ECF Candidate Profile

CANDIDATE PROFILE

POSITION TITLE

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

PRIMARY LOCATION

CREATED FOR CULVER CITY, CA

our mission

The mission of

provide the highest quality

challenged with special needs empowering them to reach their greatest potential

Exceptional Children’s Foundation

ECF was founded in 1946 by a group of parents and community activists who sought to establish a day training program as an alternative to institutional care for individuals with developmental disabilities Over the years, ECF’s services expanded to meet the changing needs of its target population, successfully developing and implementing early intervention programs for infants and toddlers, as well as residential, work, and day programs for adults In 2008, ECF merged with Kayne Eras Center (KEC), adding a K‐12 school and a comprehensive Mental Health Program to its services

Today, with an annual operating budget of $27 million and 375 staff, ECF has become the only organization of its kind in California, offering a full continuum of lifespan services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and other special needs.

As a regional service provider, ECF currently supports more than 5,000 children, adults, and their families at 14 service sites, in clients’ homes, and in community settings throughout L.A. County. We are dedicated to providing a lifetime of services for clients so that they can live as independently as possible, and with the right support, all of ECF’s clients are examples that anyone can grow and succeed

our programs

Therapeutic Services

Behavioral Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Educational Therapy

Mental Health Services

Adults

Adult Programs Overview

Exceptional Works

Art Centers & DAC Gallery

Exceptional Community Connections

Developmental Activity Center

Residential

Young Children

Center-Based Services

Home-Based Services

Success Stories

our core values

People First

We place the highest value on the people involved in our organization (students, consumers, clients, families, employees, volunteers, supporters, and friends). We respect and appreciate each person’s unique abilities and contributions.

Service Excellence

We provide choices of progressive educational, therapeutic, employment, residential and community programs to our students, consumers and clients We are committed to recruiting, developing and retaining professionals and volunteers who are highly skilled and possess the values consistent with those of ECF.

Empowerment and Inclusion

We are committed to providing our students, consumers and clients the tools they need for self-determination and to make the best choices in their lives

Life-Long Learning and Enrichment

We are dedicated to offering a wide range of experiences and opportunities to encourage individuals to discover and develop their unique talents and abilities, understanding that each individual learns differently

Integrity

. Fiscal Responsibility

We honor and embrace our fiduciary responsibility to manage our resources efficiently and effectively, and to remain accountable

The Kayne Eras School (KES) is co-located with ECF administration at the ECF Kayne Eras Center (KEC) At our nonpublic school for grades K-12, students ages 5-22 find help developing the social, intellectual, emotional and academic skills they need to learn at their fullest potential

Kayne Eras School accepts referrals from most local school districts and charter schools KES students have eligibilities including emotional disturbance, autism, intellectual disability, other health impairment and specific learning disability. KES offers services to address these challenges, including: language, speech, and occupational therapies; individual and group counseling

Weprovideservicesand conductbusinesswithstrict adherencetothehighest valuesofsociety Weare committedtomaintainingthose highstandardsinallthatwedo.

CommunityBuildingand Advocacy

Wearecommittedtoeducating andencouragingthegeneral publicandlegislatorsto integrateandincludepeople withdevelopmental,learning andemotionaldisabilitiesinall aspectsofcommunitylife Our servicesandprogramsare designedtomaximizechoices andopportunitiesforthe peopleweserve

Position Overview

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Exceptional Children's Foundation (ECF) assumes a critical role within the executive team, providing indispensable support to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in navigating the dayto-day operations and administration of the agency. Tasked with overseeing multiple departments including finance, programs, facilities maintenance, information technology, and human resources, the COO ensures the seamless execution of policies, effective fiscal management, and the advancement of strategic initiatives in alignment with the organization's overarching mission

Their leadership is instrumental in steering ECF towards its objectives with a keen focus on operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and the cultivation of a forward-thinking organizational culture This encompasses overseeing program implementation, financial management, quality assurance, and contract handling, while spearheading the development of program grants and contracts to ensure sustainability In human resources, the COO ensures compliance with labor laws, fosters a positive work environment, and collaborates on personnel policies Additionally, they provide strategic leadership in finance operations, collaborating with the executive team on new business opportunities, ensuring operational efficiency, and meticulous oversight of financial transactions Overseeing administrative infrastructure, the COO manages facility maintenance, acquisition, and certification, as well as IT systems, leases, and compliance, while regularly assessing operations and reporting to the CEO

