[Blindtlk] Job Opening, CEO Sacramento Society for the Blind

[David Andrews]

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Society for the Blind

OUR MISSION:  To empower individuals who are blind or have low vision 
to live productively and independently by building confidence through 
training, tools and mentorship
OUR VISION:   To fully integrate the individuals of our region who 
are blind or have low vision into all aspects of the community

The Society for the Blind is seeking a new Chief Executive Officer 
(CEO).  Since 1954, Society for the Blind has been a place of comfort 
and support for the community who are blind or have low vision.  The 
mission of the Society is to provide services that empower 
individuals to be more productive and independent by building 
confidence through training, tools and mentorship.  The Society 
serves approximately 3,500 people a year from throughout the greater 
Sacramento region.  In addition, we are working to raise the 
remaining $2 million dollars for our new facility.
The Society operates as a 501 (c) 3 organization governed by a 
volunteer Board of Directors representing the diverse areas we serve. 
There is also currently a Community Advisory Board.
The CEO reports directly to the Board of Directors and is charged 
with overall responsibility for developing and implementing strategic 
initiatives, oversight of fundraising, programs, working with the 
Department of Rehabilitation in addition to financial and management 
operations of the organization. The CEO will be the leader in 
communicating the Society's vision and the programs objectives to 
internal and external constituencies within the region and will work 
collaboratively with the Board, Advisory Board, committees, staff, 
and volunteers in raising funds, formulating policy, developing 
strategy and achieving performance standards. The new CEO will be a 
visionary leader, have a strong role in shaping the Society's long 
term business strategy, passion for the services and clients served, 
and will carry out the initiatives necessary to achieve its vision and mission.
The 35 staff members (half of whom are visually impaired) work in a 
20,000 square foot building in addition to a smaller instructional 
site.  The instruction for our clients include, but are not limited 
to, one on one instructional programs which range from practicing 
cane usage, learning daily living skills (cooking and cleaning), to 
learning how to travel and use computers and adaptive software .  The 
youth also participate in a yearly Blind and Low vision Olympics, 
Braille challenge and a 20 day intense summer retreat.  Staff  is 
committed to supporting its clients.  If a client comes in thinking 
they "cannot do" XYZ  because they are blind, they realize after 
meeting a successful educated blind staff member that their "cannot 
do "attitude changes to "I can do".


Expected outcomes for this position within the first 12 months include:

By the end of the first quarter:
o   To have identified and met with key stakeholders (board, staff, 
peer organizations, community and civic organizations/groups, a 
representation of clients, representatives at Department of 
Rehabilitation and key donors) for the purpose of establishing 
relationships, listening, and gaining an understanding of stakeholder 
roles, perspectives and issues.

o   To have initiated an organizational and financial audit to 
include, but not be limited to, an assessment of the organizational 
structure, staffing, program designs and delivery systems, 
communications, reporting and measuring results, recordkeeping, etc.

  By the end of the second quarter
o   To have identified new revenue streams/markets, developed new 
fundraising ideas efforts/sources, and actively promoted the Society 
to prospective major donors for achieving progress in moving the 
organization toward financial self-sufficiency in the long term.

By the end of the third quarter:
o   To have begun implementation of initiatives and action items to 
achieve the strategic vision, and to improve areas where the Society 
may be underperforming.

o   To have worked collaboratively with management and staff to 
create and implement staff development plans, and create a learning 
organization environment.

  By the end of the first year:
o   To have achieved a smooth transition into the organization; be 
seen inside and outside the organization as an effective leader and 
the ambassador for the mission of the organization.


We are seeking candidates with a personal commitment and convincing 
passion for the mission of the Society for the Blind; a strong leader 
with long range vision and the proven ability to implement strategic 
initiatives while maintaining strength and stability of programs and 
finances; a self assured, confident professional who takes ownership 
and initiative, is accountable and collaborative. Outstanding 
communications skills are critical and the ability to build strong 
relationships and work effectively with multiple stakeholder groups 
is essential to the position.
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate any combination of 
education, training and experience which would demonstrate the 
ability to successfully perform these duties and achieve these 
expected outcomes.

We believe the following portrays the qualifications:
   At least 5 years senior/executive experience in a comparable 
organization, or  equivalent combination of executive and 
volunteer-board experience.
   Proven ability to effectively work with, develop and strengthen 
governing/fundraising boards.
   Demonstrated ability and results in major gifts cultivation and 
solicitation, and a strong understanding of the principles of 
fundraising from private sources.
   A career record as an exceptional, visionary, strategic and 
inspirational leader.
   A strong understanding of the legal, fiscal and regulatory 
environment in which  nonprofit organizations operate; strong 
business management skills and the ability to manage a multimillion 
dollar budget; foster and maintain effective relationships including 
the Department of Rehabilitation or other government funding entity.
It is desirable to have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited 
college or university with a major in business administration, public 
administration, accounting, mathematics, finance or related field; a 
Master's degree in one of the above educational fields is also desired.
This is a great career opportunity to join an organization with a 
powerful and compelling mission, favorable brand and name recognition 
in a desirable community. A competitive compensation package with a 
base salary of approximately $100,000 annually (depending upon 
qualifications and experience), plus excellent benefits are offered. 
This position is located in Sacramento, California.  Pre-screened, 
selected candidates will be invited to interview during late April.
For confidential consideration, at your earliest convenience and no 
later than 5:00pm on April 20, 2012, please email your chronological 
resume, cover letter and compensation expectations to William Carter at
   <mailto:edapps at societyfortheblind.org>edapps at societyfortheblind.org