CANDIDATE PROFILE External Version
POSITION TITLE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PRIMARY LOCATION PASADENA, CA CREATED FOR ABILITYFIRST
TABLE OF CONTENTS About the Organization
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Position Overview
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First-Year Goals & Objectives
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Roles & Responsibilities
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Ideal Candidate & Career Track
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Qualifications & Compensation
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About Pasadena
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Envision's Search Process
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AbilityFirst™ strengthens and cultivates skills that give our participants the tools to successfully navigate each transition in life, including building social connections and independence; employment preparation, training and experience; and, fun and engaging activities that offer families an opportunity to refresh and recharge.
AbilityFirst In 1926, a group of businessmen from the Los Angeles Rotary Club reached out to help children affected by the pre-vaccine polio epidemic. These visionary men, looking beyond crippling physical disabilities, saw children and capabilities first and sought ways to help these children flourish and thrive. Out of this seed of compassion and concern, AbilityFirst™—with all the promise of its cornerstone belief in capability—was born. With an annual revenue of $16m and over 290 staff, AbilityFirst provides a variety of programs designed to help people with disabilities achieve their personal best throughout their lives. The 97-year-old organization operates out of 7 locations throughout Los Angeles from Long Beach to Claremont, plus a summer camp in San Bernadino County, providing programs that include: after-school care for children and teens, College-to-Career, day programs and community integration programs, employment services, aquatics and recreation. Through these individualized programs, we help people to successfully transition from childhood to adult life.
AbilityFirst stands for, and alongside, people with developmental disabilities and their families. We create a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued. Through mutual trust and an enriching community, each person is supported to achieve his or her personal best. At AbilityFirst we look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities and expand possibilities.
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WHAT WE DO AbilityFirst™ provides a variety of programs designed to help people with disabilities achieve their personal best throughout their lives. We do this by: creating targeted programming to help an individual successfully transition from childhood to adult life.
Employment Services Extensive period of training and career exploration, innovative adaptations, long-term job coaching, and continuous feedback from teachers, job coaches, and employers On-site for 6 hours at business location
Camp Pavika Offering children, teens and adults with disabilities a traditional camp experience. Additional programs: friends & family day camp, friends & family weekend camp, friends & family overnight camp and Moms' weekend retreat. 03| CANDIDATE PROFILE: abilityfirst
College to Career
adult programs
Traditional community college education program Beginning with selfdiscovery, developing a plan to achieve goals. Upon completion of the academic component, transition to community job, internship, or volunteer program
ExploreAbility - To help adults identify what is important to them and to develop the skills necessary to achieve their goals PossAbility - Intended for adults who want to enhance their skills and independence
Children & Teens After school and summer programs teach basic life skills, communication, socialization and healthy living (center-based and in the community) Student Services Work Experiences provides work experience to high schoolers
AQUATICS Warm water exercise classes offered at three different center locations. Group & private swim lessons as well as open swim for community Ideal for promoting joint flexibility, range of motion and muscle tone.
Position Overview Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO of AbilityFirst is a dynamic strategic leader, fostering collaboration with the Board of Directors and staff to build on the organization's core mission and history of expanding possibilities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This transformative leader oversees a dedicated team of more than 300 professionals, focusing squarely on promoting programmatic innovation and excellence while ensuring the alignment of AbilityFirst's resources with its overarching goals. With an annual operating budget of $18 million, the CEO orchestrates a proactive approach to enhance community partnerships and boost the organization's community profile through two key annual events. Strategic planning is at the heart of the President & CEO's responsibilities, ensuring that AbilityFirst remains at the forefront in addressing the evolving needs of its constituents. This encompasses the development and execution of programs and services that harmonize with the organization's mission, the astute management of the budget and financial resources, and the continuous quest for new partnerships and funding avenues to bolster the organization's growth. Additionally, the President & CEO plays a pivotal role in fostering and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders, such as donors, community leaders, and government officials, while passionately advocating for the needs of AbilityFirst's constituents.
