Summary of Opportunity
This is an exceptional opportunity to join the executive leadership team of a transformational Christian service organization in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Having experienced unprecedented growth in recent years as a result of both program expansion and two major mergers/acquisitions, Volunteers of America Northern Rockies (VOA Northern Rockies) is one of the largest geographically chartered affiliates of a national confederation of 30 Volunteer of America chapters whose history dates back 125+ years and which engages more than 100,000 volunteers nationwide.
On the heels of several years of fast growth, VOA is taking the next step to professionalize its already strong leadership structure by initiating a national search for a highly qualified and missionally aligned Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The new CAO will set strategy, manage, and oversee several critical areas of administration, including human resources as well as buildings and grounds. In response to the ongoing human capital needs of the organization, the new CAO will lead the charge to level-up pivotal organizational needs for this diversified and mutli-property health and human services organization stretching across three expansive states. Areas of specific oversight would include but not be limited to recruiting and employee development, as well as benefits, insurance, and facilities.
With a mission “To harness hope and re-shape futures through a faith-based ministry,” VOA operates 25 different social impact programs across three states – Wyoming, Montana, and western South Dakota. This faith-based organization is guided by professional staff and committed volunteers who create strong families and thriving communities through progressive, holistic programs by lending a hand up, not a handout. These holistic and integrated programs allow individuals, families – and even communities – to move from instability to security. The impact of VOA’s work demonstrates that by working with the innate potential in every human being, more can be accomplished than anyone thought possible.
With over 475 employees and an operating budget in excess of $60 million, VOA is both large and local. The staff, board, and funders of the ministry are deeply connected to its local communities and committed to serving those in need by providing life-changing services to society’s most vulnerable people.
The new Chief Administrative Officer will report to the CEO and serve on the executive leadership team, working in close coordination with the Chief of Staff who provides oversight to strategic initiatives for each officer. The CAO will provide strategic, experienced-based leadership to several core areas of the organization’s administration, including direct supervision for the VP of Human Resources, the Sr. Director of Professional Development, and the Sr. Director of Buildings and Grounds. (Please see org chart in appendix for further detail). The successful candidate will have senior leadership experience in organizations of 250+ employees, preferably in the health and human services sectors, as well as strategic decision-making background in areas such as recruiting and retention, staff development, and insurance/benefits negotiation and vendor management. This position will be located in Sheridan, Wyoming, a beautiful “cowboy town” on the eastern slope of the Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming. Relocation assistance will be available for highly qualified candidates.
About VOA Northern Rockies
THE HISTORY OF VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA
Volunteers of America was founded in 1896 by social reformers Ballington and Maud Booth based on their vision for a movement dedicated to “reaching and uplifting” the American people. On behalf of the organization, the Booths pledged to “go wherever we are needed and do whatever comes to hand.” That declaration has guided Volunteers of America’s outreach efforts ever since.
THE EARLY 1900s: In turn-of-the-century America, there was no shortage of work to do. The Volunteers moved into tenement districts to care for people in poverty. They organized day nurseries and summer camps, provided housing for single men and women, and established the nation’s first system of halfway houses for released prisoners.
THE DEPRESSION: The Great Depression of the 1930s stretched the nation’s private social welfare system almost to the breaking point. Volunteers of America mobilized to assist the millions of people who were unemployed, hungry and homeless. Relief efforts included employment bureaus, wood yards, soup kitchens, and “Penny Pantries” where every food item cost one cent.
WARTIME: Volunteers of America served proudly on the home front during both world wars. The group operated canteens, overnight lodging and Sunday breakfasts for soldiers and sailors on leave. Affordable housing and childcare were provided for defense industry workers. Further, Volunteers of America spearheaded community salvage drives during World War II, collecting millions of pounds of scrap metal, rubber and fiber for the war effort.
THE 1960s: Our special mission in housing dates to our organization’s founding. Volunteers of America helped accelerate real estate development during the 1960s by taking part in numerous federal housing programs. Since 1968, Volunteers of America has developed over 300 affordable housing complexes in more than 30 states.
THE 1970s: In the 1970s, the organization emerged as a major provider of professional long-term nursing care. Today, Volunteers of America not only offers home health care and related services, but owns and operates several nursing facilities, and assisted and independent living residences.
TODAY: Volunteers of America is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive human services organizations, touching the lives of more than 2 million people each year in communities across the United States. Planning for the next 100 years, Volunteers of America will continue to prove that “there are no limits to caring.”
VOA – Who We Are and What We Do:
“Volunteers of America is a Church Without Walls that answer’s God’s call to transform our communities through a ministry of service that demonstrates to all people that they are beloved.”
