Living Independently Forever, Inc./LIFE
Executive Director
Cape Cod, MA
September 2010
About LIFE
Since 1993, LIFE, Living Independently Forever, Inc., has served adults with significant learning disabilities through its residential community model on Cape Cod, Massachusetts . The mission of LIFE, working in collaboration with families, is to assist residents in developing the necessary life skills to live as independently as possible, as well as assist them in attaining their personal potential of independence, self fulfillment and happiness. The LIFE program is based on the conviction that adults with learning disabilities have a right to the same freedoms and opportunities enjoyed by all adults in our society. That conviction is reflected in LIFE's mission, values, beliefs and goals.
Life's Mission
LIFE's commitment is life-long, and encompasses the spectrum of personal, social, and employment needs of its residents. This commitment manifests itself through their highly professional staff that encourages and cultivates each resident's aspirations, strengths and abilities by providing these men and women with the education and opportunities to develop their personal, vocational and occupational skills to their maximum potential, and to supporting them appropriately in independent and group living. In support of this vision, the Board of Directors seeks a dynamic Executive Director to sustain the LIFE mission and provide leadership that will bring the organization to the next level.
Background
With an operating budget of $2million and a staff of 20 fulltime and 25 part time employees, LIFE is a financially sound 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization funded primarily by the families of residents, with some support from outside sources. Incorporated in 1992, LIFE opened its Supported Independent Living Program to 10 adults with learning disabilities at its Hyannis condominium community in 1993. By 1996, the Hyannis location had more than doubled in physical size and number of residents served. In 1997, as a result of growing success, LIFE identified another Cape Cod site on which to construct a second campus in the town of Mashpee , which made it possible for LIFE to provide supportive services to many more learning challenged adults. Currently, LIFE serves a total of 60 residents on its Hyannis and Mashpee campuses.
LIFE has also enjoyed a historically strong relationship with Riverview School , located in nearby Sandwich . Riverview is an independent coeducational residential school, providing a caring community for adolescents and young adults with complex language, learning and cognitive disabilities. Because of similarities in mission, many Riverview students have transitioned to residents of LIFE.
The Opportunity
The Board of Trustees at LIFE is focused on enhancing program quality and delivery while simultaneously addressing the evolving needs of its residents as they proceed through the stages of their adult lives. The new Executive Director will appreciate that this goal is predicated upon a strong working partnership between LIFE residents' families, who have been a key underpinning of support, and the Board of Trustees.
Because the families are vitally important to each resident's sense of belonging, continuity and security, LIFE is committed to family participation and collaboration in the design of each resident's program. Thus, the Executive Director will have a deep appreciation for the historical practice of extensive communication between parents, staff and management, making efforts to keep them fully informed as well as respond promptly and tactfully to their concerns.
Successful candidates will have demonstrated success in the field of human services, preferably with a focus on the learning disabled and developmentally delayed children and/or adults. The Executive Director will also have had significant previous exposure to overseeing staff leadership and organizational financial management. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to lead a complex organization through the use of strategic planning and to work with a non-profit Board of Directors in a cooperative manner. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director will demonstrate most if not all of the following qualifications:
Management Skills
A self confident, proven leader who can effectively manage programs, staff and board relationships in a positive and productive manner.
A poised leader who possesses the ability to engender trust and respect among staff, parents and board members.
Experience in attracting, developing and retaining talented staff.
Proven management experience in the field of human services, preferably with a focus on the learning disabled and developmentally delayed children and/or adults.
Superior strategic planning skills and proven ability in goal setting and performance management.
Familiarity and/or experience with pertinent federal and state funding opportunities, regulations and licensing requirements.
Communication Skills
An authentic interest in and commitment to the LIFE mission, as well as the ability to effectively communicate it.
Experience with community outreach efforts aimed at building support and awareness.
Superior written and verbal communication skills.
Proven success in developing and sustaining productive relationships with board members, parents, staff and other key stakeholders.
Other Considerations
Ambition, energy, and passion for LIFE, its clients, and its mission.
Demonstrated creativity and strategic thinking with the ability to take initiative and the willingness to learn.
Willingness to stay with LIFE for the “long term” - perhaps ten or more years.
While relocation is not a precondition for hiring, it is highly desirable to have some acquaintance with Cape Cod, and demonstrate a sincere willingness to consider a move to the Cape .
Bachelors degree in an appropriate field required; advanced degree a plus.
Letters of interest and resume may be sent in confidence to:
