PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)

Basic Job Assignment:

Under policy direction from the Board of Directors, provides executive leadership for the Neighborhood House Association and its affiliated programs. Directs strategic planning, fiscal stewardship, operational performance, and organizational effectiveness; recommends and implements strategic plans, annual operating plans, and budgets; ensures achievement of short- and long-term goals; maintains compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and advances services that meet the needs of stakeholders, constituents, and client agencies.

Employment Requirements:

Strategic Leadership Agency-wide: Develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan aligned with the organization’s mission and long-term goals. Set organizational priorities in partnership with the board and ensure measurable outcomes for programs and initiatives.

Plans, organizes, controls, integrates and evaluates the work of all NHA departments and programs to ensure that operations and services comply with the policies and strategic direction set by the Board of Directors, with funding source commitments and with all applicable laws and regulations; with the executive management team, formulates and recommends adoption of NHA strategic and long-term service and facilities plan and short-range and annual operating plans; directs, implements, monitors and evaluates the accomplishments of short- and long-term plans, goals and objectives to achieve the Association’s mission, strategic plan, the Board of Directors’ priorities, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations; directs the development of operating and funding source budgets for approval and adoption; directs and monitors implementation of adopted budgets.

Directs the assessment of program needs and service requirements, legislative, regulatory and funding opportunities and constraints, political and intergenerational issues, trends and innovations in the human resources field and related matters; ensures that Association-wide objectives and priorities are focused on meeting those needs effectively, efficiently and with high-quality service; directs development and implementation of initiatives for service improvement and enhanced operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Program Development: Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs that fulfill the organization’s mission, ensuring they are impactful, scalable, and aligned with community needs.

Direct assessment, development and implementation of long-range plans for the development and delivery of a wide variety of human services, including innovative programs and services designed to serve NHA’s targeted client base; direct and monitor the development, implementation and evaluation of financial and budgetary strategies, plans, policies, systems and procedures to achieve short- and long-term Association-wide goals; direct and oversee development and implementation of programs and services to meet the needs of stakeholders, constituents, clients and funding agencies.

Fundraising and Revenue Generation: Lead comprehensive fundraising strategies, including donor cultivation, grant writing, corporate partnerships, and special events. Ensure financial sustainability and diversify revenue streams.

Financial Stewardship and Operational Management: Manage the annual budget, monitor financial performance, ensure compliance with regulations, and maintain fiscal responsibility. Provides executive oversight of the Association’s approximately $125 million annual operating budget and ensures long-term financial sustainability through effective budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management, reserve planning, investment oversight, internal controls, audit compliance, and responsible allocation of organizational resources. Oversees day-to-day operations and resource allocation to optimize organizational efficiency.

Team Leadership and Development: Recruits, mentors, and retains a high-performing senior management team. Fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth across staff and volunteers. Oversees the ongoing operations of all programs and divisions in the organization. Manages and directs the company toward its primary goals and objectives. Promotes communication and cooperation among divisions to create a spirit of unity in the organization.

Plans and evaluates executive staff performance; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; provides compensation and other rewards to recognize performance; takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with Association personnel policies.

Provides leadership and works with the executive team to develop and retain highly competent, customer-service-oriented staff through selection, compensation, training and day-to-day management practices which support the Association’s mission, strategies and objectives; provides executive leadership and plays a key role in community outreach and community building activities.

Board and Stakeholder Engagement: Serves as the primary liaison to the board of directors, providing guidance on strategy, policy, and organizational performance. Presents regular reports on the status of the organization’s operations to the board of directors and to company staff. Build and maintain relationships with donors, community leaders, and partner organizations.

Interprets Board of Directors’ instructions and requests; interprets Board and funding source regulations, policies, procedures, and applicable local, state, and federal law to ensure Association compliance.

Directs, evaluates and approves analyses and recommendations regarding policy issues and long-range plans to address Association service and operational needs and changing regulatory, legislative and funding source requirements; directs and approves development of Board of Directors’ agenda dockets; directs the development and approves board reports and supporting materials to be presented to the Board for action; presents staff recommendations in Board meetings.

