Chief Executive Officer

Ballinger | Leafblad is pleased to conduct the search for a Chief Executive Officer at Achieve Services in Blaine, Minnesota.

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Achieve Services provides employment opportunities and day programming for adults with disabilities throughout Anoka County and beyond. Achieve Services offers employment in the community, on-site employment in our workrooms, and life enrichment programs including art programs, music, and volunteering. Currently, Achieve is serving more than 175 adults with disabilities and nearly half work in the community at 21 different job sites. Learn more at achieveservices.org & in our 2023 recap video.

MISSION
Create innovative opportunities to inspire people with disabilities. We enable every participant to lead a meaningful and self-determined life.

VISION
To be known as a leader in the industry, providing long-term, sustainable solutions that enhance the lives of participants and employees. Be a voice that people trust, a change agent, continually evolving and growing.

VALUES
ENRICHMENT We are committed to enhancing lives through achievement and honoring the worth, abilities, and contributions of each individual.
EMPOWERMENT We honor personal choice and invest in every individual’s right to cultivate and contribute their talents in ways that enrich themselves and society.
INNOVATION We continuously seek new and better solutions to meet the needs of participants, staff, and employers in ways that make a lasting impact.
INTEGRITY In all that we do we are open, honest, and respectful, and we follow through on our commitments.

STRATEGIC PLAN
INCREASED FUNDING Increase annual revenue by 20% ($1 MM).
STAFF Grow to 85 staff from 54 full-time positions and 21 part-time positions to increase the number of participants Achieve serves.
HOME TO COMMUNITY 15% of participants are successfully engaged from home to the community – life enrichment and/or employment.
SPACE Create a plan to define space needs and uses for future expansion/development.
EXPAND PROGRAMMING AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Create and implement at least two new enrichment programs and at least one new business venture.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

SELF-ADVOCACY PLAN
At the admission meeting, the support team discusses the goals with the participant and an Individual Plan is created. The team meets at least once a year to discuss how everything is going and to make changes if necessary.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Community-Based Nearly half of the participants work in paid jobs in the community. Participants may work with a job coach who provides training and helps participants work toward increased independence at their job site.

Participants may be at a job site alone or work in a group of other participants. There are a number of business partners that provide opportunities and work to match individuals with jobs that fit their abilities and interests.

Production Area Participants may choose to work in the production area. This area offers flexibility and opportunities for participants to earn a paycheck, offers a safety net for participants who are between jobs in the community, and helps participants build skills.

LIFE ENRICHMENT & SKILLS TRAINING
There are several opportunities to participate in community outings. Participants may volunteer with organizations such as Feed My Starving Children and Meals on Wheels. Arts and music activities provide opportunities to interact with the greater community and develop skills needed to increase independence. Achieve also offers individualized training in a variety of daily life skills areas including personal living skills, communication skills, adaptive behavior, vocational and social skills.

POSITION PROFILE - CEO
The Chief Executive Officer provides overall management and administrative direction to effectively administer individualized day training and habilitation services to Achieve Services participants in order to accomplish its mission, strategic goals, and annual plans.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
The Chief Executive Officer reports to the Board of Directors. There are five direct reports to the CEO. The organization has an annual operating budget of $6 million. There are currently 54 full-time and 12 part-time staff members at Achieve Services.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Planning

•  Lead strategic planning efforts for Achieve Services to assist with the development, implementation and monitoring of agency goals.
•  Maintain a working knowledge of developments and trends in the industry.
•  Work with the Board to collaboratively meet the needs of the agency.
•  Research, develop, strategize, market and initiate cost effectiveness for new innovative revenue generating programs.
•  Engage and guide the senior leadership team in overall agency planning.

Financial Management

• Maintain ultimate oversight and accountability for the financial health of Achieve Services.
• Work with the senior staff, Board Finance Committee, and Board of Directors in preparing and approving a budget.
• Direct and coordinate Achieve’s financial and budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments and increase efficiency.
• Oversee cash flow and monthly financial reports.
• Analyze financial trends and forecasts for Achieve Services.
• Prepare financial and regulatory reports required by laws and regulations and used by the Board members and agency staff to make decisions, interpret and communicate reports to Board and staff.
• Oversee and participate in the financial audits.
• Lead fund-raising efforts.
• Monitor and evaluate cost effectiveness of existing programs.

