POSITION
TITLE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PRIMARY LOCATION
FOOTHILL UNITY CENTER CREATED FOR MONROVIA, CA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT FOOTHILL UNITY CENTER
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
For over 40 Years, Foothill Unity Center has helped neighbors in need with programs that focus on: Food, Health, Crisis Case Management, Job Development, Volunteerism and Housing and Homeless services.
Foothill Unity Center, a multi-service agency, serves as the region’s primary provider of integrated services that help individuals and families move out of poverty to reach economic stability. Our program model helps to advance equity in the San Gabriel Valley community. We are providing access and opportunities, removing barriers for the low-income and working poor, providing a safety net to the disadvantaged to prevent homelessness, and supporting the underserved homeless population by addressing their full spectrum of needs for the whole family. Foothill Unity Center is a place of real hope and possibilities for people in crisis. We serve the San Gabriel Valley Foothill communities of: Altadena, Arcadia, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bradbury, Duarte, Irwindale, Monrovia, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena and Temple City.
OUR VISION
OUR MISSION
We help neighbors in crisis attain selfsufficiency by partnering with the community and using our resources wisely to provide vital support services with love and dignity.
Foothill Unity Center, Inc., envisions a community where . .
All have their basic needs met, including the need to give
All get the necessary support to become self-sufficient
All are treated with love and dignity all the time
FOOD
PROGRAMS
PET FOOD BANK
Many neighbors in our community are one job loss or medical crisis away from food insecurity. Foothill Unity Center leads the fight against hunger and poor nutrition in the San Gabriel Foothills through our food distribution, community kitchen and nutrition education programs. Our Food Program translates to 3 million pounds of food annually through daily distributions that include: Bag lunches and hygiene kits to the homeless; Homebound grocery deliveries for seniors and disabled persons who are isolated, sick, and shut-in; Emergency family food to those that have the ability to cook and store food; and Pet food for those who can’t afford to feed their pets.
What We Do
JOB DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM
Helps to improve the economic lives of individuals with hands on assistance to gain employment for those unemployed and underemployed The program aims to reduce the barriers to employment and help the whole family, thereby ending the cycle of poverty for the next generation. Annually, we supervise approximately 40 work experience trainees, including at-risk youth, transitional youth, adults and seniors, for over 16,500 job development hours.
HEALTH SERVICES CRISIS CASE MANAGEMENT
Among the services we provide are dental and vision screenings, dental procedures, eye exams, glasses, and eye glass vouchers from mobile and on site dental and vision clinics, flu vaccines, glucose/diabetes screenings, blood pressure screenings, nutrition, physical and mental health, and education that includes workshops, classes, exercise groups, and healthy cooking/recipe demonstrations and flyers. We leverage our workforce annually with over 100 work trainees, nursing students pursuing licenses, and interns in social work and public health.
The driving strategy and standard of care practice that supports our core programs, Including housing and homeless services, through assessment, case planning, care coordination, advocacy, resource linkages, and follow up. Individualized client plans allow the case managers to track progress and make adjustments specific to personal situations. Case management provides access to a complete continuum of services, a safety net that improves the odds of success for an individual to move from poverty to economic security.
Position Overview
The Executive Director (ED) will lead a high-performing organization with a proven model for providing comprehensive support services to individuals and families in need. Building upon over 40 years of success and growth, the new Executive Director will work with the Board and other constituents to set the strategy for Foothill Unity Center’s future and drive the greatest possible impact for the community.
Reporting directly to the Foothill Unity Center Board, the ED will collaborate with local stakeholders, partners, and community organizations to optimize the work in the San Gabriel Valley and deliver the greatest possible impact for those we serve. This role is ideal for a leader who excels both internally and externally building an amazing team culture while simultaneously establishing strong external relationships with partners and donors and who is a fierce and passionate advocate for economic stability and social mobility.
