OMBUDSMAN SERVICES OF SAN MATEO COUNTY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE EXPECTED TO WORK IN THE REDWOOD CITY, CA OFFICE DAILY.

ABOUT OMBUDSMEN SERVICES OF SAN MATEO COUNTY, INC. (OSSMC)

Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Inc. (OSSMC) is one of the most respected and effective organizations of its kind locally, if not nationally.  We advocate for the vulnerable residents of licensed, long term care facilities, educate facility staff and the community about high standards of care, and empower residents to speak up for themselves. Our mission is:  The residents of long-term care are often the most vulnerable in society.  OSSMC works to assure the protection of these residents through advocacy, direct intervention, and dedication in collaboration with service providers.

With the support of 35 dedicated volunteer Ombudsmen, who are trained to work with our staff, OSSMC is able to provide an outstanding level of service – free of charge – to residents at 442 facilities in San Mateo County.  The OSSMC staff and volunteers are caring and courageous advocates for those who cannot (or dare not) speak for themselves.

OSSMC has an annual operating budget of $1.1 million, with funding from a variety of sources, including approximately 67% from government agencies, 25% from foundations and health care districts, 4% from individual donors and 4% from investment income.  OSSMC also has an investment portfolio of over $2 million.

The Executive Director works in partnership with a volunteer Board of Directors to ensure mission alignment, fiscal soundness and establishing strategic priorities. The Executive Director supervises and maintains strong relationships with staff, volunteers, funders, community and political leaders. Current staffing includes 11 positions, three (3) of which report directly to the Executive Director.

The Board and staff have identified the following strategic priorities for 2023:

  • Volunteer recruitment, retention, and engagement

  • Fundraising with a focus on expanding community support

  • Community outreach and visibility

  • Political advocacy at a local and state level

  • Organization systems and infrastructure to support continued growth

For more detailed information on the organization, programs and accomplishments, and leadership visit the OSSMC website at http://ossmc.org/.

YOU ARE:

  • A seasoned leader and hands-on manager, who will serve as a visible and persuasive advocate for the vulnerable residents in long-term care facilities. 

  • Someone with a proven track record of attracting and sustaining public and private funding and exceptional communication skills, as well as tenacity and political astuteness.

  • Someone who feels comfortable working in a volunteer-driven organization that values personal and professional integrity, community partnerships, and building a diverse cultural and economic base of support.

The next several years at OSSMC will provide a rewarding and highly visible leadership opportunity. Starting with a well-respected organization, talented staff, dedicated volunteers and board, and supportive community leaders, the next Executive Director will help OSSMC sustain its quality programs while focusing its strategic direction in response to changing opportunities and needs. This is a full-time, in-person, exempt position based in Redwood City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Director works in partnership with a volunteer Board of Directors to ensure mission alignment, fiscal soundness and establishing strategic priorities. The Executive Director supervises and maintains strong relationships with staff, volunteers, funders, community, and political leaders. Current staffing includes 11 positions, three (3) of which report directly to the Executive Director.

The Board and staff have identified the following strategic priorities for 2023:

  • Volunteer recruitment, retention, and engagement

  • Fundraising with a focus on expanding community support

  • Community outreach and visibility

  • Political advocacy at a local and state level

  • Organization systems and infrastructure to support continued growth

For more detailed information on the organization, programs and accomplishments, and leadership visit the OSSMC website at http://ossmc.org/.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The position reports to the Board of Directors and manages a team of 11 in office employees and up to 50 volunteers who serve vulnerable residents in the long-term care facilities in San Mateo County.

The OSSMC Executive Director also has a reporting relationship with the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Requirements

  • Experience with, a deep understanding of or ability to become expert in, the issues, regulations, and trends impacting long-term care, health care and/or aging services.

  • Exceptional communication skills including writing, public speaking, facilitation, and consensus building. 

  • A proven track record in attracting and sustaining community support – major gifts, government, and foundation support.

  • Senior management experience in an organization of comparable size.

  • The ability to effectively represent the organization and residents among diverse stakeholders in the community. 

  • The ability to attract, develop, retain, motivate, and lead staff and volunteers and maintain a high level of performance.

