CANTERBURY COURT, a faith-based not-for-profit organization, is a premier continuing care retirement community in Atlanta, Georgia for active, independent seniors. A leader in the field, it was established as a home for the retired in 1965 through the visionary efforts of Frank Player and Margaret Hancock, members of Atlanta’s All Saints’ Episcopal Church and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, respectively.  Their not-for-profit “Home for the Retired” partnership in 1960 was the genesis of “dba” Canterbury Court.  Both churches remain actively engaged sponsors.
 
As a role model for full-service continuum of high quality of care beginning with independent living for adults age 62 and older, Canterbury Court has expanded and evolved over the years, anticipating the need to remain attractive and desirable to new generations of residents. Today, their 11-acre campus includes three residential towers – the original North Tower; the South Tower, which opened in 1991; and, the West Tower, developed in 2005. The spectrum of amenities and service offerings encompasses 197 apartments for independent living, in a range of sizes and floor plans; 18 apartments for personal care; and 44 rooms for rehabilitation, nursing and long-term care.
 
The Board of Trustees consists of 18 persons who serve a term of three years.  The Vestries of the two sponsoring churches each appoint six Trustees, and those 12 in turn, may elect up to six additional At-Large Trustees. The Board, which serves without compensation, has a long history of being proactive in addressing and providing for the needs of the greater Atlanta senior population. The Resident Council of Canterbury Court is a highly-active, independent 501(c)3, which has 23 committees and operates an Employee Appreciation Fund, which solicits donations and gives Canterbury Court employees annual holiday gifts.
 
For over 45 years, Canterbury Court has positively impacted the lives of residents and their families.  The exceptional living environment and caring support are the hallmarks of Canterbury Court. 
 
 
 
MISSION
 
“The Mission of Canterbury Court is to provide an attractive residential setting with quality continuing care services, while being responsive to the changing needs of residents.  Canterbury Court strives to encourage independence through stimulating programs and activities, provides for dignity through caring professional assisted living and nursing services, and assures financial security through responsible operations, while managed as a not-for-profit corporation.”
 
The Opportunity:  President and CEO
 
The President and CEO will provide leadership to position Canterbury Court ahead of the trends of the senior care and services industry.  In close partnership with the Board of Trustees, he/she will develop a strategic plan to promote revenue, growth and operating efficiency to further its mission and articulate its vision.  He/she will provide daily oversight to operations, ensuring quality service, cost-effective management of resources and future success.   In addition, the President and CEO will strive to ensure philanthropic activity is solid and growing in support of this organization, celebrating 50 years in existence in 2015.  Canterbury Court has annual revenues of $18 million, $86 million in assets, and a $3 million capital projects budget.  It is financially strong with more than 600 days cash on hand and a debt service coverage ratio of 2.2.  Preserving the proud heritage and unique culture of Canterbury Court is key to the success of the next 50 years. 
 
Primary Performance Objectives
 
Vision, Strategic Planning and Growth

• Collaborates with the Board of Trustees to define and articulate the organization’s vision.  Develops strategies and pursues strategic alliances and business opportunities to strategically embrace the future.
• Stays abreast of current trends related to services and programs, and anticipates future trends likely to have an impact on its work.  Informs and keeps the Board abreast with ongoing education on changing trends and ways to stay at the forefront of the industry.
• Capitalizes on the organization’s strengths and seeks opportunities to extend services.  Develops plans for successful integration with appropriate leadership teams.
• Provides leadership to the creation and Board approval of annual operating plans that support strategic direction set by the Trustees and correlates with annual operating budgets.
• Ensures that programs are mission-driven, in line with strategic plan goals, and support the needs and purpose of the residents and the field.
• Seeks Board approval on securing of construction and financing of new projects (e.g., memory care facilities) and supervises master plans and improvements to existing facilities.

 
Governance and Board Relations

• Supports operations and administration by advising and informing the Board.  Engages each Trustee individually to utilize their skills and talents.
• Communicates effectively and promptly with the Board of Trustees on a regular basis.
• Assists in the selection of Trustees and Board leadership.  Makes recommendations and supports Trustees during orientation and self-evaluation. 
• Advises Trustees in the development of policies and planning recommendations. 

 
Staff Development & Culture Management

• Leads the management team (six direct reports) and evaluates the organization’s and the staff’s performance on a regular basis.  Fosters growth and the development of leadership opportunities for employees within the organization.
• Guides, develops, motivates, supervises and maintains a highly-effective, productive and cohesive staff with both professional/technical expertise and operational talent.
• Builds institutional capacity and staff through a lens of flexibility, openness to suggestions, and the ability to resolve/mitigate conflict with a focus on preserving its inherent familial culture.
• Collects and analyzes evaluation information that measures the success of the organization’s program efforts, and refines or changes programs in response to that information.  Creates and maintains procedures for implementing plans approved by the Board of Trustees.
• Promotes a culture reflective of the organization’s high CCRC standards and Episcopalian heritage, encourages excellent performance, and rewards productivity.  Ensures that the Board of Trustees, staff and the residents have sufficient and up-to-date information.