First Year GOALS & OBJECTIVES Build an intentional organizational culture in line with the organization's mission, vision, and values Forge strong relationships among the team and with external partners, audiences, and other stakeholders. Authentically promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through policies and practices Expand community engagement and support. Support professional growth and development of the AbilityFirst team.
PRIORITIES Organizational Strategy Strategic Planning Organizational Leadership Community Engagement, Awareness and Advocacy
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roles & responsibilities Organizational Leadership & Strategy Responsible for the overall management and leadership of the organization including programming, operations, fundraising, finances, partnerships, advocacy, and community presence. Fosters an organizational culture that attracts, engages, motivates, and retains a diverse team of competent, qualified staff and volunteers. Effectively collaborates with the executive team to improve organizational efficiency and capacity. Develops positive and effective Board relationships; provides appropriate, adequate, and timely information to the Board and committees, and educates the Board on external issues affecting the organization and its vital work. Oversees the organization’s compliance and risk management strategies. Board Relations Works closely with the Board Chair, Executive Committee (Board officers), and committee chairs to oversee and support Board functions, including planning meeting agendas, retreats, committee meetings, committee reports, etc. Recruits and screens Board of Director candidates and advances or rejects them for consideration by the Board Governance Committee. Staffs the following committees: Strategic Planning, Governance, Finance, and act as a resource for all committees. Collaborates with senior staff to produce and distribute a comprehensive quarterly Executive Report for the Board, covering significant progress, challenges, program, community and financial updates. Financial Management & Fund Development In collaboration with the CFO, develops, proposes, and monitors the Board-approved annual budget and the overall financial health of the organization. Establishes a financial strategy, aligned with the overall vision and strategy of the organization, that ensures sustainability, healthy cash flow and adequate reserves. Cultivates fiscally sustainable relationships with foundations, corporations, major donors, and prospects, taking a leadership role in developing donor engagement strategies. Sets annual fundraising goals and ensures the agency budget is being appropriately administered. Develops, stewards and maintains positive relationships with established funding partners and actively engages key individual, corporate and foundation donors;
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roles & responsibilities (c0nt.) Partnership and Collaboration Serves as chief spokesperson for the organization to constituents, the media, local politicians, and the general public. Leads campaigns to engage community members and partner organizations to support AbilityFirst’s efforts to provide exceptional programming to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Builds and maintains relationships with diverse communities through a diversity, equity and inclusion lens. Works with legislators, regulatory agencies, and volunteers to promote legislative and regulatory policies. Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with various organizations to strategically enhance AbilityFirst’s mission.
qualifications 10+ years of experience in an executive or leadership position, preferably at a non-profit organization. 5 years of experience in the field of human services, including demonstrated expertise in management. Demonstrated understanding of and a commitment to individuals and families served by AbilityFirst. Experience in business leadership and business operations. Experience leading fundraising efforts. Experience establishing and maintaining relationships with government entities and volunteer leaders. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Excellent analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills. Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative under the overall guidance of the Board of Directors.
compensation & benefits This is an exempt full-time position. Salary range is $275,000 - $315,000 and includes a comprehensive benefits package (i.e. healthcare, dental, vision, and retirement). AbilityFirst is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.
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ABOUT Pasadena The word Pasadena literally means “valley” in the Ojibwa (Chippewa) Indian language, but it has been interpreted to mean “Crown of the Valley” and “Key of the Valley,” hence the adoption of both the crown and the key in the official city seal. Located 16 kilometers northeast of downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena is accessible via the Metro Gold Line light rail, offering easy access to a city famous for its museums, historic architecture and the Tournament of Roses Parade every New Year. Founded in 1886, Pasadena is the second-oldest city in the Los Angeles area. The city became a popular winter resort town for wealthy Easterners to vacation to by train. The area was shaped by influential people like railroad tycoon Henry Huntington, who established the Huntington Hotel, now known as the Langham Huntington Pasadena, in addition to the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens. Architect brothers Charles and Henry Greene – renowned for their contributions to the American Arts and Crafts movement – built most of the homes in Pasadena’s “Little Switzerland.” Charles See and his mother, Mary, started See’s Candies from their home in Pasadena, and Julia Child, the famous chef who brought French cuisine to the USA, was born there Pasadena is chock-full of architectural gems. Frank Lloyd Wright’s La Miniatura is an eight-minute walk from The Gamble House in Pasadena’s Little Switzerland, where most of the homes were designed by Greene & Greene. Bungalow Heaven is a landmark district containing 800 small Craftsman homes built from 1900 to 1930. At the heart of downtown Pasadena sit City Hall, the Civic Auditorium and the Public Library – all inspired by the City Beautiful Movement. A number of Mediterranean Revival buildings anchor Pasadena’s historic Civic Center District.
