Mission and History
 
Clearbrook is committed to being a leader in creating innovative opportunities, services and supports to people with disabilities. 
 
This 60-year-old nonprofit organization serves a wide range of people with disabilities, from children diagnosed with developmental delays at birth, to the unique needs of seniors with disabilities, and all ages in between.  Annually, Clearbrook supports over 7,000 individuals, as well as their families in 14 counties, in over 160 communities and 50 locations throughout Chicago, the suburbs, and northern Illinois.  Longtime President and CEO Carl M. La Mell notes, “We are proud to be the largest provider of home-based services in Illinois”.
 
The Opportunity: Executive Vice President 
 
This newly designed role is intended to be a vital step in Clearbrook’s future as the current President and CEO transitions toward retirement.  Significant effort has been invested by the Board of Directors to ensure a thoughtful and smooth transition unfolds as Carl LaMell, the 25+ year executive leader, supports the next CEO in thoroughly embracing the intricacies of programs, administration and funding.  As the transition progresses, it is planned that the Executive Vice President will ascend to a broader, greater leadership role and work with the Board as the role evolves into that of CEO.
 
The Executive Vice President will be initially responsible for managing Clearbrook’s comprehensive offering of services and programs for people with disabilities.  The position will manage the two Vice Presidents of Program Services and Program Developer in leading program directors and program models delivered across the sites with program staff.  The Executive Vice President will report to the President and CEO.
 
The Executive Vice President will also partner with other senior staff, including the Vice Presidents of Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, Communications and Event Planning, in addition to overseeing all areas of program planning, operations, and staffing.  During the orientation phase, s/he will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the program aspects of the annual budget in conjunction with the President and CEO and the Vice Presidents of Finance and Principal Gifts.  Finally, the Executive Vice President will be responsible for ensuring that all of Clearbrook’s services are in compliance with all federal, state, and city regulations, certifications, licensing and funding requirements.
 
Performance Objectives
 
Leadership and Vision

• Provides effective and inspiring leadership and stewardship by being actively involved in all programs and services, and in the rest of the operations of Clearbrook over time.  Implements and leads a continuous quality improvement process throughout the program and service areas, focusing on systems and processes.
• Builds trust and provides a forum for regular and ongoing opportunities for all staff to give feedback on program operations.
• Confirms that the President and CEO, Board of Directors and Executive Staff have sufficient and up-to-date information.
• Evaluates policies, positions and infrastructure, ensuring all are clearly defined and accountable to achieve maximum impact.
• Collects and analyzes evaluation information that measures the success of the organization’s program efforts, and refines or changes programs in response to those research findings.
• Promotes a culture reflective of the organization’s high standards, encourages excellent performance, and rewards dedication and productivity.

 
Program Management

• Guides, motivates, supervises and maintains a highly-effective, productive program staff with professional, technical expertise and operational talent.
• Ensures that all program activities operate consistently and ethically within the organization’s mission and values.
• Certifies the continued financial viability of the programs and service units through sound fiscal management.
• Supervises the operations of the program staff teams using models of best practices that are in line with the mission and vision for future growth opportunities.
• Serves as an advocate for staff, leading with an open-door policy and flexibility while acknowledging the wealth of talent and expertise of the entire team to meet the complex needs of Clearbrook’s services’ recipients.
• Leads a high performing team of program directors to the next level by further developing and implementing recruitment, training, and retention strategies.
• Participates with the President and CEO in representing Clearbrook with external constituency groups, including community, governmental, and private organizations.
• Prepares and submits an annual operational budget to the President and CEO and Vice President of Finance for review and approval, manages effectively within this budget, and reports accurately on progress made and challenges encountered.  The Board meets every other month. 
• Oversees ongoing evaluation and compliance of agency services, including the effectiveness and efficiency of operations and programs, and negotiates contracts.

Board Relations, Management and Philanthropy

• Works in partnership with senior staff in developing annual budgets that support operating plans, and submits budgets for Board approval.

• Serves as a key administrative partner on leadership and succession planning for the top levels of staffing.
• Plays a key role in the labor negotiations.  Union contract is every 3 years.
• Attends and reports at monthly Board and Executive Committee meetings.  Provides necessary staff services and assistance to the Board and its committees.
• Partners in the Board Development process of recruitment, orientation, and ongoing engagement of Board leaders.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of fundraising plans.
• Participates in planning sessions to develop strategies for additional revenue sources to ensure long-term financial viability.

The Qualified Candidate
 
Clearbrook seeks a compassionate, community-oriented, energetic and charismatic leader to become its first Executive Vice President.  Deeply committed to its service on behalf of all ages of people with disabilities, the successful candidate will be an honest and open communicator, personable and a good listener.  As a consensus builder and team player, this role calls for someone who possesses an inherent ability to foster an environment that develops people and promotes from within the organization.  The Executive Vice President will bring an appreciation and understanding of the importance of fundraising and be willing to play a vital role in working with the State of Illinois.  Paramount to this position is the need for a hands-on involvement in program management and the development of a strong working relationship with the President and CEO.
 
Specific Requirements Include:

• Passion for the mission of Clearbrook and dedication to serving people with disabilities and helping others.
• Progressive leadership roles with demonstrated success in program administration or related area in nonprofit administration.
• A minimum of 10 years of collaborative senior-level management experience, with a gifted and demonstrated ability to guide staff and lead teams.
• Career path that demonstrates growth and executive-level goal attainment.
• Strong integrity and interpersonal skills, excellent listener with great respect for all.
• Demonstrated ability to develop a highly productive, effective team by mentoring staff, building teams and enhancing professionalism.
• Proficient user of computer software programs and systems.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in human or social services, public policy or related field strongly preferred.  Continuing education in nonprofit administration, Disability Studies or equivalent employment experiences a plus.
• Prefer I/DD (Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities) experience.

This position offers a competitive salary with a robust benefits package.  Relocation assistance is offered based on specific circumstances.  All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.
 
Clearbrook, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria.
 
To Apply
 
The search is being managed by Heather Eddy, President & CEO and Evette L. Simon, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, Vice President of Alford Executive Search.  Candidates may apply by clicking the APPLY NOW button below.  To assure confidential tracking, no resumes will be accepted via email.
 
Questions may be addressed to Kathrene Wales: kwales@alfordexecutivesearch.com.
 
Alford Executive Search (www.alfordexecutivesearch.com), a division of Kistner Eddy Executive Services (KEES), is a retained search firm dedicated to providing recruitment services of exceptional quality and strengthening the nonprofit community through professional staffing solutions.