Executive Director, MARCH of Manchester (Connecticut)

Eos Transition Partners is facilitating the search for the next Executive Director of MARCH, Inc. of Manchester, based in Connecticut

MARCH, Inc. of Manchester (MARCH) seeks a leader experienced in intellectual and developmental disabilities to position the organization for growth and sustainability by anticipating trends and changes in the developmental disabilities field in Connecticut. We are looking for an Executive Director skilled in external relations, partnership building, fundraising, and communications, balanced with being able to build its people and agency operations.

About MARCH

MARCH’s residential programs are designed to accommodate the needs and individual wishes of men and women who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Residential programs are located in the towns of Manchester, Vernon, Windsor, Columbia, and Willimantic, which comprise the CT Department of Developmental Services North Region.

Currently, 70 men and women receive support through the MARCH, Inc. residential programs. The agency owns and leases 16 houses, condominiums, and apartments that are licensed as Community Living Arrangements. Support and assistance are provided to the men and women in independent living skills and social skill development. The housing intentionally builds a small, family-like environment.

MARCH’s Supported Living Programs provide regularly scheduled support to adults who rent their own house or apartment and require less than 24-hour care. Common daily living supports include meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, doctor appointments, managing finances and emergencies. All supports are individualized and person-centered.

MARCH is governed by a 11-member board, employs 180 full and part-time staff, and manages an annual budget of $7.8 million. It is financially stable with an investment portfolio; it is dependent on two CT state funding sources and seeks to diversify funds. An interim director team is in place and is working with the leadership team to assess partnership opportunities and address staffing challenges so common in the age of COVID. Direct care staff at MARCH are supported by The New England Healthcare Employees Union, District 1199 SEIU.

The Opportunity

The next executive will be responsible for developing and leading the organization in a vision and strategic plan to:

• Position MARCH to meet the needs of the changing population referred and aging population served
• Develop funding sources to diversify the revenue streams
• Assess and adjust the extensive property portfolio for its relevance and efficiency
• Build external relationships with peers, funders, and stakeholders to determine partnership opportunities to meet the participant needs effectively and/or staffing support
• Create a culture of teamwork among staff and build a strong leadership team
• Find creative ways to recruit and retain staff
• Influence a workplace and board stewardship culture of engagement, transparency, and trust
• Oversee the modernization of reporting and tracking, and enhancements to organizational systems

The Ideal Candidate

While we recognize that candidates will not possess all the following qualities, ideal applicants will exemplify a number of these attributes, skills, and experiences and will have the capability to oversee an organization of MARCH’s size and scope:

A Visionary and Strategic Executive

• Progressive leadership experience in the fields of intellectual and developmental disabilities, elder services, residential care, or related experience
• Proven success in assessing trends and bringing new ideas or change management to an organization or problem
• Demonstrated ability to lead and execute a strategic organizational vision and plan to leverage funding, partnerships, and public awareness
• Knowledge of/experience with affordable housing development and property portfolio management
• Experience with managed care funding models is a plus

A Powerful Communicator and Relationship Builder

• Proven experience as a fundraiser, particularly with sponsor recruitment, government contracts, grant attainment, and annual appeals
• Ability to engender the respect, rapport, and credibility of peers, funders, policymakers, and residents
• A public spokesperson committed to raising MARCH’s profile across a range of communications channels, with strong oral, written, and storytelling skills
• Experience in designing and executing partnerships that drive growth and quality care
• Ability to engage, inspire, and collaborate with MARCH staff and Board of Directors
• Politically savvy and able to navigate in complex funding, political, and social environments

A Seasoned Organizational Leader

• Non-profit acumen in operations, management, finance, and governance leadership at an organization of MARCH’s scale
• Experience assessing operational needs and building the internal team to execute change
• A planner, experienced with making decisions based on data
• Experience with Unions and managing Union relationships

An Authentic and Engaging Leader

• Passion for the mission of MARCH and the participants it serves and represents
• A warm, humble, and accessible servant leader who motivates, coaches, appreciates, and respects staff
• A confidence builder across a diverse group of stakeholders
• Partner to the Board of Directors to expand its impact on behalf of the organization
• Committed to developing a welcoming, collaborative, diverse, and inclusive work culture and climate

Desired Credentials

• A minimum of 5 years of senior leadership or equivalent experience
• Advanced education relevant to this position

Application Guidelines

Candidates must include a resume and a cover letter that describes how their qualifications and experience match the needs and mission of MARCH. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The base salary being offered is $100,000 and with eligibility for a bonus based on performance.

Upload required documents to: https://eostransitions.applicantpool.com/jobs/

MARCH is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and looks forward to an inclusive hiring process. It encourages a broad range of applicants, including candidates from diverse backgrounds and cultures, particularly candidates of color, LGBTQ candidates, and/or those with lived experience that represent the communities MARCH serves.

This executive search is being conducted by Eos Transition Partners consultant Nancy Jackson. All submissions will be acknowledged and are confidential, and any questions must be submitted to Nancy Jackson at: [email protected].