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ideal candidate
The ideal candidate for this role is a strategic thinker who thrives on innovation and collaboration. A natural builder who enjoys inspiring and engaging diverse stakeholders with their dynamic communication skills, this individual is passionate about leadership and building community. Their professional experience should Include nonprofit organizations and lend Itself well to the mission of expanding possibilities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition to their strategic mindset, this candidate is a seasoned administrator adept at managing large organizations. They have keen financial management instincts and an ability to translate complex concepts to teams and staff. They excel in building and leading teams, cultivating talent, and fostering an environment that encourages growth and excellence. They possess a remarkable ability to identify opportunities for programmatic innovation and operational efficiency. Moreover, this candidate relishes the challenge of enhancing community partnerships, bridging gaps, and building lasting relationships with donors, community leaders, and government officials. Their unwavering passion for the mission fuels their relentless pursuit of a brighter future for those they serve, making them an ideal candidate to lead AbilityFirst.
CAREER TRACK leading to chief executive officer POSSIBLE TITLES The Chief Executive Officer and President of AbilityFirst is responsible for internal operations and external relations. To effectively manage all stakeholders, the ideal candidates possesses a connection with the service community, relationships with businesses and industry partners in the region, as well as a deep passion for serving individuals with developmental disabilities. .
Chief Executive Officer President Executive Director Deputy Director Chief Operating Officer Chief Administrative Officer Chief Development Officer
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the PROCESS & Timeline
Envision Consulting has been retained by AbilityFirst to conduct the search for their incoming Chief Executive Officer We follow a comprehensive and structured approach that begins with a needs assessment to understand the organization's position and culture. Candidate sourcing is conducted using various strategies, such as leveraging networks, industry-specific databases, and targeted research. Our in-depth evaluations are thoughtfully designed to assess qualifications, experience, cultural fit, and leadership potential. After two stages of interviews with Envision, we work with the organization's search committee to select the individuals they wish to meet and then curate that interview experience as well as the follow-up. We also support the final selection process, including negotiation and offer formulation and offer onboarding support to ensure a smooth transition for the selected candidate. Regular communication with the client is maintained throughout the process, providing updates, feedback, and guidance to ensure a successful executive search outcome. We also offer clients a 1-year guarantee and executive coaching throughout the first year of employment. Survey Focus Groups 1-1 interviews
Candidate Profile
SEARCH TEAM
to apply
Job description & Comms Plan
Recruiting & Screening Interviews
Sourcing & Marketing
Final Panel Interview
Face to Face Interviews
Onboarding & Coaching
Negotiation Support
AbilityFirst is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state or local law with respect to employment opportunities.
Envision Consulting is a minority-owned firm specializing in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions. With offices in Denver, New York and Los Angeles, our partners and consultants are former executive leaders within nonprofit organizations who are truly inspired by our collective power to lift up the communities we serve. Our broad spectrum of services helps increase revenues, expand awareness and strengthen service delivery to the clients who need us the most. Learn more at www.envisionnonprofit.com.
ALLISON FULLER MANAGING PARTNER
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MATT KAMIN MANAGING PARTNER
MELISSA MONTOYA DIRECTOR OF SEARCH SERVICES
AMANDA MITCHELL LEAD RECRUITER