Recovery Cafe SJ Executive Director Job Opportunity

Executive Director Job Opportunity

Recovery Café San José (RCSJ) seeks an experienced hands-on manager and collaborative community leader who will continue to inspire, guide, and expand the efforts of our highly effective and efficient non-profit organization. They should be passionate about our mission, with knowledge and experience supporting people recovering from the trauma of addiction, mental health issues and homelessness.

The Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization’s operations, including fundraising, program development, financial management, and staff supervision. They should have a proven track record of attracting and sustaining a broad base of financial and volunteer support, as well as strong communication skills. The Executive Director will be a strategic thinker able to balance short-term needs with long-term planning. They will work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure that the organization is fulfilling its mission and serving its constituents effectively.

About Recovery Café San José

Recovery Café San José is a well-respected partner in the Santa Clara County network of human service organizations. Opened in 2014, the Café joined the highly successful Recovery Café Seattle, replicating its highly successful recovery model, to form a network of Cafe’s that has grown to 64 Recovery Cafe’s nationwide.

Our work creates a community that supports healing from trauma, addiction, homelessness, and mental health challenges. RCSJ daily demonstrates the founding belief that every human being is precious, worthy of love, and deserving of opportunities to fulfill their potential. In this sanctuary from the streets, RCSJ helps over 500 participants annually develop tools and access other community resources for stabilizing recovery.

Our annual operating budget is approximately $1 million with a mix of operating revenue from local foundations, government grants, and individual donors. The Executive Director is accountable to a community-based Board of Directors for the day-to-day operations of the organization and the achievement of the major strategic objectives. The current staffing includes 20 staff positions (8 FTE) and over 75 volunteers.

For the incoming Executive Director, the next several years at RCSJ will provide a rewarding opportunity to draw upon their management, fundraising, communication, and collaboration skills, as well as their passion for engaging a broad range of donors and volunteers in helping those in recovery in our community.

The Board has identified the following 12-18-month priorities to optimize organizational effectiveness.

• Build and sustain community support through the development and implementation of an annual fund development plan, identification of potential funding sources and cultivation of donors.
• Integrate effecting financial management systems and program evaluation tools to ensure our community impact.
• Continue to attract, develop, and sustain a dedicated staff, volunteer, and Board team as well as systems to support their work.

Essential Requirements

The ideal candidate will have many of the following skills and experience:

• Management experience, in a paid or volunteer role, in the field of homelessness, mental health, and/or sobriety.
• Fund raising experience with a proven track record of developing and executing government grants as well as foundation, and individual support.
• Financial and/or business management with similar revenue streams, including budgeting and oversight, nonprofit compliance, and reporting.
• Experience building alliances, sustaining collaborative and inclusive relationships with clients, volunteers, and community members from diverse cultural, economic, and political perspectives.
• Ability to attract, develop, and retain paid and volunteer staff, maintain a high level of performance, and effectively utilize their talents.
• Ability to steward the organization toward shared strategic priorities in response to changing community needs and opportunities.
• Exceptional communication skills including writing, public speaking, meeting facilitation, and consensus building.
• Experience working and partnering with an engaged community- based Board of Directors.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or extensive demonstrated skills and experience.

In addition, candidates will need to:

• Effectively use technology – RCSJ utilizes a variety of software platforms for operational needs including Microsoft Office, Google docs, along with Agency- Recovery Café member software, QuickBooks, and Little Green Light fundraising software.
• Work occasional weekends and nights as needed to support Board and community events.
• Provide own car, insurance, and valid driver’s license or other means to travel through the San José
  Area
• Pass a comprehensive background check.

Deadline for applications: April 12, 2024, or until the position is filled.

Estimated start date: estimate 2-4 weeks after offer.

Compensation: This is a full-time exempt position with a salary range of $115,000 – $130,000 with benefits including health and dental insurance, paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave.

Confidential Application Process: Email your cover letter (Word or PDF document) summarizing your interest, fit with each of the essential qualifications listed, compensation requirements, and experience along with a current resume to: EDsearch@recoverycafesj.org Resumés must have a cover letter to be considered.

Responsibilities: Provided as a guideline to the incoming Executive Director, given the organization’s priorities for the first 12-18 months of the job.

Fund Development and Community Relations

• In partnership with the Board, raise $1 million yearly to meet the organization’s fiscal goals through individual giving, special events, government and foundation grants and other revenue sources.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with high-level donors, foundations, and other potential funding sources, working closely with the Board of Directors to engage donors and secure major donations.
• Oversee the development of compelling, accurate and timely funding proposals to achieve revenue goals.
• Provide a credible and informed presence for RCSJ in the community, maintaining effective relationships and collaborations with key nonprofit, corporate and government organizations.
• Develop communication strategies and review content for collateral materials including websites, social media, newsletter, donor, and promotional materials.
• Provide leadership and planning for donor and volunteer events, and other stewardship activities.

