a high standard for ethical and effective behavior in all interactions.
  • Ensure that staff members are fulfilling their roles effectively, and work with them to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.

Fundraising and Development:

  • Develop and lead the implementation of a comprehensive fundraising and development strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission and goals, with a focus on securing major gifts and individual donations.
  • Identify and cultivate relationships with high-level donors, foundations, and other potential funding sources, working closely with the Board of Directors and other stakeholders to engage donors and secure major donations.
  • Work with the Board of Directors, staff, and other stakeholders to establish fundraising priorities and opportunities, including annual giving campaigns, special events, and grant applications.
  • Provide leadership and direction to staff and volunteers involved in fundraising and development activities, ensuring that all efforts are aligned with the organization’s goals and priorities.
  • Develop and implement donor stewardship plans to maintain strong relationships with donors and secure ongoing support, including regular communication, recognition, and engagement opportunities.
  • Ensure that the organization raises enough funds to meet its annual goals and expand its mission reach and impact, monitoring progress toward fundraising goals and making adjustments as needed.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in nonprofit fundraising and development, and work collaboratively with the Board of Directors and other stakeholders to continuously improve the organization’s fundraising efforts.

Financial Management & Leadership:

  • Oversee the organization’s financial management in partnership with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), ensuring that the organization is financially sound and operating with financial prudence for long-term sustainability.
  • Develop and oversee the organization’s annual budget, working with the CFO and other staff members to ensure that it aligns with the organization’s goals and priorities.
  • Ensure that financial reports are accurate and provided to the Board of Directors in a timely manner, working with the CFO to provide detailed financial analysis and reporting as needed.
  • Collaborate with the Board of Directors, staff and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for revenue growth and cost savings, while also ensuring that the organization remains financially stable and sustainable for the long term.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in nonprofit financial management and ensure that the organization’s financial policies and procedures are in compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines.

 Program Development and Management:

  • Develop and implement a strategic program planning process to identify programs that align with the organization’s mission and goals, working closely with staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders to ensure that programs are effective, efficient, and meet the needs of the organization’s constituents.
  • Manage the day-to-day operation of programs, working with staff and volunteers to ensure that programs are executed with excellence and create the most impact for the mission of the organization.
  • Evaluate program outcomes on an ongoing basis, using data and feedback from stakeholders to make adjustments and improvements as needed.
  • Expand programs and services as appropriate to fulfill the organization’s mission, working with the Board of Directors and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for growth and innovation.
  • Ensure that programs are implemented in accordance with all relevant regulations and guidelines, maintaining compliance with legal and ethical standards.
  • Promote the organization’s programs and services to key stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, community partners, and the media, to increase awareness and support for the organization’s mission.

  External Relations:

  • Develop and maintain a strong, influential presence and seek leadership roles as appropriate in community forums that address the broad areas of Senior Community Services strategic plan.
  • Develop, cultivate, and partner with key community contacts to facilitate initiatives identified in the strategic plan. Explore new initiatives that align with emerging needs and opportunities.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to increase the organization’s visibility and reach.
  • Act as the organization’s main spokesperson and represent the organization at public events and speaking engagements.
  • Develop and maintain a strong, influential presence and seek leadership roles as appropriate in community forums that address the broad areas of Senior Community Services strategic plan.
  • Develop, cultivate, and partner with key community contacts to facilitate initiatives identified in the strategic plan. Explore new initiatives that align with emerging needs and opportunities.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to increase the organization’s visibility and reach.
  • Act as the organization’s main spokesperson and represent the organization at public events and speaking engagements.

The Ideal Candidate:

The ideal CEO candidate is a hands-on leader equipped to inspire leadership, staff and volunteers; strategically guide Senior Community Services to grow and to achieve its short and long-term plans and goals; and collaborate with the Board.

The CEO not only possesses strong business acumen and proven leadership ability, but also demonstrates compassion and a commitment to seniors in all aspects of the job.

While no one candidate will have all the criteria enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities and attributes:

  • Passionate about the mission; a leader authentically committed to seniors
  • A proven people leader, equipped to navigate this leadership transition; who can build, coach, and develop a high performing team; ability to empower staff and volunteer teams, and foster a healthy organizational culture.
  • A visionary and strategic leader with the ability to set a future vision to ensure long-term scalability, sustainability, and relevance.
  • A leader with a proven track record of identifying and securing new sources of revenue to ensure long-term financial viability.
  • Experience leading through change and transformation, with a demonstrated ability to adapt, ideally in a nonprofit setting.
  • A high-impact communicator who is charismatic and relational; capable of being the face of the organization and connecting with a wide range of community partners.
  • A strong operational leader; with experience driving multi-site operational success.
  • A leader with experience working with or serving on a non-profit Board of Directors; who understands how to adapt to existing cultural norms within the board, build relationships, work collaboratively, and develop, attract, and retain board members.
  • A politically savvy leader that can navigate complex political landscapes with diplomacy and strategic acumen to advance organizational goals.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., nonprofit management, business administration, social work).
  • Minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience in a non-profit organization of $1 million or more. This is defined as experience with and responsibility for leading multiple functions, departments, and/or programs.
  • Experience building relationships with and garnering support, including securing financial resources, from a diverse range of external stakeholders, such as public, private, philanthropic, and small business partners.
  • Ability to build and maintain positive and healthy relationships with others

Preferred:

  • Knowledge of governmental funders and funding processes.
  • Familiarity with the Twin Cities and Minnesota Foundation Community.
  • Direct experience working with older adults and aging populations.

Hiring Salary Range:

$110,000 – $130,000

Benefits:

Senior Community Services offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical insurance with employer contributions, life and accidental death insurance, a 401(k) savings plan with employer match of 6% after the waiting period of one year of service, flexible spending accounts, long-term disability coverage, and generous paid time off.

To Apply and Deadline:

Please send cover letter and resume to Susan Heichert slhlist@gmail.com by December 1, 2024.