Position Description:
Organization's Name: DDSO
About DDSO: Developmental Disabilities Service Organization (DDSO) is a Sacramento-based nonprofit dedicated to enriching the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by fostering individual growth, creativity, and community involvement through innovative strategies and artistic expression.
Vision: A world where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live healthier, enriched lives and are supported by caring communities that minimize and eliminate barriers.
Core Beliefs:
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Everyone deserves compassion, encouragement, and respect.
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Treating people with dignity fosters individual growth and self-advocacy.
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A healthy and safe environment is critical to well-being, social interaction, and lifelong learning.
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Everyone has a responsibility to contribute to society and be part of their community.
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Inclusion, diversity, and exchange are essential to the growth of society.
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Everyone has the right to artistic expression.
Program Overview: DDSO supports participants through four primary program areas: Visual & Performing Arts, Daily Living Skills, Employment, and Community. The organization has served more than 400 clients, engaged more than 625 volunteer hours, and supported the creation of more than 500 pieces of artwork. DDSO currently employs approximately 40 staff members serving clients and families in a variety of roles.
Summary: DDSO seeks a dynamic, mission-driven Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director to lead the organization in partnership with the Board of Directors, executive and program leadership, and staff. The Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director oversees all services, programs, fundraising, property maintenance, and facility operations of DDSO and DDSO Foundation in accordance with policies adopted by the Board of Directors.
This is a full-time, exempt, on-site position based in Sacramento, California.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Organizational Leadership and Operations
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Oversee administration of all services, programs, fundraising, property maintenance, and facility operations.
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Ensure all services are administered in accordance with sound management principles and practices.
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Work with staff to implement Board-approved policies, services, programs, and initiatives.
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Oversee preparation of reports for the Board of Directors, management team, and other public and private agencies.
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Monitor legislation and administrative regulations affecting services for individuals with developmental disabilities and DDSO business operations.
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Execute requests and assignments from the Board of Directors as needed.
Strategic Leadership and Mission Impact
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Work with the Board and management staff to develop strategies that advance mission goals and financial viability.
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Demonstrate sound analysis and judgment regarding progress, opportunities, and needed organizational changes.
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Maintain and apply current knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field of developmental disabilities.
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Establish ambitious goals for excellence and impact, and initiate, maintain, and adapt programs accordingly.
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Assess program value to clients and the organization, including evaluation and management of contractors, subcontractors, and per-diem personnel.
Financial Management and Sustainability
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Prepare the annual budget for review and approval by the Board of Directors.
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Monitor actual income and expenditures against the approved budget, projected revenues, and program needs on a continuous basis.
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Ensure adequate control and accounting of all funds and maintain sound financial practices.
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Work with staff, the Finance Committee, and the Board to prepare budgets, monitor progress, and implement approved operational or budget changes as appropriate.
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Ensure official records and documents are retained and organizational compliance is maintained with local, state, and federal requirements, including Form 990 and payroll-related obligations.
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Develop realistic initiatives for acquiring funds and engage others in fundraising and earned-income generation.
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Establish and maintain positive relationships with institutional funders, including foundations, government agencies, churches, corporations, and other partners.
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Establish and maintain strong relationships with individual donors and oversee donor-centric communication and fundraising efforts.
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Jointly with designated Board officers, conduct official correspondence and execute legal documents as appropriate.
Board Partnership and Governance
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Provide support and leadership to the Board of Directors.
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In partnership with the Board Chair, maintain regular communication and check-ins regarding program status, financial performance, fundraising progress, donor engagement, staffing, client and family updates, property matters, training, professional development, and organizational communications.
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Prepare Board meeting agendas and ensure Board members are fully informed in a timely manner about the condition of the organization and important factors affecting DDSO.
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Support Board committees as appropriate.
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Work with Board officers to ensure effective Board operations, including recruitment, onboarding, and transition of Board members.
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Plan the annual retreat for leadership and Board members in conjunction with the Board Chair and Secretary.
People Leadership and Human Resources
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Establish and lead an effective management team with timely and professional communication methods.
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Oversee policies and practices for recruitment, selection, employment, training, performance appraisal, and separation of personnel.
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Recruit and retain an inclusive staff while fostering a positive and inclusive organizational culture.
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Ensure an appropriate balance between programmatic and administrative functions.
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Maximize volunteer involvement through effective procedures and culture.
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In partnership with HR and program leadership, ensure compliance with workplace and employment laws and verify that employees and volunteers are properly licensed, credentialed, and background checked as required.
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Lead staff in maintaining a climate of excellence, accountability, and respect.
Community Leadership and External Relations
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Serve as an effective spokesperson and representative of DDSO to clients, families, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, elected officials, funders, donors, and the public.
- Establish and maintain strong working relationships with public and private agencies serving individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Maintain positive public and community relations and attend community-centered events that support DDSO’s mission, staff, and clients.
- Ensure communication vehicles and platforms are developed and effectively utilized throughout the organization and Board.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Directly supervises managers across each department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Qualifications:
Education and/or Experience:
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Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Public Administration, Special Education, or a related field.
- Seven or more years of experience in a highly responsible management capacity; additional experience in budget and financial oversight is valued.
- Experience and extensive knowledge of theories and practices underlying program services for individuals with developmental disabilities and understanding of the needs of this population.
- Demonstrated leadership and administrative skills in the development and maintenance of a comprehensive community program.
- Demonstrated experience partnering effectively with the Board of Directors, leadership, and staff.
- Demonstrated ability to design and execute fundraising efforts and campaigns.
- Demonstrated experience serving as an effective spokesperson for an organization.
- Ability to work cooperatively with public and private agencies and the general public.
- Demonstrated ability to assess program value and manage contractors, subcontractors, and per-diem personnel.
Other Skills and Abilities:
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Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with Board members, leadership teams, program directors, staff, volunteers, clients, families, and the general public.
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Strong relationship management skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse economic, ethnic, and social backgrounds.
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Adaptable and flexible, with high emotional intelligence, clarity of purpose, and role awareness.
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Establishes trust through leadership, sound judgment, and decision-making.
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Entrepreneurial and resourceful; thinks creatively and strategically.
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Well-organized and adept at balancing multiple priorities.
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Energetic and enthusiastic leader with strong intellect and creativity.
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Possesses strong strategic problem-solving skills and the ability to develop and implement clear goals and priorities.
Compensation: $85,000 to $125,000 annually, commensurate with demonstrated experience.
Benefits: Vision, dental, 401(k), sick leave, and vacation leave.
Equal Employment Opportunity: DDSO is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment in an unlawful manner. Employment is conditioned on the successful completion of the screening program. Information sought during the application process is provided voluntarily and may be used in filing reports required by state or federal governments.