Volunteers of America Northern Rockies started in 1985 with one program and has grown to over 25 human services programs spanning 3 states and 7 areas of core service as well as spiritual ministry. With a professional staff of over 475 and many more volunteers, it is the largest territorial charter for Volunteers of America Nationwide.
YOUTH SERVICES: Children deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to grow. VOA provides high quality, innovative services that ensure positive social, emotional and academic development of young children through residential and outreach programs.
VETERAN SERVICES: VOA has two transitional living homes for homeless Veterans, as well as outreach programs that target housing and employment. Programs are designed to maximize opportunities for employment, education, health, recreation, family and social relationships, and overall life skills.
HEALTHCARE SERVICES: VOA is dedicated to serving individuals and families by providing comprehensive substance abuse and mental health services in both residential and outpatient treatment settings. The continuum of care includes assessment services, crisis stabilization, social detoxification, residential treatment, transitional recovery homes, and outpatient services.
HOMELESS SERVICES: VOA’s Homeless outreach services provide love and dignity to individuals struggling with homelessness.
ADULT RE-ENTRY SERVICES: VOA’s correctional program strives to change the lives of offenders through professional rehabilitative services that provide financial stability and social, spiritual, educational, vocational, and personal accountability needs.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: VOA continues its mission by providing subsidized housing for low-income seniors and seriously mentally ill individuals. The residents in these facilities are capable of independent living but are in need of affordable housing. Those who are seriously mentally ill also have access to outpatient mental health services.
COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT: VOA offers short-term community assistance programs to a variety of individuals and families in Wyoming and Western South Dakota. These programs work to strengthen and enhance the communities we serve by providing outreach, leadership and empowerment opportunities, and referrals to partnering agencies.
MINISTRY OUTREACH: Our nondenominational Christian ministry provides opportunities for individuals in our programs to connect with their spirituality as part of their healing and growth process. We offer prayer, spiritual counsel, connection with the faith community and opportunity for spiritual growth for those individuals who desire such a connection. Our ministry is also made available to support the spiritual care needs of staff.
Qualifications, Competencies, & Responsibilities
Summary/Objective
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will serve as a critical member of the executive team. In collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Chief of Staff, the CAO will articulate and implement the strategic vision and leadership of the agency; effectively oversee and manage administrative operations while fostering a positive work environment for the organization to thrive and achieve its goals.
Essential Functions
In coordination with the CEO and executive team, play a key role in the overall development, strategic planning, and management of the organization across multiple sites and departments.
• Provide leadership, direction, and support for the administration, human resources, professional development, and property and grounds functions, ensuring that organizational processes and practices are in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable law.
• Drives human resource initiatives related to employee relations, performance management, compensation, recruitment, and retention.
• Appropriately delegates authority and responsibility to direct reports in order to successfully achieve goals.
• Responsible for policy and procedure development, implementation, and adherence.
• Ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Supports organizational culture to foster a positive, healthy work environment.
• Provide leadership, direction, and support for the administration, human resources, professional development, and property and grounds functions, ensuring that organizational processes and practices are in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable law.
• Drives human resource initiatives related to employee relations, performance management, compensation, recruitment, and retention.
• Appropriately delegates authority and responsibility to direct reports in order to successfully achieve goals.
• Responsible for policy and procedure development, implementation, and adherence.
• Ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Competencies
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Ethical practice
• Able to work independently and in teams
• Executive Presence
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office
• Decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Maintains a professional network
• Technology proficiency
• Ability to regularly and effectively interact with internal and external customers
• Ability to work with tight deadlines under pressure
• Continuous demonstration of behaviors aligned with a posture of Servant leadership and our cultural values
Supervisory Responsibility
This position does have direct supervisory responsibilities and may serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the organization.
Travel
Travel is required for this position.
Required Education, Experience, or Eligibility Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in related field and at least 10 years of executive leadership experience.
• Preferred Education and Experience
• Master’s degree in related field and 5 years of executive leadership experience.
Compensation and Benefits
VOA is committed to attracting and retaining quality staff members. Compensation and benefits for this position are highly competitive with comparable opportunities.
The Location
This position is based at VOA’s headquarters in beautiful Sheridan, Wyoming. With the feel of a small western town, Sheridan is located at the base of the Big Horn mountains in the Northern Rockies. It is a strong community with exceptional schools, a wonderful main street, and an excellent quality of life equally attractive for families looking for a great place to raise children away from the hubbub of city life as well as later-career professionals looking for an amazing place to settle down and enjoy the splendor of Creation while serving compelling human need.
VOANR is committed to identifying and recruiting the right leader called by God to fulfill this role and will assist the successful candidate with the cost of relocation.
Contact
For further information, please contact StewardshipExcellence who will be assisting VOA Northern Rockies in this search. If you wish to receive consideration, please submit your resume and cover letter.
info@stewardshipexcellence.com | 972.983.8542