Annual Salary: $160,000+ dependent on experience

Organization Overview
Mental Health Advocacy Services (MHAS) is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and advance the legal rights of low-income adults and children with mental health disabilities and empower them to assert those rights to maximize their autonomy, achieve equity, and secure the resources they need to thrive. MHAS assists both children and adults, with an emphasis on obtaining government benefits and services, protecting rights, and fighting discrimination. MHAS also serves as a resource to the community by providing training and technical assistance to attorneys, mental health professionals, consumer and family member groups, and other advocates. Finally, MHAS participates in impact litigation and policy work to improve the lives of people with mental health disabilities.

Four-Day Work Week, Fringe Benefits, & Work Culture
On January 1, 2023, MHAS proudly and permanently adopted a four-day work week. After completing a six-month trial of a four-day work week in 2022, MHAS found what almost all other companies that have moved to a four day work week have found: the four-day work week improves organization productivity and employee health, reduces gender inequality, and creates a more sustainable work environment. All full-time MHAS employees work four, eight-hour days per week. The MHAS office is closed on Fridays.

Other benefits include paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; employee health, dental, vision, long term disability, and life insurance; and parking/transit fare reimbursement.

MHAS is proud of its collegial, family-friendly culture that respects the work/life balance of its employees. MHAS also provides employees with frequent wellness opportunities, including training on stress management and mindfulness, group meditation, and regular, informal staff gatherings.

MHAS advocates work remotely with access to the MHAS headquarters office as needed. MHAS equips all employees working from home with needed technology and other office supplies. All staff must be vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.

Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the key management leader of MHAS, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization's operations, programs, fundraising, and strategy. The ED will work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to ensure the organization's mission is fulfilled through strategic planning, program development, community outreach, and financial sustainability. This is a highly visible leadership role requiring a visionary leader who is passionate about mental health advocacy and skilled in nonprofit management.

Timeline
MHAS is looking for someone who is available to begin immediately and, ideally, no later than September 2. This is an interim position that will likely take place from September 2-December 31, 2025. The MHAS Board of Directors will be undergoing a lengthier search for the next Executive Director this fall, with the goal of having the next Executive Director begin January 1, 2026. The person who fills the Interim ED role will be welcome to apply for the ED role if they so choose.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement a strategic vision that aligns with the organization’s mission and goals.

• Lead MHAS’s efforts to identify emerging issues, trends, and opportunities in mental health advocacy.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation within the organization.

• Act as the primary spokesperson for MHAS, representing the organization to stakeholders, partners, and the public.

Program Management

• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of MHAS’s programs and services to ensure effectiveness and alignment with the mission.

• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and professional standards in all program areas.

• Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to expand the reach and impact of MHAS’s programs.

Fundraising and Financial Management

• Develop and execute comprehensive short-term and long-term fundraising strategies to ensure financial sustainability, including cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, and grant makers.

• In collaboration with the Board of Directors and the MHAS Director of Administration & Finance, oversee the preparation and management of the organization’s budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.

• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations.

• Work with a grant writing consultant and edit and finalize all grant submissions to private foundations.

• In conjunction with the relevant program staff, write, edit, and submit all grant applications for government grants.

Board Relations

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to support their involvement in setting organizational priorities and policies, fundraising, and increasing the overall visibility of MHAS.

• Provide regular updates on organizational performance, finances, and key initiatives.

• Support the recruitment, onboarding, and development of a diverse and engaged Board of Directors.

Staff and Operational Management

• Oversee the recruitment, development, and retention of a talented and diverse team.

• Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture that prioritizes staff well-being and professional growth.

• Oversee at a high level all human resources matters including policies, compliance, and employee relations.

• Ensure the organization has effective operational systems, policies, and procedures in place.

• Directly supervise the Director of Administration & Finance, the Managing Attorney, and the Development & IT Manager.

• Facilitate monthly staff meetings and other staff events.

• Facilitate bi-weekly Staff Leadership Team meetings (which include the Director of Administration & Finance, the Managing Attorney, and three Supervising Attorneys).

Grants Management

• Oversee all aspects of grants management, including identifying grant opportunities, preparing proposals, approving grant agreements, and ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

• Monitor grant-funded projects to ensure objectives are met and reports are submitted on time.

• Build and maintain relationships with grant makers and institutional funders.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

• Act as a champion and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within MHAS and in the broader community.

• Develop and implement DEI initiatives that align with the organization’s mission and values.

• Foster a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion at all levels.

• Engage with staff, Board members, and stakeholders to ensure that DEI principles are integrated into programs, policies, and decision-making.

Policy and Impact Litigation

• Determine MHAS’s positions on policy proposals impacting clients and intersecting with the organization’s mission.

• Collaborate with staff, Board members, and external stakeholders to evaluate the implications of policy changes.

• Actively engage with coalitions and networks to monitor and respond to legislative and legal developments affecting clients.

Communications

• Oversee at a high level all communications and marketing for the organization, ensuring alignment with MHAS’s mission and values.

• Approve all MHAS newsletters, social media posts, and materials to maintain consistent branding and messaging.

• Collaborate with the Development & IT Manager on communications strategies, digital presence, and outreach materials.

• Serve as the public face of the organization in media engagements and public events.

Application: Please send a cover letter and resume to Jenny Farrell at jfarrell@mhas-la.org at your earliest convenience. If you are interested in the permanent ED position, please check the MHAS website in September for application instructions.