Formed in 1980, the Alzheimer's Association is the leading, global voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care and support, and the largest private, nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research.  The National Capital Area Chapter provides support and services to more than 66,000 people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and their families and caregivers in the District of Columbia, five counties in suburban and Southern Maryland and eleven counties in Northern Virginia.
 
With offices in Southern Maryland and the Northern Shenandoah Valley, as well as the main office in Fairfax, Virginia the National Capital Area Chapter is able to offer its communities 24/7 multilingual Helpline support, care consultation, support groups, safety services and education.  The chapter serves as an excellent source of resources and referral information, and maintains updated information on home care, adult day care, care coordination, residential care, respite care, and hospice care.
 
Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.  Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, although the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. But Alzheimer's is not just a disease of old age. Up to 5 percent of people with the disease have early onset Alzheimer's (also known as younger-onset), which often appears when someone is in their 40s or 50s.

Today, Alzheimer's is at the forefront of biomedical research.  Researchers are working to uncover as many aspects of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias as possible.  Ninety percent of what we know about Alzheimer's has been discovered in the
last 15 years. Some of the most remarkable progress has shed light on how Alzheimer's affects the brain. The hope is this better understanding will lead to new treatments. Many potential approaches are currently under investigation worldwide. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a national event and the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care.  The National Capital Area Chapter participates with seven walks in the geographic area in 2015. 
 
In addition to the Walk, the National Capital Area Chapter hosts several other special events to raise funds and awareness, including the Brain Ball.  The 2nd annual Brain Ball will build on the momentum of last year’s extraordinary success. Led by founding chairs Liz and Tom Donohue, the inaugural event raised more than $1.2 million dollars and elevated the profile of Alzheimer’s and its devastating toll on America’s families.  This year’s Ball will be held on May 8, 2015.
 
The Opportunity:  President and CEO
 
The Alzheimer’s Association is a significant force in funding meaningful and life-changing Alzheimer’s research.  The next President and CEO will have the opportunity to serve as the face of the Association in the National Capital Area to promote the vision and be a catalyst for partnerships to advance the mission.  Such partnerships will cause the new leader to interface with people with Alzheimer’s and their families, community volunteers, elected officials, existing funding and program partners, donors and other stakeholders – all working towards providing assistance and support to those affected by Alzheimer’s. 
 
This is an exciting opportunity for a mission-driven and growth-oriented leader. S/he will implement and manage both Chapter goals and initiatives as well as National Office directives, including a charge to double association revenue in the next five years.  The next leader will also provide financial acumen, Board engagement, external relations/community engagement and general oversight of operations and staff.  The position oversees an existing management team of five direct reports and will work collaboratively with and report to the Board of Directors via the relationship with the Board Chair. 
 
Visionary Leadership

• In accordance with National Office directives and the Chapter’s strategic plan, develop and implement measurable objectives, strategies, operational plans, budgets, funding strategies and timelines.
  • Develop an annual operating budget and ensure that the organization operates within budget guidelines.
  • Develop strategies for additional revenue sources.
  • Regularly monitor budgets and cash flow statements.
• Identify and implement plans for growth and long-term sustainability of the Chapter to expand programs and services.
• Provide collaborative leadership in maintaining a positive and productive working relationship among the Board of Directors, staff, partner organizations and volunteers.
• Build local partnerships in the District and thought the Chapter service area that are mutually beneficial and promote the advancement of the mission and vision.

 
Board Relations

• Establish and maintain a strong, engaging relationship with the Board of Directors.
• Effectively leverage Board talent and passion to ensure active engagement and participation in fundraising initiatives and events, programming and on different Board Committees.
• Provide leadership to and support of the Board in its work, including, but not limited, to:  timely and effective communication, access to appropriate National and Chapter resources to fulfill their role, support in all fundraising functions.
• Communicate effectively and promptly with the Board and serve as the strongest link of communication between Board members, staff, volunteers and the community at-large/other stakeholders.
• Work with the Board to ensure that Board Members’ goals are aligned with the Chapter’s vision and strategic plan.

