Society for the Blind
OUR MISSION: To empower individuals who are blind or have low vision
to live productively and independently by building confidence through
training, tools and mentorship
OUR VISION: To fully integrate the individuals of our region who
are blind or have low vision into all aspects of the community
The Society for the Blind is seeking a new Chief Executive Officer
(CEO). Since 1954, Society for the Blind has been a place of comfort
and support for the community who are blind or have low vision. The
mission of the Society is to provide services that empower
individuals to be more productive and independent by building
confidence through training, tools and mentorship. The Society
serves approximately 3,500 people a year from throughout the greater
Sacramento region. In addition, we are working to raise the
remaining $2 million dollars for our new facility.
The Society operates as a 501 (c) 3 organization governed by a
volunteer Board of Directors representing the diverse areas we serve.
There is also currently a Community Advisory Board.
The CEO reports directly to the Board of Directors and is charged
with overall responsibility for developing and implementing strategic
initiatives, oversight of fundraising, programs, working with the
Department of Rehabilitation in addition to financial and management
operations of the organization. The CEO will be the leader in
communicating the Society's vision and the programs objectives to
internal and external constituencies within the region and will work
collaboratively with the Board, Advisory Board, committees, staff,
and volunteers in raising funds, formulating policy, developing
strategy and achieving performance standards. The new CEO will be a
visionary leader, have a strong role in shaping the Society's long
term business strategy, passion for the services and clients served,
and will carry out the initiatives necessary to achieve its vision and mission.
The 35 staff members (half of whom are visually impaired) work in a
20,000 square foot building in addition to a smaller instructional
site. The instruction for our clients include, but are not limited
to, one on one instructional programs which range from practicing
cane usage, learning daily living skills (cooking and cleaning), to
learning how to travel and use computers and adaptive software . The
youth also participate in a yearly Blind and Low vision Olympics,
Braille challenge and a 20 day intense summer retreat. Staff is
committed to supporting its clients. If a client comes in thinking
they "cannot do" XYZ because they are blind, they realize after
meeting a successful educated blind staff member that their "cannot
do "attitude changes to "I can do".
Expected outcomes for this position within the first 12 months include:
By the end of the first quarter:
o To have identified and met with key stakeholders (board, staff,
peer organizations, community and civic organizations/groups, a
representation of clients, representatives at Department of
Rehabilitation and key donors) for the purpose of establishing
relationships, listening, and gaining an understanding of stakeholder
roles, perspectives and issues.
o To have initiated an organizational and financial audit to
include, but not be limited to, an assessment of the organizational
structure, staffing, program designs and delivery systems,
communications, reporting and measuring results, recordkeeping, etc.
By the end of the second quarter
o To have identified new revenue streams/markets, developed new
fundraising ideas efforts/sources, and actively promoted the Society
to prospective major donors for achieving progress in moving the
organization toward financial self-sufficiency in the long term.
By the end of the third quarter:
o To have begun implementation of initiatives and action items to
achieve the strategic vision, and to improve areas where the Society
may be underperforming.
o To have worked collaboratively with management and staff to
create and implement staff development plans, and create a learning
organization environment.
By the end of the first year:
o To have achieved a smooth transition into the organization; be
seen inside and outside the organization as an effective leader and
the ambassador for the mission of the organization.
We are seeking candidates with a personal commitment and convincing
passion for the mission of the Society for the Blind; a strong leader
with long range vision and the proven ability to implement strategic
initiatives while maintaining strength and stability of programs and
finances; a self assured, confident professional who takes ownership
and initiative, is accountable and collaborative. Outstanding
communications skills are critical and the ability to build strong
relationships and work effectively with multiple stakeholder groups
is essential to the position.
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate any combination of
education, training and experience which would demonstrate the
ability to successfully perform these duties and achieve these
expected outcomes.
We believe the following portrays the qualifications:
At least 5 years senior/executive experience in a comparable
organization, or equivalent combination of executive and
volunteer-board experience.
Proven ability to effectively work with, develop and strengthen
governing/fundraising boards.
Demonstrated ability and results in major gifts cultivation and
solicitation, and a strong understanding of the principles of
fundraising from private sources.
A career record as an exceptional, visionary, strategic and
inspirational leader.
A strong understanding of the legal, fiscal and regulatory
environment in which nonprofit organizations operate; strong
business management skills and the ability to manage a multimillion
dollar budget; foster and maintain effective relationships including
the Department of Rehabilitation or other government funding entity.
It is desirable to have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited
college or university with a major in business administration, public
administration, accounting, mathematics, finance or related field; a
Master's degree in one of the above educational fields is also desired.
This is a great career opportunity to join an organization with a
powerful and compelling mission, favorable brand and name recognition
in a desirable community. A competitive compensation package with a
base salary of approximately $100,000 annually (depending upon
qualifications and experience), plus excellent benefits are offered.
This position is located in Sacramento, California. Pre-screened,
selected candidates will be invited to interview during late April.
For confidential consideration, at your earliest convenience and no
later than 5:00pm on April 20, 2012, please email your chronological
resume, cover letter and compensation expectations to William Carter at
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