  • Financial and/or business management of a budget of comparable size and revenue streams.

  • The ability to work in close partnership with the community and Board of Directors to lead the organization in response to current and anticipated needs and opportunities.

  • Passion for the mission of OSSMC.

In addition, candidates will need to:

  • Meet state certification and conflict of interest requirements.

  • Have experience working with Microsoft Office, accounting and fund development database applications, and the Internet.

  • Work occasional nights and weekends as needed to support Board and community events.  We offer flexibility to accommodate these obligations.

  • Provide their own car, insurance, and valid CA driver’s license to travel throughout the county and state

  • Pass a background check and fingerprinting mandated by the State of California

 COMPETENCIES

Drive Community Relations, Advocacy, Visibility and Fund Raising (40% of job responsibilities*)

  • Provide a credible and informed presence for OSSMC in the community.

  • Develop and maintain relationships and collaboration with appropriate community, government, religious, and long term care stakeholders to build a strong awareness of the needs of residents as well as the organization’s role in advocating for their needs.

  • Be an active member in the California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Association and its state advocacy efforts.

  • Develop and oversee an annual development plan including government, major donor and foundation support.

  • Work with a dedicated, engaged Board of Directors to identify, diversify and secure necessary financial resources from public and private sources.

  • Oversee the development of compelling, accurate and timely funding proposals and reports.

  • Develop and implement communication strategies to advance the organization’s strategic goals.

  • Involve both the Board in major donor solicitation and fundraising activities.

Manage a Fiscally Sound Organization and Positive Work Environment (30%)

  • Lead by example and recruit, train, and retain a strong staff and volunteer team with a broad range of skills.

  • Support and recognize the role of volunteers.

  • Serve as the lead fiscal agent to ensure the organization’s sustainability through thoughtful and realistic budget planning and monitoring.

  • Oversee monthly financial reporting and payroll, approve expenses and invoices for payment, and sign checks.

  • Review operating systems to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.

  • Provide financial oversight, ensuring that all funds are disbursed in accordance with contract requirements and donor designations.

  • Negotiate all agency contracts and grants.

  • Ensure compliance with policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors and with the federal, state, and county regulations.

Ensure Strategic Program Oversight, Planning and Evaluation (15%)

  • Maintain a thorough knowledge of regional issues, applicable regulations, and the stakeholders that support long term care residents.

  • Evaluate and implement short and long-range strategic priorities, budgets, and growth plans that are realistic, sustainable and reflect the mission, values and goals of the organization.

  • Ensure accuracy of current job descriptions and completion of regular performance evaluations.

  • Align and work closely with the California Ombudsman and ensure compliance with state directives.

Partner with the Board of Directors (15%)

  • Assist the Board in identifying, recruiting and utilizing Board members with the essential skills to support the mission and vision of OSSMC.

  • Facilitate effective communications between Board and the Executive Director.

  • Serve as an active, non-voting member of Board and its committees.

  • Provide the Board of Directors with adequate internal reports and external insights to reach strategic decisions and to formulate necessary policies.

* Percentages are provided as a guideline to the incoming Executive Director given the organization’s priorities for the first 12 to 18 months of the job.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

●       The salary range for this position is $140,000 - $160,000

●       Benefits include:

o   Health benefits (premium paid at 100% for the employee)

o   12 sick days per year, four (4) weeks of vacation per year)

o   Eligible to contribute to a 401(3)(b) retirement plan (with no OSSMC match)

o   Life Insurance, CA Disability insurance, and Paid Family Leave

●       The opportunity to serve as a relentless advocate for vulnerable residents of long term facilities

ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT

Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a work environment free of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and disrespectful or other unprofessional conduct based on:

Race, Religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), Sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sex stereotype, gender identity/gender expression/transgender (including whether or not you are transitioning or have transitioned) and sexual orientation, National origin, Ancestry, Physical or mental disability, Medical condition, Genetic information/characteristics, Marital status/registered domestic partner status, Age, Military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, or for additional information on the opportunity, please send a copy of your resume with a cover letter to Victoria Silverman at apply@cooksilverman.com.

All applications and inquiries will receive a response and be kept strictly confidential.

 Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.