Chief Executive Officer - San Diego, United States - Louisiana Association for the Blind

Description

For five decades, the San Center for the Blind (SDCB) has been empowering adults with visual impairments to achieve their maximum independence. We offer customized programs that focus on individual strengths and skills, as well as a well-equipped onsite store featuring the latest technology and equipment. Our all-encompassing approach delivers comprehensive vision rehabilitation services, including counseling, training, skill development, and community outreach and education. Additionally, we offer free and secure transportation to and from our two facilities in San Diego and Vista.

Committed to accessibility and innovation, our facilities showcase a pioneering model that has gained national and international recognition. Driven by a dedicated team of 23 staff members and seven volunteers, we are united by our shared dedication to improving the lives of individuals in San Diego County and beyond.

San Diego Center for the Blind (SDCB) has been at the forefront of empowering individuals with visual impairments for the past 50 years. We pride ourselves on offering tailored programs, innovative services, and inclusive community outreach, all aimed at maximizing the independence of our clients. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.

SDCB annually serves over 450 individuals and is overseen by a dedicated seven-member Board of Directors, some of whom have been with the organization for nearly a quarter of a century. Each board member is deeply devoted to our cause, with many having personal ties to our mission and clients. The board is keen on propelling our mission forward and is enthusiastic about granting our new CEO the freedom for autonomy and innovation. This role has been strategically structured to embody and expand our culture of supportive communication, inclusivity, and growth. We are thrilled to collaborate with our next CEO in creating an atmosphere where our team members are motivated and encouraged to excel in their roles.

10 paid days off, 12 paid sick days, 7 paid holidays as well as the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join the San Center for the Blind as we commemorate our 50th anniversary. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will carry the overall responsibility for the organization, including managing a $1.8 million annual operating budget and overseeing two facilities in San Diego County. The CEO will employ creative and innovative strategies to enhance and modernize SDCB's operations, programs, and partnerships to diversify revenue, enhance growth, retention, and staff engagement, and expand our overall influence.

The CEO will supervise a team of 23, which includes seven direct reports: Controller, Director of the Vision Rehabilitation Program, Store Manager, Program Manager, two Administrative Assistants, and our Fleet Supervisor. This is a highly collaborative role, involving coordination with the board, staff, elected officials, community partners, and clients to implement SDCB's strategic agenda. The CEO will be a forward-thinking leader deeply embedded in the community, dedicated to understanding the true needs of our clients and collaborating with SDCB's stakeholders to devise strategic and inventive solutions.

Key priorities for the initial year encompass:

• Commence identifying and nurturing new donors, as well as alternative funding sources.
• Expand fundraising avenues, design a long-term fundraising strategy, and achieve the annual fundraising target.
• Champion a culture centered on communication, inclusivity, and continual growth.
• Engage actively in the history and progression of SDCB, forging significant relationships with stakeholders, staff, and volunteers.
• Lead the formulation and execution of a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at enhancing our brand visibility, diversifying revenue streams, and enriching our programs and services for maximum impact.
• Implement board development initiatives to enhance our governance capabilities; bring in new board members to diversify and augment our influence.
• Enhance our internal capacity and operations by strategically filling vacant positions.

Oversee the development and implementation of diverse fundraising strategies for SDCB, covering campaigns, individual donors, planned giving, events, grant writing, and corporate sponsorships. Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors, upholding exemplary governance standards and supporting board development, communication, recruitment, orientation, and ongoing engagement. Ensure timely and accurate reporting to facilitate informed decision-making by the board and staff. Manage finances and establish robust controls to uphold oversight across income, expenditures, investments, and physical assets. Cultivate robust relationships with crucial stakeholders, including clients, partner organizations, donors, and volunteers. Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to elevate the organization's profile on local, state, and national levels. Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of all projects and programs, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and financial sustainability. Foster internal relationships at all levels, fostering a collaborative and empowered work environment where each team member's input is valued. Establish and review administrative procedures, policies, and standards to ensure ethical conduct, operational efficiency, transparency, and compliance. Maintain a forward-thinking outlook on organizational planning, prioritizing future programs and sustainable growth initiatives. Serve as the primary contact for the two physical properties owned by SDCB, supervising their maintenance and management.

A shared drive for assisting others. Senior leadership proficiency in strategic planning, board and volunteer engagement, fundraising, change management, team collaboration, talent development, and mentoring. Demonstrated capability to construct and support high-performance teams; proven expertise in problem-solving within organizational environments and leading with an element of fun. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, encompassing strong organizational, detail orientation, and interpersonal skills; ability to initiate and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders. Experience in establishing and nurturing external partnerships and relationships with the primary aim of growing an organization. Business acumen – formidable aptitude in budgeting, reporting, operations, and marketing; mindful of both short-term and long-term objectives.