The ED will be responsible for the organization's strategic and operational leadership, overseeing a committed staff, a Board of Directors, and a dedicated corps of volunteers. As an experienced and entrepreneurial professional, the primary focus will be ensuring the overall health of organizational operations and culture, fundraising for sustainability, driving programmatic growth, and ensuring financial growth and stability. To succeed, the ED must be an effective communicator energized by networking across a diverse set of stakeholders.
First Year Goals & Objectives
Guide respectful leadership across operations, programming, advocacy, fundraising, and finances.
Perform program analysis with the Board and staff; optimize based on the mission.
Top Priorities
Improve Operations & Infrastructure
Establish and Oversee Financial Strategy
Exhibit Proficiency In Grant Management and Reporting
Strengthen Organizational Culture
Seek and Develop New Donor Relationships
Organizational Strategy
Greater Community Engagement, Awareness and Advocacy
Diversify Funding
Program Strategy
Improve Mentor & Volunteer Relationships
Board Recruiting & Development
Implementing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategies
Foster a collaborative and supportive workplace, focusing on leadership development while retaining and recruiting quality staff and volunteers.
Engage Board members with the organization and its programs; delegate ambassador roles to volunteer leaders.
Establish a financial strategy that ensures sustainability, healthy cash flow, and adequate reserves.
Strengthen and expand community advocacy, fostering relationships with government officials, nonprofit leaders, corporations, foundations, donors, and philanthropists.
Champion the organization as its leading voice across all platforms and engagements.
Roles & Responsibilities
Organization Leadership & Board Relations
Create and guide a respectful overall leadership of the organization including operations, programming, advocacy, fundraising, and finances.
Perform strategic program analysis with Board and staff, recommend optimization in relation to mission.
Work with the Board and senior leadership team to create and implement a strategic plan that aligns with Foothill Unity Center’s core values, mission, and vision.
Finances & Fund Development
Establish a financial strategy, aligned with overall vision of the organization, that ensures sustainability, healthy cash flow, and adequate reserves.
Exhibit proficiency in managing and reporting on government grants for the organization.
Maintain and strengthen relationships and communications with major donors, corporations, and foundations.
Staff Leadership
Create and guide a respectful overall leadership of the organization including operations, programming, advocacy, fundraising, and finances.
Perform program analysis with Board and staff, consider optimization in relation to mission.
Work with the Board and senior leadership team to create and implement a strategic plan that aligns with Foothill Unity Center’s core values, mission, and vision.
Board Relations
Engage Board members with the organization and programs, delegating ambassador role to volunteer leaders. Demonstrate leadership by making informed decisions and effectively communicating them to the board.
Community Engagement
Strengthen and grow community advocacy, awareness and advocacy by initiating, and developing cooperative relationships with key constituencies including government officials, leaders of nonprofit organizations, corporations, foundations, and private philanthropists.
Champion the organization
Qualifications
Prior experience as an Executive Director, or member of the senior leadership team of a nonprofit organization with an annual operating budget greater than $2M.
A minimum of 5 years’ experience in progressively responsible roles within senior management positions.
Demonstrated experience overseeing the financial management of a nonprofit organization and working with the Board of Directors to diversify funding to support the mission of the organization.
Demonstrated fundraising success with major and individual donors.
A proven track record in nonprofit organizations creating a collaborative culture, improved efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of the organizational budget.
Demonstrated experience in risk management, with an emphasis on addressing strategic and financial implications.
Demonstrated experience with expanding community engagement, awareness and advocacy
Demonstrated belief in and a commitment to continued professional growth and development of employees, volunteers and the Board of Directors.
Ability to lead operations work with diverse groups of people and a wide range of faiths, beliefs, ages, cultures, and experiences.
Demonstrated experience working with at-risk populations.
Compensation & Benefits
The salary range for the Foothill Unity Center ED role is $145, 000-$160,000. Employees have a choice of healthcare plans fully covered by the organization.
Foothill Unity Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including persons with disabilities and veterans.
