Senior Executive Director

The Senior Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership for state-level services, ensuring quality service delivery, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and business growth. This role oversees state operations and leadership teams, builds strong relationships with government agencies and community stakeholders, and drives initiatives that support organizational goals and the needs of individuals receiving services.
Key Responsibilities

Operational & Strategic Leadership: Oversee state operations, ensuring quality service delivery, regulatory compliance, financial performance, and achievement of business goals. Develop and execute strategies that support growth, operational efficiency, census development, and continuous improvement.
Government Relations & Advocacy: Build and maintain strong relationships with state and regional government agencies, legislators, regulatory authorities, referral sources, and other key stakeholders. Represent the organization in public policy discussions, industry associations, advocacy efforts, and lobbying activities.
People Management & Leadership Development: Lead, coach, and develop a team of senior operational leaders, including Executive Directors. Oversee leadership performance, succession planning, recruitment, retention, employee engagement, and development while fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
IDD Delivery System Knowledge: Maintain a strong understanding of the state's Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) service delivery system, including funding structures, Medicaid programs, managed care, regulatory requirements, state agencies, and community-based service models. Leverage this knowledge to navigate the state's operating environment, strengthen partnerships, and identify opportunities for service expansion.
Financial & Business Management: Oversee state budgets, forecasts, revenue (more than $250 million), expenses, and financial performance. Identify opportunities to improve profitability, maximize resources, and support sustainable business growth.
Quality & Compliance: Ensure adherence to state and federal regulations, licensing requirements, quality standards, and organizational policies. Oversee incident management, health and safety initiatives, and continuous quality improvement.
Stakeholder & Community Engagement: Develop productive relationships with individuals receiving services, families, guardians, referral sources, community partners, and other external stakeholders to support satisfaction and service outcomes.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Business, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
12–15 years of related experience, including significant leadership and management experience within the human services industry. Executive Director experience preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of the state's IDD service delivery system, including applicable government agencies, funding mechanisms, regulatory requirements, and service models.
Proven experience developing relationships with government officials, legislators, regulatory agencies, and other external stakeholders; experience with government relations, public policy, advocacy, or lobbying strongly preferred.
Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and manage senior-level teams, drive accountability, and achieve operational and financial objectives.
Strong strategic planning, financial management, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly throughout the state and domestically as business needs require.

Travel & Work Environment
This position is based in California and requires regular in-person visits to programs, state offices, and community partners. Significant travel throughout the state is expected, with domestic air travel likely due to the scope of responsibility. Candidates residing within their state of responsibility is required. Availability to respond to emergencies outside of normal business hours is required.
Compensation for the role is set at $150,000 annually (salaried-exempt).