Management and Leadership

Finance

• Oversee the organization’s financial management through preparation and adoption of annual budget, monthly reports tracking revenue and expense in relation to plan, and other required financial reporting.
• Ensure disbursement of funds are in accordance with contract requirements and donor designations, with timely and accurate preparation of required reports.
• Negotiate all agency contracts and grants.

Program Operations

• Oversee and manage the development and operation of RCSJ’s programs and services ensuring effective and efficient operations that meet the needs of Cafe members.
• Develop and monitor internal systems, policies, and procedures for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Create and maintain effective systems for data collection, tracking, and information sharing.
• Oversee facility issues including building security and maintenance.

Personnel

• Lead by example recruiting, training, and retaining a strong staff team with a broad range of skills.
• Promote professional development of each team member supporting ongoing growth and encourage teamwork and collaboration among staff.
• Ensure compliance with personnel policies established by the Board of Directors and with all federal and state regulations.
• Ensure that there are current job descriptions and that staff members receive ongoing feedback on performance expectations and regular performance evaluations.

Strategic Planning

• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of the issues and stakeholders surrounding the intersection of sobriety, mental health and homelessness and the organization’s role in serving those needs.
• Develop a process for annual strategic planning including establishing short and long-range goals for the agency consistent with RCSJ’s mission, identifying opportunities for growth and expansion.
• Ensure accurate and effective data management system with regular reporting systems on progress toward achieving strategic goals.
• Conduct regular assessments of the organization’s performance ensuring that the organization’s programs and activities align with the plan.

Board of Directors

• Serve as an active, non-voting member of Board and committee meetings.
• Report regularly to the Board of Directors regarding organizational objectives, the financial status of the organization through financial reports, dashboards and other.
• Supervise the implementation of Board of Director’s policies.
• Work with the Board to identify and recruit prospective board members.
• Provide the Board of Directors with adequate information to assist members in reaching decisions and in formulating necessary policies.
• Assist the Board of Directors in their roles and responsibilities by providing support, education, and leadership.

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Executive Director Transition

Dear Friend and Supporter of Recovery Café San José

As you may have heard, Kathy Córdova has informed the board of directors of her decision to step down as the Executive Director of the Recovery Café. We are grateful for her many contributions to the organization and her willingness to remain with the Café during the search for her successor. I hope you will join us later this spring to celebrate Kathy’s many contributions to the RCSJ community. Watch your mail for further details.

During Kathy’s 4-and-a-half-year tenure, the organization has undergone numerous changes with many significant accomplishments including:

• 43% Membership growth reaching over 500 members annually receiving healing support and a new community.
• Meals – our dedicated kitchen staff and volunteers have increased the meal service by 50%, providing over 3,300 meals a month.
• Over 1,000 Recovery Circles have been conducted during the year, providing emotional support and loving accountability each week for all members.
• Revenues have also grown (almost keeping up with service demand) highlighted by government grants enabling expanded peer support services.
• A strategic planning process was undertaken resulting in the adoption of a Strategic Plan and updated mission – Recovery Café San José creates community that supports healing from trauma, addiction, homelessness, and mental health challenges. Our loving accountability empowers growth and recovery.

Although Kathy’s departure will be a loss, the Board sees this leadership transition as an opportunity to build on the momentum that she has created and enhance RCSJ’s capacity to serve our unrelenting community needs. Our Board of Directors has established a transition team to ensure strong organizational leadership, timely communication with the Recovery Café community, and an immediate, disciplined process to hire the most highly qualified candidate to lead the organization.

We are launching a search, anticipating our next leader will come from the tremendous talent pool in the greater bay area. We welcome referrals of talented leaders with a passion for our mission from all corners of our community.

It takes a “village” to find the best talent and fit, so we are asking you to let us know of individuals you think might be a good fit for our mission and organization. Please contact us with your thoughts and questions at edsearch@recoverycafesj.org. The job announcement will be shared through email requests and will be posted on our website htps://recoverycafesj.org/ . Candidates’ names will be kept in the strictest confidence.

Carl P. Cookson, Chairperson, Board of Directors, Recovery Café San José

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Note from Executive Director

I have recently announced my decision to step down as Executive Director of the Recovery Café San José. I will remain with the Café until the hiring of a new ED, likely this Spring. I am excited about this decision which will enable me to spend more time with my family, enjoy respite and self-care and to pursue other interests.

I joined the Café on the cusp of the pandemic, stewarding the Café through an ever-shifting landscape. We have accomplished a great deal- expanding our healing community by providing resources and relationships that provide stability and healing for those recovering from trauma. Our membership has grown substantially along with our revenue streams, and our rich array of community partnerships. I will remember with pride the significant impact I had at the Café and the enduring relationships I fostered with our many volunteers, members, community partners, staff, and Board. I am deeply grateful for the mentors, supporters and colleagues that have enabled our growing membership a supportive path to recovery.

I will be working closely with the RCSJ Board of Directors to ensure a smooth and effective transition to new leadership and will remain an active friend, champion, and supporter of its mission long after my tenure is complete.

Thank you for your support, partnership, and friendship.

Kathy Córdova
Executive Director
Recovery Café San José