First Year GOALS & OBJECTIVES

In the first year, the incoming Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Exceptional Children's Foundation (ECF) will prioritize comprehensive familiarization with the organization's various sites, programs, and departments within the initial 30 days This period will involve meetings with leadership teams and department heads to gain insight into individual functions and understand how they intersect or diverge Strategic planning, operational oversight, and budget development will also be key priorities during this initial phase, laying the groundwork for effective management and decision-making

Throughout the first year, the COO will focus on aligning operational goals with the CEO's vision and ensuring progress toward articulated objectives Understanding the organization's mission, purpose, values, vision, culture, and structure will serve as the foundation for these efforts Additionally, the COO will manage the financial aspects of ECF programs, foster operational efficiency, and cultivate a positive workplace culture in alignment with the CEO's vision and the direction set by the leadership team.

roles & responsibilities

ProgramAdministration

Overseeallfacetsofprogramadministration,encompassing:Implementingpolicies,managingfinances, enhancingqualityassuranceandimprovementmeasures,andhandlingcontractmanagement.

Spearheadthedevelopmentofprogramgrantsandcontracts.

Guaranteethefinancialandprogrammaticsustainabilityofprograms.

Establishandachieveproductivityandenrollmenttargets.

Providevigilantoversightofqualityassuranceandimprovementendeavors. Ensurestrictadherencetoregulationsgoverningallprograms

HumanResources

Ensureadherencetorelevantemploymentandlaborlaws.

Fosterregularcommunicationwithstafftocultivateapositiveworkenvironment.

CollaboratewiththeDirectorofHumanResourcestomanageandimplementpersonnelpolicies,covering areassuchas:Compensationpractices,employeerelations,staffrecruitment,withperformance managementandevaluationsystems

DirectlyoverseeECF'sProfessionalEmployerOrganization(PEO)andserveasitsprimarycontactperson

SuperviseECF'sInjuryandIllnessPreventionandSafetyProgram,including:LeadingECF'scorporate safetycommittee,andfacilitatingconnectivitybetweenvariousgroups

FinanceOperations&StrategicLeadership

Possessaneffectiveleadershipstyleandisanexpertinestablishingcleargoals,providingcomplete supporttotheteamtoaccomplishthosegoals,andrecognizingtheteamforachievingthosegoals

Collaboratewiththeexecutiveteamtodevelop,implement,andreportonnewbusinessopportunities alignedwiththeagency'smissionandstrategicgoals

Workcollaborativelywiththeexecutiveteamtoenhanceoperationalefficiencyandeffectiveness,ensuring contractgoalsaremet,andallaspectsofagencypoliciesandproceduresareaccuratelyimplemented ParticipateinandfacilitateboardcommitteemeetingsasassignedbytheCEO

Collaboratewithexecutiveleadershiptoformulatebudgetsandstrategiestailoredtoeachdepartment Offerstrategicdirectiononinitiativesaimedatensuringbothshortandlong-termfiscalsustainability

Ensuremeticulousoversightofallfinancialtransactions

Supervisepayrollfunctionstoensurecompliancewithwageandhourregulations

ForgeaclosecollaborationwiththeChiefFinancialOfficertoeffectivelyhandlebudgeting,accounting, cashflow,andresourcemanagement.

AdministrativeInfrastructure

Supervisethemaintenanceoffacilitiesacrossmultiplesites

Collaboratewiththeexecutiveteamtoidentifyandacquirenecessarysites

Ensuresitesarecertifiedforserviceprovision,includinglicensure,Medi-Calcertification,andfireclearance Overseethemanagementofagencyvehicles,includingmaintenanceandinsurance.

Manageinformationtechnologysystemstofacilitateefficientinformationflow.

Ensuretechnologysystemsalignwiththeagency'sinfrastructureneeds.

Executeandrenewleases,addresslegalissues,andmaintaincorporateandHIPAAcompliance.

Developpolicies,procedures,andsystemstoaddressemergingagencyneeds.

