EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Established in 1953, Mental Health America of Licking County (MHALC) is a valuable education, prevention, and advocacy resource to all people residing or working in Licking County. We promote mental wellness through a variety of programs and services that build developmental assets in youth, educate the community on mental health issues, and reduce stigma.

Every day, MHALC’s programs and services make a difference in the community. In our most recent fiscal year, MHALC served more than 5,000 people throughout Licking County with programming designed to help foster a culture of mental wellness. These programs include the operation of an after-school and summer program, workplace and school training programs including suicide prevention, mental health response teams, and more.

Mission: To empower our community through education, prevention and advocacy, fostering a culture of mental wellness.

Vision: To thrive in a world free from mental health stigma.

Values:
Collaboration: We work together with individuals, organizations, and communities to achieve common goals, emphasizing partnership and collective effort to improve mental health outcomes.
Compassion: We recognize and respond to others with empathy, understanding, and kindness, prioritizing their emotional and mental wellness.
Equity: We create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered by embracing diversity and ensuring equitable access for all.
Prevention: We take proactive measures to reduce the risk of mental health issues through early intervention, education, and strategies that minimize the impact of mental health challenges.
Safety: Working within boundaries, we provide secure environments where we strive to support and promote the emotional and psychological safety of everyone in our community. Do no harm.

OVERVIEW
MHALC is seeking an innovative and inspirational leader who promotes the mission of MHALC: to empower our community through education, prevention and advocacy, fostering a culture of mental wellness. This role manages MHALC’s strategic direction, day-to-day activities, and resources according to the goals and policies in partnership with the Board of Trustees. The primary responsibilities include financial management, resource development, staff supervision and development, public relations and marketing, program development, and stakeholder engagement.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Organization Leadership: Communicates the agency’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan in alignment with the Board of Trustees. Serves on MHALC’s Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement Committee and maintains all records that align with the strategic plan. Advocates for mental health awareness and prevention programs within community systems and organizations through presentations and publications.
Business and Financial Management: Directs the Associate Director to prepare and manage the annual budget in accordance with the guidelines of funding authorities. Ensures timely preparation of annual applications and all reports to funders. Ensures agency’s Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services certification is current.
Program Development: Routinely evaluates the efficacy of current agency programs and develops new programs or policies that meet the mental health needs of the community. Assesses community-level mental health needs and communicates those needs to the Associate Director and Board members. Presents and participates in community trainings and forums that fulfill MHALC’s mission.
Staff Supervision: Oversees all tasks related to staff hiring, supervision, training, and evaluation. Oversees the Associate Director, who is responsible for general agency administration. Conducts annual performance evaluations and performance management for all staff. Ensures compliance with state and federal employment laws and regulations. Monitors and tracks staff prevention certifications to ensure compliance with Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
Resource Development: Oversees annual applications for funding from key stakeholders; including the Mental Health and Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties, United Way of Licking County, and others. Identifies and prepares grant applications for potential new funding sources. Oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all agency fundraisers, the annual meeting, and other community events.
Executive/Board Partnership: Reports directly to the Board of Trustees. Facilitates monthly MHALC Board of Trustees meetings and committee/task force meetings. Provides information to the Board that is necessary for decision making and policy formation. Coordinates nominating
processes for new Board members to ensure diversity and bylaw adherence. Provides orientation for incoming Board members.
Public Relations: Represents the agency throughout the community by promoting its mission, vision, values, and programs and by participating in relevant committees and coalitions. Develops effective working relationships with mental health providers, human services agencies, schools, businesses, public officials, and other organizations. Maintains a working relationship with the national Mental Health America organization.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant (OCPC) required.
• 5 or more years of experience as a nonprofit executive that include extensive board interaction, staff supervision, fundraising, community coalition building, and program development and evaluation.
• 4-year degree with major coursework in health education, public health, community health, social services, behavioral sciences or a closely related field.
• Experience supporting operational and financial performance, collaborative workplace culture, and evidence-based program delivery. Knowledge of public health and prevention principles related to community-level health disparities, suicide prevention strategies, and social determinants of health. Ideal candidate will be a dynamic, collaborative, visible, energetic professional.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to personally provide education and referral services as needed.
• Active participant or ability to become an active participant in the Licking County community.

Join us as we strive to make a meaningful impact in our community! Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume and three references to rpierron@mhalc.org or to Mental Health America, Attn: Rhea Pierron, 65 Messimer Drive, Unit 3, Newark, Ohio 43055. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.