Whittier Area First Day Coalition Executive Search Executive Director Position Overview Sterling Search Inc. has been exclusively retained to recruit for the new Executive Director of Whittier Area First Day Coalition (First Day). Visionary leader Ted Knoll, who has been First Day s only Executive Director, recently submitted notice to the Board of Directors that it was time for him to retire. History: The Social Services Coalition (SSC) was founded in 1989 by the Whittier Area Interfaith Council, the City of Whittier, and the Whittier Salvation Army and became a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity in 1994. During the first 12 years of services, the agency served approximately 700 clients annually. In 2001, SSC moved to its current facility due to collaborative efforts of the Whittier One Stop Center (WOSC). It soon became clear that SSC and WOSC would be competing for the limited dollars allotted to homeless services and duplicating operational and funding efforts. These two organizations merged at the start of 2002 to form the current agency, Whittier Area First Day Coalition (First Day). Today: First Day offers a variety of services including: Social Services Program, which evaluates immediate needs of each client and suggests a course of action; Recovery from Homelessness Program (RFHP) which provides short-term emergency transitional housing with on-site supportive services; The Health and Wellness Clinic which addresses the health-related obstacles that prevented clients from stabilizing their lives and obtaining employment; and Street Outreach/Emergency Response Team which is First Day s intervention component headed by a Chronic Homeless Specialist. First Day recently received grant funding from the B.C. McCabe Foundation to evaluate its effectiveness by looking at the organization s history, their direction for the future, and what barriers and gaps in service need to be addressed by First Day s next strategic plan. The report was extensive, the outcomes impressive and the opportunity to have even greater impact remarkable! To understand the impact First Day has made, it is helpful to understand the long road it has traveled to get there. When First Day formed and decided to move forward with setting up a homeless shelter facility, they were met with heavy resistance. Strong opposition came from the City of Whittier, Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital (PIH), the Police Department and local businesses. City leaders expressed the concern that homeless people were already 1 Whittier Area First Day Coalition Executive Director Sterling Search, Inc.
concentrated in the City of Whittier and, that by offering additional shelter, they would attract even more. Fast forward and First Day s efforts have paid huge dividends in breaking down the Not in my backyard or NIMBY reaction of Whittier. The report identifies that there has been a 180 degree turnaround by PIH, the police department, local businesses and most of the community about the value of having a homeless shelter in their neighborhood. Essential to First Day s success was the agency s pioneering of a new treatment model Reciprocal Community Engagement Model (RCEM). RCEM asserts that the homeless cannot be treated in isolation from the wider community. It recognizes the essential therapeutic nature of relationships and nurtures relationship building through a network of programs that foster positive human connections. Essentially they galvanized the Whittier and surrounding communities with the it takes a village approach and it has paid off in dividends. Now, First Day is the first call that people make when they come into contact with a homeless person or someone at risk. The benefits are: Safe Shelter. Striving to combat the high-incidence of violence against the homeless, First Day offers safe shelter that has boasted a nearly spotless record of incidents. Permanent Self-Sufficiency. First Day s goal is not just to find shelter for the homeless, but to provide a permanent pathway out of homelessness by helping the homeless and at-risk individuals transition toward self-sufficiency. Upon leaving RFHP, less than 10% of residents return directly to the streets. Improved Health and Preventative Care. First Day offers high quality, no-cost health care through their on-site Health and Wellness Clinic and strong partnership with PIH. As a result, ER use by residents has dropped by over 70%. Its recuperative care partnership with PIH, the health education given by clinic nurses and management of chronic health conditions have further guarded against unnecessary recurrences of medical conditions. Aided Employment. By providing goal-setting, resumé help, job search support, and direct placement services, First Day has improved the employment outcomes of its residents significantly. Built Assets. First Day also works to ensure the financial stability of its residents through its Money Management program. Along with counseling, residents are given an alternative vehicle for savings through which many have gone on to save an average of $400-500 over 6 months. Changed Community Attitudes and Perception. First Day s quality programs and positive impact have shown the community that the homeless can be viable citizens. Originally feared and disrespected, First Day has changed community attitudes towards the homeless and homelessness in a powerful way. Built Social Capital. First Day s vision asserts that to solve homelessness, one must not only restore the individual, but also the community. To accomplish this, it has engineered a new form of homeless services called the Angel s Program that benefit both its residents and the wider community directly. Clients volunteer their services in the community which in turn gives them life skills for workforce development. As a result, increased community engagement has 2 Whittier Area First Day Coalition Executive Director Sterling Search, Inc.
