Established in 1972 to bring an employment focus to individuals with a disability, STEP provides and supports a variety of employment and self-employment options.

• STEP provides support and services to nearly 1,300 persons with disabilities and other health needs in Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, Livingston and Oakland counties.
• A major goal and focus for STEP is to increase the number of persons who are employed, self-employed and volunteer in their communities.

In partnership with the Board of Directors, the CEO is an ambassador and advocate for STEP's mission. The CEO is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission through relevant initiatives, strategic planning and meeting financial objectives and oversight of the operations of the organization. The CEO is a thought leader who can guide the organization through continued change and growth to new heights. As the "face" of the organization, is an active member of the community and works directly with partner organizations.

Reports to: The STEP Board of Directors with direct supervision of the following positions: Chief Financial Officer, Director of Operations, Director of Employment and Training Services, Director of Clinical and Quality Services, and Director of Program Services. STEP employs a staff of 168 (94 bargained-for/union and 74 non-union) in 10 locations.

Key Responsibilities

Impact: Strategy and Execution:

• Provides transformational leadership in developing strategic plans and vision in conjunction with the Board of Directors and staff, and ensures successful execution of plans and priorities
• Maintains a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in human services and disability supports to ensure that mission, vision and strategy embrace creative and leading-edge approaches and practices
• Successfully collaborates with board and staff in execution of vision and strategies

Resource Development and Community Partnerships:

• Advances STEP's mission through establishing and nurturing relationships with partners and key community stakeholders
• Maintains active membership and participation in the community
• Actively engages with a prioritized personal portfolio of potential donors, with annual goals/progress for all activities
• Strategically diversifies the funding base to maintain and enhance organizational sustainability
• Ensures identification and execution of successful approaches to grant applications and deliverables
• Demonstrates exceptional ongoing relationship management with funders, stakeholders and key community partners

Team Relations/Supervision:

• Establishes trust and rapport with the team through authentic relationships
• Instills recognition systems for staff and adopts regular venues for listening and responding to staff ideas and needs
• Leads a high-performing, mission-driven team; responsible for the recruitment, coaching, and performance management of team members
• Creates clarity of accountabilities by ensuring responsibilities are clearly documented, regular evaluations are held, and sound personnel management practices are in place
• Maintains a climate that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse staff of peak-performing professionals

Internal and External Communications:

• Represents the organization in various community forums, local government agencies and municipalities, professional associations and funding agencies to advocate for STEP's mission
• Communicates with the board to ensure trustees are fully informed on all activities and matters of importance to STEP's mission
• Reports metrics against goals, with input from board members and committees; alerts board members to concerns about financial and other impacts
• Oversees the dissemination of information regarding STEP activities to increase community awareness of the mission and goals of the organization
• Establishes sound working relationships with outside entities
• Crafts or contributes to relevant collateral and communication vehicles (Annual Report, website, social media)

Finance and Business Plans:

• Oversees development and maintenance of sound financial practices, including oversight of annual financial audit
• Partners with staff and board in preparing a budget; ensures that the organization operates within budget guidelines and follows proper accounting practices
• Ensures operational excellence through use of technology and consistent practices

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• Five or more years of progressively responsible executive experience in a role with a proven track record in building relationships with stakeholders, partners, staff and members
• Experience working in a nonprofit, rehabilitation, governmental or public sector setting with proven experience in responding to the needs of various stakeholders
• Experience working with a volunteer board
• Experience raising funds, including successfully closing major-gift solicitations with foundations, grant makers, and individual high-capacity donors

Competencies and Attributes

• Ability to exercise a high degree of judgment and diplomacy as well as maintaining the highest integrity and ethics
• A drive towards collaboration, innovation, and pursuit of new opportunities, along with comfort in leading change
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort with a diverse set of stakeholders
• Solid, persuasive verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to deliver inspiring and succinct presentations and conduct productive meetings
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as a proven record of working collaboratively and diplomatically with others
• Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse team and effectively manage, motivate, and mentor staff
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop organizational strategic plans
• Strong business acumen and decision-making skills; ability to set priorities; strong process and project-management skills

Desired/Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field
• A connection to one or more STEP key impact areas (vocational training, employment, volunteering, community involvement)
• Labor relations; leadership experience in a unionized setting, including contract negotiations

Key Competencies for Success

• A propensity to lead with kindness and compassion, prioritizing the unique needs of the population we serve
• Focused on "Impact" first, as evidenced by actions and plans
• A connection to the community and a demonstrated ability to immerse oneself in the community in meaningful ways
• Change agent comfortable working through discomfort for the sake of advancing the strategic plan, when necessary
• Earns credibility by listening, offering meaningful solutions, makes fact-based decisions, and focuses on delivering meaningful outcomes
• A willingness to admit and grow from mistakes, including accountability for pivoting/course correcting as needed
• Oriented to continuous improvement in delivering excellent customer service and outcomes
• Growth-oriented leader; earns trust, gets involved and "rolls up the sleeves" to get meaningful and sustainable results for all key constituents.
• Motivated by his/her impact on the organization rather than personal career advancement
• A thought leader who is innovative and intellectually curious, and who can share & spread best practices to those around them
• Open to feedback, continuous learning and committed to ongoing self-improvement
• Self-motivated, humble and leads by example
• Resilient and persistent in achieving meaningful outcomes / getting things done

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $150,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Dearborn, MI 48124: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person