 
Fundraising and Chapter Visibility

• Oversee and guide the Chapter’s direct fundraising income streams of major gifts/individual giving, events, planned giving, corporate/foundation, and annual giving programs.
• Supervise and play a direct implementation role in fundraising initiatives; manage and assess fundraising goals and benchmarks as outlined by National Office goals.
• Position the chapter at the State and local levels to maximize fund development and other revenue opportunities (governmental, partnership, etc.) by creating and engaging in collaborations with related and connected agencies, organizations and partners.
• Create new and innovative marketing and outreach strategies to promote the Alzheimer’s Association mission and awareness in the National Capital Area using technology and social networks in order to increase visibility of the organization for diverse, new audiences.

 
Community Outreach & Volunteer Engagement

• Ensure that programs are mission driven, in line with strategic plan goals, and support the needs and purpose of the Alzheimer’s community.
• Develop productive, collaborative relationships with other community groups and governmental agencies whose missions interrelate with and support the chapter's work to maximize opportunities.
• Ensure support for the Chapter’s involvement in advocacy efforts to improve public policy.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the Chapter to the public, ensuring that written and verbal communication about the Chapter reflects its mission and goals; demonstrate passion for Alzheimer’s cause and cure.
• Work effectively in groups where there is a diverse membership; encourage an environment that is receptive to diverse opinions and styles.
• Clearly communicate organizational goals to all stakeholders, and drive all priorities toward vision and goal attainment.

 
Operational Leadership & Staff Management

• Maintain an organizational climate in which professional staff are lead, developed, motivated, supervised and highly effective, continually seeking to grow the talents, expertise, and professional future of the team.
• Lead and manage staff through lens of flexibility, transparency, open communication, openness to suggestions, and accountability; currently 21 staff with 5 direct reports.
• Guide, develop and coach staff and ensure that annual reviews are conducted in a timely and constructive manner.  Challenge high performers, terminate under performers, and develop future leadership.
• Maintain consistent reporting on the organization’s financial position and outlook and ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Demonstrate fiscal responsibility and efficient use of all organizational resources.

 
 
The Qualified Candidate
 
The Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter seeks an experienced and energetic nonprofit professional who is passionate about the mission of eliminating Alzheimer’s to serve as its next President & CEO.  Knowledge of the disease, its impact on families and a desire to help eliminate it will be considered in the application process.  The selection process will focus on nonprofit leadership skills and experience; relevant experience in complex organizational structures and similar regional office setup; experience with coordinating special events; staff management skills; and a proven track record of success in community outreach and fundraising initiatives.  Familiarity with Washington DC and the surrounding area is preferable.
 
Specific Requirements Include:

• A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit leadership and management, with documented ability to manage staff and lead teams of volunteers.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in public policy, health or related field strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to build strong external relationships with a variety of volunteers, public leadership, partner organizations and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising, individual and major giving programs, and increasing revenue; financial management; and budgeting.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Proven success in building strong and productive work teams with a focus on mentoring and nurturing staff development.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a Board of Directors.
• Strong public speaking and external relations skills; involvement and visibility in the nonprofit and philanthropic community.

 
This position offers a competitive salary with strong benefits. Relocation assistance is negotiable depending on the selected candidate’s situation.  All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.
Alzheimer’s Association, National Area Chapter 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
This search is being managed by Heather A. Eddy, CFRE, President and CEO and Kelly C. Monahan, Senior Associate of Alford Executive Search.  To apply, candidates must complete the online application at http://alfordexecutivesearch.applicantstack.com/x/openings and thereon submit their cover letter and resume.  To assure confidential tracking of all applicants, no applications will be accepted via email. Questions may be addressed to Ms. Monahan at kmonahan@alfordexecutivesearch.com.
 
Alford Executive Search, a division of KEES (www.alfordexecutivesearch.com) is a retained search firm dedicated to providing recruitment services of exceptional quality and strengthening the not-for-profit community through professional staffing solutions.