resulted in residents who are less afraid of the homeless and now willing to engage with them thorough volunteer and employment opportunities. As we witness the success stories of those residents that have regained their dignity, integrated to society, are continuing their education and/or have acquired skills to find employment one can't help but accept that it's short of a miracle! - Educational Partner First Day's outreach to local government, police and residents is so effective and the main factor in succeeding at mitigating homelessness. They are breaking down NIMBY; it should be replicated County- wide. - Government Partner Ted Knoll has been a very large part of the organization s vision and success. With the Board of Directors, the Community and volunteers he has built a model that has impacted not only the lives of the people they serve but the whole community. First Day s annual revenue is in the range of $1M supported by a healthy balance sheet. It has a dedicated, board comprised of well-respected, esteemed professionals who are dedicated, devoted and inspired to provide resources and support to carry out the mission of the organization. As they shift from grass roots fundraising to a more philanthropic-based funding model the board is proud to say 100% of its board members give. This transformation to a more philanthropic culture is taking root in the behavior and thinking of their board members as they begin to recruit new members more reflective of the geography they serve and with the capacity to give time, treasure and/or talent. With impactful programs well in place there is still a lot to do to create more sustainable funding, professional development for staff, enhance marketing and communications and develop a robust administrative platform. With lofty yet do-able goals, the new Executive Director will be charged with building on First Day s track record of success by further developing the organization s vision, and achieving its goals for continued financial stability, community engagement and enhancing the impact of its program and mission for the people they serve. Specific Duties and Responsibilities www.whittierfirstday.org The Executive Director will be the chief spokesperson representing First Day to many constituencies, both internal and external. In addition to the operational, financial, and administrative duties, the scope of responsibility includes oversight of, marketing, community relations, fund development, program growth and long-range planning. This individual will 3 Whittier Area First Day Coalition Executive Director Sterling Search, Inc.
maintain a balanced culture which combines the richness and relevance of programs with the efficacy of best business practices, fiscal accountability, and institutional impact. Lead a collaborative process with the Board of Directors and its committees, executing decisions effectively and ensuring that the Board of Directors and its committees are informed of critical developments in a timely and effective manner. Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors and staff to create vision as well as execute and expand upon the strategic plan and budget. Continue to support the development and cultivation of a strong Board of Directors, representative of the diverse community. Additionally, willing to lead and contribute to the development of the board and play an integral role in developing prospects, cultivating major donors and funding agencies. Direct administrative personnel to ensure that the organization is effectively structured and staffed with competent employees. Lead, motivate, manage, and develop staff to evoke passion for the First Day s mission, and foster an environment committed to continuous improvement. Manage an effective performance management system for all employees that will include setting objectives and evaluation on an annual basis. Manage and direct a comprehensive fund development plan that includes the expansion of government grants and identifies individual and corporate prospects and donors enhancing a short and long term diversified funding base. Define and execute the strategy of effectively mobilizing volunteers in support of its programs. Guide the increased awareness and impact of the organization, clearly articulating its mission, vision, programs, and strategic direction. Continue to raise the public profile of First Day by serving as the spokesperson and advocate for the organization, as well as being a visible, visionary, and influential leader and fundraiser in the community. Continuously assess community needs, evaluating partnership opportunities to promote programs uniquely suited to the mission. Oversee and execute programmatic excellence by establishing operational benchmarks and setting timelines to achieve strategic goals. Continually review and evaluate programs and report findings to the Board of Directors accordingly. Manage, monitor, and oversee all financial reporting including management of budget and revenue; oversee facilities, risk management, and operational management. Execute all other reasonable duties as assigned by the Board of Directors. Professional Experience and Qualifications We are seeking candidates offering the following qualifications: Passion for the mission 4 Whittier Area First Day Coalition Executive Director Sterling Search, Inc.
Imagination, vision, leadership and integrity A minimum of 3-5 years senior management experience with increasing levels of responsibility and management of staff, preferably with a nonprofit and direct stewardship of Boards of Directors A demonstrated ability to effectively grow an organization and/or division A demonstrated ability to plan and operate strategically, build public support, strengthen infrastructure, inspire staff as well as the board of directors, and to develop effective programs Exceptional financial, organizational and administrative skills Must have excellent fiscal, cash flow and similar size or larger P&L experience The ability to set goals and objectives, with strong execution and follow-through skills Must have outstanding writing and oral communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively with and gain the respect and support of varied and changing constituencies including staff, Board members, potential donors, volunteers and other related organizations or individuals as required Demonstrated experience in marketing and creating and implementing an effective social media/marketing campaign Professional fundraising experience or a history of chairing fundraising programs as a volunteer with demonstrated results. Specifically experience with government grant funding is a preference. A team leader with a track record in managing a staff inclusive of hiring, rewarding and retaining talent and providing empowerment to the entire team Ability to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities and to operate both independently and hands-on with the flexibility to be part of a team Computer literate: Knowledge of Word and Excel and adaptability to learn database software The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following capabilities: Commitment to the mission and work of the agency with the credibility and persuasiveness to secure support from others A manager who leads by example and exemplifies the values and ethics of the organization An organized individual with strong creative and conceptual skills A doer who functions effectively without being autocratic or political; must be a team player who is inclusive, flexible, creative, energetic and fair minded A decisive and resourceful individual who will accept responsibility and take charge of results, as well as work successfully with limited resources A self-starter who is confident enough to express opinions, to forge ahead when appropriate and hold back when necessary, with a sensitivity to the feelings and opinions of others An energetic person who is emotionally mature and dependable; a collegial individual 5 Whittier Area First Day Coalition Executive Director Sterling Search, Inc.
Education Required: Bachelor s degree A competitive compensation package will be offered to attract an outstanding candidate. Please send resumes to: Sterling Search, Inc. Julie@sterlingsearchinc.com Phone: 714-433-7042 Direct all correspondence emails and telephone calls to Sterling Search, Inc. Any resumes sent or telephone calls made to First Day will be redirected to Sterling Search, Inc. First Day is an Equal Opportunity Employer 6 Whittier Area First Day Coalition Executive Director Sterling Search, Inc.