Operations & Administration

• Oversee and direct the overall successful daily operations of the Achieve Services, Inc. program.
• Maintain compliance with all operating rules and regulations.
• Ensure administration of high-quality programs and services according to budgets, policies and procedures.
• Foster a culture of quality, respect and continuous improvements.
• Provide supervision for top-level management.

Board Relations

• Lead Board member recruitment, orientation, ongoing training and retention.
• Ensure that the Board is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and all the important factors influencing it.
• Develop agendas and attend Achieve Services Board of Directors meetings.
• Lead and participate actively with Board of Directors and standing committees.
• Work with the Board to develop a plan prioritizing issues that will be addressed by the Board and gather information to assist and guide these discussions.
• Facilitate a two-way communication between the Board and Achieve’s senior leadership team.

Public Relations

• Act as a liaison with community business leaders and members to develop and sustain opportunities for Achieve Services and its participants.
• Work collaboratively with Achieve Services Board of Directors.
• Participate in community and professional groups that work with individuals who are developmentally disabled.
• Represent the agency at legislative sessions, committee meetings, corporate events, community functions or county events.
• Promote education for the public regarding the needs of individuals who are developmentally disabled.
• Collaborate with policymakers, stakeholders, and advocacy groups to shape and influence public policy initiatives.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience should include staff supervision, budgeting, fundraising and other administrative duties as well as leadership in a nonprofit organization.
• Strong skills in written and oral comprehension, expression and communication.
• Knowledge of the developmental disabilities field.
• Ability to lead the agency in overall agency planning.
• Excellent skills in critical thinking, active listening, coordination, judgment and decision making.
• Excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interact with people with developmental disabilities in a respectful, supportive manner.
• Ability to engage in a cooperative work style, encouraging teamwork and respect.
• Ability to develop and facilitate a team.
• Leadership demonstrated by staff development, performance management, conflict resolution, and change management skills.
• High level of personal and professional integrity.
• Ability to understand and manage multiple complex and conflicting tasks and demands.
• Strong fiscal skills including budget development, management, forecasting and monitoring.
• Active and/or experience in industry-related state organizations, CARF experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Services, Nonprofit or Business Management or related field preferred.
• Professional or lived experience in Human Services, Social Services, Nonprofit or Business Management or highly related fields with 5 years of experience

LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS
Financial Acumen. Ensures sound financial management by overseeing budgeting, compliance, and transparent systems with checks and balances. Critically reviews financials, makes decisions in the agency's best interest, and consults external advisors as needed. Monitors investments and aligns practices with relevant financial laws.
Communication Skills. Effectively conveys ideas and information, both orally and in writing, tailored to the audience. Actively listens to ensure understanding and fosters open dialogue. Communicates openly, honestly, and directly with all stakeholders, including staff, participants, families, donors, board members, and the public.
Strategic Thinking. Collaborates with the team to develop and implement the agency's strategic plan. Fosters an innovative environment, establishes action plans, and secures resources to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion. A commitment to the values and best practices that inform and influence the core purpose and values of the organization.
Emotional Intelligence and Humility. Ability to acknowledge the achievements of others, to share credit, and to welcome feedback.
Empathy and Respect. A high degree of awareness for the immense challenges facing people living with disabilities and respect for the individuals dedicated to those important efforts.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is $155,000 - $175,000. Compensation includes participation in the comprehensive benefits plan and a performance-based bonus.

TO APPLY
Inquiries may be directed to Holly Kelsey-Henry, holly@ballingerleafblad.com.
Applications will be accepted until February 28, 2025 or until the position has been filled, which may be earlier. There will be an immediate and ongoing review of candidates, so we encourage and appreciate early applications. All inquiries will remain confidential.