 
Corporate Finance and Performance

• Conducts a review of the entire financial operations, addressing current economic conditions within the first six months and makes recommendations to the Board on both short-term action steps and long-term issues for consideration to maintain annual operating margins and reduce debt.  The review will also include an assessment of health care operations and resident programs. 
• Ensures financial matters are monitored and problems are quickly diagnosed.  In the case of financial issues related to a particular service area, develops appropriate plans to work with Trustees, staff and the residents to resolve matters.
• Oversees staff in developing annual budgets that support operating plans and submits budgets for Board approval.  Ensures timely process for Board approval to have a solid budget in place for the next fiscal year.  Canterbury Court has a September 30 fiscal year.
• Develops strategies for additional revenue sources to ensure long-term financial viability.
• Maintains consistent reporting on the organization’s financial position and outlook and ensures compliance with its 501 (c) (3) status.

Fundraising and Community Relations

• Establishes an administrative presence within the residential community and selectively participates in their functions and events.  Assures that the organization and its mission, programs and services are consistently presented in a strong, positive image.
• Serves as the primary spokesperson and representative for the organization on a regional and national scope.  Promotes other internal leaders to similarly be the “face” of the institution.
• Acts as a liaison between the organization and the residents, building relationships with peer organizations and joins external community and industry corporate Boards and committees.
• Promotes innovative marketing strategies using technology and social networks to increase the visibility of the organization for diverse, new audiences to ensure maximum ILU occupancy.
• Oversees the development and implementation of fundraising plans that support strategies adopted by the Board of Trustees.
• Supports and promotes the organization’s Episcopalian heritage and ensures values are consistent with that identity.

• Cultivates donor relationships and participates in one-on-one fundraising solicitations.

 
 
The Qualified Candidate
 
Canterbury Court seeks a dynamic, confident, entrepreneurial and highly accomplished servant leader to become its next leader, the President and CEO.  Reporting to the Board of Trustees, this goal-oriented executive will embrace and implement the mission throughout all duties performed.  The President and CEO will directly supervise the members of the senior management team responsible for nearly 200 employees.  A nursing home administrator license is desirable, but not required.
 
Specific Requirements Include:

• Passion for the mission of Canterbury Court and its community of faith, a sincere desire to serve older adults and a deep commitment to providing exceptional CCRC services.
• Progressive leadership roles with demonstrated success in senior services/senior housing, healthcare or related area.
• A minimum of 7 years of senior-level management experience, with a documented ability to manage staff and lead teams.
• Strong business acumen with a proven history of achievements including financial management, stewardship, and developing strategies to successfully increase revenue.
• Strong analytic and strategic-thinking skills, with demonstrated ability to create, implement and monitor complex plans, and translate those plans into goals and concrete strategies.
• Excellent management skills with a career track record that shows stability with an organization and capacity to develop and nurture relationships to ensure overall success.
• Professional, highly effective written, verbal and presentational communication skills.
• Proven ability to build strong internal and external relationships with a variety of volunteers, public leadership, partner organizations and other key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in philanthropic leadership and fundraising; major donor and foundation experience a plus.
• Master’s or additional degrees in relevant field(s), advanced university and/or continuing education in health services administration, gerontology or equivalent academic preparation.

Compensation and Benefits: The salary range is commensurate with the scope of the budget and breadth of the organization and will ultimately be based on past performance, skills and expertise.  This position offers a competitive salary with strong benefits.  Relocation assistance is offered.
 
The position finalist will be required to submit a full background and reference checks.
 
Canterbury Court is committed to offering equal employment opportunity to all applicants and to all employees without regard to race, color, gender, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, genetic predisposition and/or any other lawfully protected classification or occupationally irrelevant criteria.  Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

 
To Apply
 
The search is being managed by Heather A. Eddy, CFRE, President & CEO, KEES: Kistner Eddy Executive Search & Alford Executive Search and affiliate partner Ted Otto from The Ted Otto Group, LLC.  Questions may be addressed to Kelly Monahan at kmonahan@alfordexecutivesearch.com.   
 
To apply, candidates should submit their cover letter and resume and complete the online application at https://alfordexecutivesearch.applicantstack.com/x/openings. To assure confidential tracking of all applicants, no applications will be accepted via email.
 
ALL INQUIRIES WILL BE HELD IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
 
Alford Executive Search, a division of KEES, is a retained search firm dedicated to providing placement services of exceptional quality.
 
 
About Atlanta, Georgia:  www.atlanta.com