Participates in regional, state, and national human services industry meetings and conferences to represent the Association and stay abreast of trends, technology and innovative programs and initiatives related to Association operations. Participates in professional and community organizations on behalf of the Association and as part of the Association’s community and public affairs programs and activities.

Community and Public Relations: Function as the organization’s spokesperson, representing its mission and values to the public, media, and key stakeholders. Promote partnerships and enhance the organization’s visibility and reputation.

Direct and oversee development and implementation of public affairs and community outreach programs and activities; direct and oversee analysis of proposed legislation and regulation; directs and participates in industry and interagency activities to influence legislative and regulatory change consistent with the Association’s interests and needs; serve as the Association’s chief representative in dealings with elected and appointed officials, representatives of governmental agencies and funding sources, elected officials, civic and community groups, business leaders, public interest groups, industry and professional organizations, the media and the public.

Innovation, Management Systems and Technology: Leads enterprise technology and digital transformation strategy, including cybersecurity, data governance, systems modernization, responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), and technology to improve operational efficiency.

Direct and oversee the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of comprehensive human resource management programs, policies, and systems. Provides executive leadership to strengthen organizational effectiveness by improving management systems, business processes, and measurement practices to support efficient, consistent, and accountable operations. Advances in technology planning and implementation to enhance service delivery, data-informed decision-making, and overall Association performance.

Tentative Improvements

Experience in infrastructure-related operations and has demonstrated success in supporting organizational projects, maintenance initiatives, and operational continuity efforts. These include long-range infrastructure planning, advanced project prioritization, and developing comprehensive infrastructure improvement strategies aligned with organizational growth objectives.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Theory, principles, practices and techniques of organization design and development, public administration, financial management and long-range planning as they apply to a large, complex human services agency.
• Association functions and associated operational, program management, financial and public policy issues.
• Federal, state, and local law and regulation governing nonprofit human services programs and services.
• Principles and practice of budgeting, purchasing, and maintenance of public records.
• Organization and functions of a public board.
• Social, political, economic and community issues influencing program development and implementation.
• Research methods and analysis techniques.
• Principles and practices of sound business communications.
• Principles and practices of effective management and supervision.
• NHA administrative regulations and personnel policies.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, integrate, and direct the operations of a large, complex non-profit human services agency.

• Provide leadership, guidance, and motivation, develop and enforce appropriate accountabilities and nurture the professional development and industry stature of a diverse professional workforce.

• Understand, interpret, explain, and apply Association policy and procedures.

• Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically, and persuasively in public meetings and before elected bodies.
• Represent the Association effectively in negotiations.

• Analyze and make sound recommendations on complex legislative, interagency, program management, funding source and Association management and administrative issues.
• Develop and implement appropriate procedures and controls.
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies, and other written materials.
• Exercise sound, expert independent judgment, and seasoned political acumen within policy guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Board members, all levels of management, other elected and appointed officials, other agency and funding source officials, civic and community groups, business leaders, public interest groups, consultants, contractors, vendors, employees, media representatives, and the public.
• Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex, and confidential issues and situations.
• Direct enterprise risk management functions, including insurance program design and administration, claims oversight, workers’ compensation, liability exposure mitigation, emergency operations, business continuity, and disaster preparedness and response for a multi-site organization serving children and families.
• Demonstrate self-awareness and interpersonal acuity, with proven ability to navigate complex group dynamics in childcare and family social welfare settings, including sensitivity to the psychodynamic and emotional dimensions of work with vulnerable children, families, and staff.
• Demonstrates the ability to think both creatively and strategically about expanding unrestricted revenue, developing innovative programs, and funding opportunities that increase organizational flexibility. Possesses a strong understanding of the financial implications of NHA’s funding model and applies a long-term perspective to identifying, cultivating, and diversifying revenue streams.
• Effectively positions the organization for sustainable growth by pursuing forward-thinking strategies, strengthening financial resilience, and creating new opportunities that support NHA’s mission and future success.