ABOUT SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
The San Gabriel Valley (SGV), a principal valley in Southern California, borders the city of Los Angeles to the west and occupies much of southeastern Los Angeles County. It is surrounded by the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, the San Rafael Hills to the west, the Crescenta Valley to the northwest, the Puente Hills to the south, and the Chino Hills and San Jose Hills to the east. Named after the San Gabriel River and the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, the valley has transformed from predominantly agricultural to almost entirely urbanized, forming an integral part of the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. Covering about 200 square miles, it includes 31 cities and five unincorporated communities, with Pasadena being the largest city.
The San Gabriel Valley is a culturally rich region, renowned for its remarkable diversity and vibrant communities. This area is a tapestry of ethnic enclaves, with significant populations of Asian Americans, Latinos, and other groups, each contributing to a unique cultural landscape. Cities like Monterey Park and Alhambra are known for their bustling Asian districts, featuring a plethora of authentic restaurants, shops, and cultural festivals, particularly celebrating Chinese, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese heritages. The valley also celebrates its Latino heritage, with cities like El Monte and La Puente showcasing traditional Mexican cuisine, music, and festivals. Additionally, the presence of historic missions and landmarks reflects the deep-rooted Spanish and Mexican influences in the area.
Cultural institutions, such as the Huntington Library in San Marino and the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, further enrich the valley’s cultural scene by offering exhibitions and programs that celebrate and explore diverse cultural heritages. This confluence of traditions, languages, and customs makes the San Gabriel Valley a microcosm of global cultures, fostering a community where multiculturalism thrives.
Monrovia, CA, is a charming city located in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles County. Established in 1886, it is known for its historic downtown area, characterized by preserved buildings, boutique shops, and a variety of dining options. The city boasts a strong sense of community, with numerous events and festivals held throughout the year. Monrovia is also home to several parks and recreational areas, offering outdoor activities and scenic views. With a blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to urban amenities, Monrovia provides a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
Photo: Gerson Repreza:
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Foothill Unity Center is seeking a collaborative and unifying leader with a proven track record of leading nonprofit or mission-based organizations. The ideal candidate will be a visionary and strategic leader, known for their consistency in leadership, effective communication, and ability to inspire and manage large teams, including community volunteers. They will be deeply passionate about Foothill Unity Center's mission, demonstrating a strong commitment to the community and the individuals served by the organization's programs.
This Executive Director will be goal-oriented, with the ability to assess current programs and, in partnership with the Board of Directors and staff, develop and execute a strategic plan to address challenges, meet client needs, and foster growth. The candidate will also possess a strong exterior voice, adept at connecting with the diverse communities of the San Gabriel Valley. Additionally, they will be a skilled fundraiser with experience in diversifying revenue streams, a strategic thinker who can enhance operations, and a leader capable of reviewing and reaffirming the organization’s vision and strategy. A big-picture thinker and a problem-solver, this candidate will also have strong financial acumen, ensuring the continued success and sustainability of Foothill Unity Center as a vital community resource.
CAREER TRACK LEADING TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The likely career track for the ED of the Foothill Unity Center involves a blend of nonprofit or business management, strategic planning and vision, fundraising, and great communication skills. You may have gained expertise in various fields, but have had experience in human services.
Professionals we may look for:
CEO / Executive Director
Chief Development Officer
Chief Program Officer
VP / Senior VP
General Manager
Deputy Director
The Search Process
Envision Consulting has been retained by Foothill Unity Center’s board to conduct the search for their incoming Executive Director. We follow a comprehensive and structured approach that begins with a needs assessment to understand the organization's position and culture. We source candidates using various strategies, such as leveraging networks, industry-specific databases, and targeted research. Our evaluations are 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 We support the final selection process, including negotiation and offer formulation and offer onboarding support to ensure a smooth leadership transition To ensure candidate success, we offer clients a one-year guarantee and executive coaching throughout the first year of employment.
Foothill Unity Center 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.
Search Team for Foothill Unity Center
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.
Are you a great fit for Foothill Unity Center’s next Executive Director?
We invite you to apply and share your experience with us!