OVERVIEW:
Part of an International Federation of communities of people with and without disability, the L’Arche Wavecrest mission is twofold: to create vital, healthy, spiritually rich homes for individuals with and without intellectual disabilities (IDD). We aim to build relationships that integrate the lives and gifts of individuals with and without intellectual/developmental disabilities with all sectors of the wider community. Such integration infuses civil society with true human values.
L’Arche Wavecrest, located in Orange and Tustin, California, currently has two homes for people with and without intellectual disabilities. It is the pulsating heart of a larger community consisting of families, friends, volunteers, and donors. We seek to expand the L’Arche presence in Orange County, CA.
ROLE OBJECTIVES:
The Executive Director/Community Leader, leads, manages, and administers the daily operations of the community in order to meet the financial, legal, and quality standards expected from the local/national authorities and works collaboratively with the Board of Directors, the L’Arche USA Western Manager of Community Support and Learning, and L’Arche USA.
The Executive Director/Community Leader accepts the responsibility to participate fully in the expansion plan of the organization, which includes, but is not limited to:
1. Implementing the growth strategy of the community as described in the current community Mandate.
2. Solidifying organizational structures for expansion.
3. Implementing and growing the L’Arche Wavecrest’s fund development strategies.
4. Promoting the message of L’Arche to the local community.
5. Ensuring the development of the human potential of the Core Members (adults with intellectual disabilities), Assistants (caregivers), and Staff.
POSITION REPORTS TO: L’Arche Wavecrest Board of Directors
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
Leadership and Staff Development:
1. Recruit, hire, empower, support, and hold team members accountable to ensure a positive, productive environment. The L’Arche Wavecrest Team includes staff, volunteers, and Board Members. The team consists of ten to twelve paid employees including the Executive Director and at least one Certified ARF Administrator.
2. Carefully follow protocol required for State and Federal employment (i.e. Dept. of Social Services hiring requirements; Dept. of Labor regulations, RCOC guidelines).
3. Maintain a collaborative relationship with the Board of Directors, L’Arche Western USA Manager of Community Support and Learning, and others within the L’Arche Federation.
Fund Development, Governance & Financial Responsibilities:
1. Maintain and cultivate donor relationships.
2. Develop annual budget for approval by the L’Arche Wavecrest Board of Directors.
3. Strengthen L’Arche Wavecrest’s financial position by: a. Expanding and leading L’Arche Wavecrest’s fundraising efforts, b. Creating new strategies to increase annual revenue, c. Managing expenses according to the operating budget for the organization and collaborating closely with the Finance Chair and accountants.
4. Attend to the completion of L’Arche Wavecrest’s Annual Financial Review, Annual Tax 990 Report, and the state, federal, and property tax exemption requirements.
5. Ensure property maintenance and management issues are tended to.
6. Ensure all audit requirements from the CA Dept. of Social Services (Licensing) and the Regional Center of Orange County are met.
7. Serve as Certified Administrator for Adult Residential Facility (ARF).
8. Supervise efficient recordkeeping for the organization and its nonprofit status.
Planned Expansion:
1. Facilitate and support the strategic plan to broaden the reach of the L’Arche Wavecrest Community.
2. Lead, Strategize, and Participate with the Board committees in the implementation of the 2019-2024 L’Arche Wavecrest Mandate and the development of a new Mandate (2025-2029).
3. Collaborate with the Board in implementing the growth plan of the community, including an emergent Capital Campaign, as appropriate.
4. Ensure a staffing model to support the ongoing growth plan to include supplemental programs.
Board Development and Engagement:
1. Recruit and communicate with Board Members.
2. Work under the direction of the Board President to develop agendas and board packet for bimonthly Board meetings.
3. Work under the direction of the Board Secretary to ensure the files of the organizations files are organized, secure, up-to-date, easily accessible to those that need to use them, and consistent with policies and resolutions approved by the Board.
4. Work collaboratively with contract accountant and Board Treasurer to produce timely and accurate financial reports.
5. Lead, Strategize, and Participate with the Board committees in the implementation of the 2019-2024 L’Arche Wavecrest Mandate.
6. Collaborate with the Board in implementing the growth plan of the community, including an emergent Capital Campaign, as appropriate.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AS COMMUNITY LEADER:
1. Facilitate the development and intentionality of a vibrant community life.
2. Guarantee the openness of the community by cultivating relationships with neighbors, churches, and other local groups.
3. Honor the sacredness and safety of the homes while ensuring the tasks associated with intentional community living.
4. Help articulate the spirituality of L’Arche and community members through respecting diverse expressions of faith.
5. Be present at community events and meaningful gatherings.
6. Contribute to the solidarity program of L’Arche USA to benefit L’Arche communities in developing countries as identified by L’Arche International.
Empower People With/Without Disabilities:
1. Encourage the participation of Core Members (people with IDD) in decision making, both personally and at the community level.
2. Regularly participate in annual Individual Program Plan (IPP) meetings and keep up to date with quarterly IPP meeting minutes.
3. Participate in the weekly team staff meetings.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Proven fundraising abilities with individuals and foundations.
2. Proven experience with project and program management.
3. Demonstrated leader with organizational management experience in delegation, team building, and supervision.
4. Proficient computer skills for managing a work plan, budget, and professional communications.
5. Knowledge of state government regulations related to persons with intellectual disabilities preferred.
6. Committed to good self-care and a healthy work-/home-life balance.
7. Loves challenges and has an appreciation of the gifts others contribute and a willingness to ask for help.
8. Ability to lead, manage, and collaborate with people at all levels: adults with intellectual disabilities (Core Members), caregivers (Assistants), volunteers, Board of Directors, and regional and national L’Arche leadership.
9. Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, especially populations that struggle with discrimination and exclusion.
10. Ability to inspire trust, listen attentively and compassionately, hold tensions well, and make clear decisions with courage and transparency.
11. A person of faith, integrity and hope with a discerning spirit grounded in the vision, values, and mission of L’Arche.
12. Open to accompaniment/mentoring by others in L’Arche.
13. Good knowledge and experience of L’Arche preferred.
14. Ability to travel to L’Arche National Meetings approximately four times a year
15. Certified ARF Administrator for CCL Residential Facilities.
PAY & BENEFITS:
COMPENSATION: Annual Salary Range $80,000-$90,000. Benefits include health insurance.
TRAVEL: 5-10% domestic travel and an occasional international trip
HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates should submit a Letter of Interest, a current Resume, and three Professional References with contact information by July 31, 2024, to the L’Arche Wavecrest discernment/search team via re*****@la*************.org.