Training and Experience:

A typical way of obtaining the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in public or business administration, finance, social work, or a closely related field; and at least ten years of progressively responsible executive or management experience in the operation and maintenance of a complex agency, including experience with significant, highly sensitive public policy issues in a dynamic political environment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Substantial executive experience in nonprofit human services, healthcare, public sector services, education, or other regulated mission-driven environment providing an understanding of human services is required. Substantial executive experience leading large, federally funded child and family services programs, Head Start/Early Head Start strongly preferred, including demonstrated compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (45 CFR Chapter XIII), Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, monitoring protocols, and reporting obligations.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, LICENSES & CERTIFICATES:

Incumbent must possess a valid California Driver’s License and automobile insurance.

 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to operate, finger, handle or feel office equipment; reach with hands and arms; bend, kneel, grasp; and lift up to twenty (20) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus to view documents.

Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret highly complex data, information and documents; analyze and solve complex, sensitive problems i n an ambiguous, dynamic, political environment where there may be limited precedents; observe and interpret people and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks under intensive and changing deadlines; work with frequent interruptions; and interact with tact, diplomacy and political acumen with Board members, all levels of management, elected and appointed officials, other agency and funding source officials, civic and community groups, business leaders, public interest groups, consultants, contractors, vendors, employees, media representatives and the public.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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

 

Employees in this class generally work under typical office conditions. The noise level varies from quiet in a private office to moderate in a business office with computers, printers, and light traffic. The employee may have occasional contact with angry or agitated individuals.

 

APPLICATION SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS: 

Applications may be emailed to recruiting@neighborhoodhouse.org or delivered by mail or hand-delivered to the Human Resources Department, Attention: Delonda Peppers, SVP of Human Resources, 5660 Copley Drive, San Diego, CA 92111.

SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY REQUIREMENT:

The President and CEO role is a mission-driven leadership position that combines strategic vision, operational oversight, financial stewardship, and community engagement. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader capable of guiding the organization toward sustainable growth, measurable impact, and strengthened community presence.

Instructions: Submit a two (2) page essay addressing the questions below. The essay must be approximately 450-500 words, double-spaced, and typed in a legible 12-point font.

Candidates must complete and submit an employment application through Dayforce (or by one of the alternative application methods listed above). In addition, the required essay must be submitted separately by email to recruiting@neighborhoodhouse.org no later than the closing date of the recruitment. Please include "President & CEO Essay Submission [Your Name] in the subject line.

Applications submitted without the required essay may be considered incomplete and may not be reviewed.

ESSAY QUESTIONS

1. What is your long-term strategic vision for the Neighborhood House Association, and how would you execute that vision over the next three (3) to five (5) years?
2. How would you drive organizational alignment and secure leadership buy-in to support your vision?

Applications must be fully completed, signed, and dated when submitted. Any applicable supplemental application questions and/or certifications must be attached to the application at the time it is submitted. All statements on the application will be subject to verification and investigation prior to employment. For your education or certification(s) to be considered, you must attach a copy of your official degree transcript, diploma, foreign equivalency report, and/or certification to your application. Please only submit the documents required.

NOTE: Only those candidates being considered will be contacted for an interview, and reasonable accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

ABOUT NHA: The Neighborhood House Association is a nonprofit organization. Head Start positions are funded as a whole or in part by money provided through the state and federal government. Additionally, some social service program positions may be funded in whole or in part through grant funds. Because positions and salaries may be funded through grants and state and federal funds, ongoing employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these funds. 

INTRODUCTORY PERIOD: All regular appointees serve a 6-month introductory period.

 

CITIZENSHIP/IMMIGRATION STATUS:

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Neighborhood House Association hires only U.S. citizens and others lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

 

This Job Announcement is not an offer of employment. The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any of the provisions contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked without notice. Any person who is hired may voluntarily leave employment upon giving proper notice and may be terminated by the Agency at any time and for any reason. Any oral or written statements to the contrary are hereby expressly disavowed and should not be relied upon by any prospective or existing employee.

Please note that offers of employment are only valid if the Human Resources Department makes them.