RegularlyassessoveralloperationsandprovidereportstotheCEO.

qualifications

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, or related field

Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in progressive responsible roles within senior management positions at a nonprofit organization

Must have managed accounting or finance in the nonprofit sector for organizations with revenue of $10 million and above.

Knowledge/Abilities/Skills:

Strong computer and database management skills are essential.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, Adobe, and other database and tracking tools.

Familiarity with programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities (within the last five years)

Understanding of licensing, rehabilitation, mental health, and regional centers policies, procedures, and regulations

Ability to manage multiple assignments with competing deadlines

Capability to design, implement, and coordinate operations effectively

Proficiency in applying accounting principles and concepts such as performance, profitability, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations

Aptitude for solving practical problems with various concrete variables

Availability to travel to various locations as required

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

compensation & benefits

We're offering a competitive salary of $210,000 - $230,000 annually This is an on-site position in Culver City, California Benefits include: Insurance: Medical, Dental, and Vision Retirement Contribution, Vacation and Holidays, Sick Time, Adoption Assistance, Employee Assistance Program, Health Savings Account.

Exceptional Children’s Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.

ABOUT The lA Region

Los Angeles County is a vast and varied geographic entity It includes a group of inland valleys, a coastal plain separated by low mountains that are interspersed with steep passes, an arc of still higher mountains, and a long seacoast. Nearly half of the county is taken up by mountain chains most of them running east-west that have a dynamic history of earthquakes, firestorms, and mudslides To the north and northeast are the massive and sprawling San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains. Stretching in front of them and more or less in parallel lines from west to east are the Santa Monica Mountains, Puente Hills, Repetto Hills, and San Jose Hills These chains delineate the San Fernando, San Gabriel, and San Bernardino valleys Farther south running roughly between Orange and Riverside counties are the Santa Ana Mountains

Los Angeles, the heart of Southern California, became a world-class city very recently At the start of the 20th century, it was considered merely “a large village ” This ascendancy is all the more remarkable considering that the city originally lacked some of the essential building blocks associated with cityhood, such as a natural harbor. Yet it overcame natural deficiencies and established itself as an important center of commerce, agriculture, tourism, and industry. For more than a century it has been indelibly associated with a benign climate, extensive leisure, and outdoor recreation, as well as the special aura of celebrity associated with Hollywood The lifestyle of Los Angeles residents (who are called Angelenos) relies on the automobile, idealizes the single-family dwelling, and favors informality With notable exceptions, the skyline is primarily horizontal rather than vertical. Los Angeles is a place of extraordinary ethnic and racial diversity, owing largely to immigration.

ideal candidate

The Exceptional Children's Foundation (ECF) seeks an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) with a comprehensive understanding of the nonprofit sector and a passion for making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with exceptional needs. As a key member of the executive team, the COO will collaborate closely with the CEO to chart the strategic direction of the organization, ensuring alignment with its mission and values This role requires not only strong managerial experience but also a deep commitment to fostering a positive organizational culture where staff feel empowered, valued, and motivated to excel The ideal candidate will possess a track record of success in navigating complex organizational structures, forging strong partnerships with stakeholders, and driving operational excellence

In addition to managerial proficiency, the successful COO will demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence, compassion, and empathy, particularly toward the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. They will be adept at building consensus and fostering collaboration across departments, promoting transparency, and open communication. Furthermore, the COO should be a strategic thinker, capable of identifying opportunities for growth, innovation, and sustainability within the organization, while also effectively managing risks and challenges Overall, the incoming COO will play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of the Exceptional Children's Foundation, leading it toward greater impact, efficiency, and effectiveness in fulfilling its vital mission

CAREER TRACK leading to chief operating officer

The next COO of the Exceptional Children's Foundation is expected to work closely within the organization, immersing themselves in its operations and collaborating effectively with the CEO and executive team With a track record of effective leadership and a commitment to fostering a positive work environment, the incoming COO is poised to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to enhance program quality, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement directly within the Exceptional Children's Foundation. By aligning efforts with the Foundation's mission and objectives, the new COO will play a pivotal role in shaping its future trajectory and advancing its mission of empowering individuals with exceptional needs

Envision Consulting has been retained by Exceptional Childrens Foundation to conduct the search for their incoming Chief Operating 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, industryspecific 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.

Exceptional Children’s Foundation 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.