Executive Director

The Position: Executive Director

Assets, Inc. seeks an experienced and compassionate leader to serve as its next executive director (ED). Assets’ next ED will support an organization delivering a vibrant suite of services for people with disabilities while working to expand into new revenue models and partnerships. The ideal candidate for Assets’ next ED will come with leadership experience in supportive services for dually diagnosed individuals (disabilities and/or mental illness) or behavioral health services, a strong ability to cultivate and maintain a dedicated and invested staff culture, and excitement for big picture strategy and planning.

Assets’ next ED will lead an organization known for the positive impact and critical supportive services that it provides throughout Anchorage for people with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness. The ED will be responsible for an organization with complex services and tightly regulated Medicaid funding that actively values a welcoming and familial culture and puts client and staff experience first. Assets has been a “well-kept secret” in this sector for much of its history. Assets’ next ED will first work to enhance internal structures and systems and then aim to build visibility and ensure that potential clients and partners understand the work Assets’ does and how they can access and utilize these important services.

About Assets, Inc.

For more than four decades, the Assets team has been passionate about its mission to consistently improve the employment opportunities, home environments, and community connections of individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness who need substantial supports. As a 501 (c)(3) based in Anchorage, Alaska, Assets provides critical wrap-around services to individuals 18 and older so they can live, work, and recreate in the community as independently as possible.

Every year, Assets offers supported employment opportunities, supported living services, and clinical services to around one hundred clients. The important Asset mission and $14 million budget are stewarded by a 7-member board. Compassionate staff are guided by the organization’s core values to treat each person with dignity and respect, make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, and continually improve. As the 64th largest employer in Alaska, Assets employs more than 250 dedicated staff, 42% of whom are individuals with disabilities.

Services and Programs

• Supported Employment Program assists individuals to obtain and retain employment within local businesses and in Assets’ own print shop. Assets currently partners with more than forty local employers in hiring the right person to ensure job satisfaction for both the employee and employer.
• Supported Living Program supports clients with a combination of skill building, coaching, and resource coordination to assist individuals to live in their own homes.
• Clinical Services are provided by qualified staff and include client screening, behavioral health assessment, and individual, group, and family therapy.

Long-Term Strategic Priorities

Assets’ most recent strategic plan covered calendar years 2022 through 2026. The intent of the board is to work with the incoming ED on a new multi-year strategic plan. Assets’ 22-26 priorities emphasize:

●   Engaging with the people that are served by increasing and improving the effectiveness of services, increasing client satisfaction, and ensuring that Assets’ services model mirrors the community need.

●   Ensuring staff and leadership reflect long term continuity by building proactive transition and succession plans and increasing focus on recruitment and retention of all positions.

●   Maintaining and growing financial stability by operating business in an effective manner, exploring technological solutions, and ensuring proper compliance at the state and federal level.

Twelve-to-Eighteen Month ED Priorities

The incoming ED will focus on the following priorities over the first twelve to eighteen months:

·        Connection and Onboarding: Connect with Assets’ staff, board, clients, and community in order to better understand Assets’ programs, values, and culture.

·        Staff: Work with the board and senior leadership team to “refresh and inspire” the staff culture at Assets’, determining ways to reimagine internal structures to better support mission delivery.

·        Finances and Revenue Model: Assess and strengthen Assets’ overall business model with an eye towards maintaining financial sustainability while continuing to provide high-quality service and maintain Medicaid and grant compliance.

·        Communications & Collaboration: Increase Assets’ visibility in the Anchorage municipality and build strategic community partnerships to expand the reach of services.

·        Board Partnership: As mentioned in the above strategic priorities section, work with the board to build a strong working relationship and implement a new multi-year strategic plan.

Key Responsibilities

The executive director is the external face of Assets and oversees its day-to-day affairs. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Leadership & Culture

• Provides guidance to senior leadership and fosters a supportive, mission-driven workplace.

Strategic Direction

• Partners with the Board to define long-term goals and ensures open communication on progress and finances.

Operations Oversight

• Manages daily operations, ensures regulatory compliance, and oversees Assets’ properties and internal systems.

Public Engagement

• Acts as the organization’s spokesperson, strengthening relationships with community partners, state agencies, and media.

Program Oversight

• Supports department leaders and ensures programs remain effective, person-centered, and aligned with Assets’ mission.

Financial Management

• Leads fundraising and public funding efforts, ensuring sound financial practices and long-term sustainability

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes and experiences:

Skills and Experience

·        5+ years of senior leadership experience; specific experience in nonprofit management, supportive services for dually diagnosed individuals (disabilities and/or mental illness), behavioral health, community health, or health and human services strongly preferred.

·        A collaborative and strategic leadership style with a demonstrated history of building and maintaining strong working relationships with staff, board, and external stakeholders.

·        A degree in a relevant field OR practical work experience in the supportive services/independent living field is preferred

·        Demonstrated experience cultivating leadership in others and nurturing a supportive workplace culture.

·        Demonstrated success overseeing finances and compliance in highly regulatory environments within organizations of similar size and complexity.

·        Track record of building and maintaining strong working relationships and fruitful partnerships with diverse constituencies and community organizations.

·        Knowledge of local, state, and federal resources to benefit Assets’ programs and clients.

·        An empathetic and approachable leader who demonstrates a spirit of humility and professionalism.

·        A connection to Assets’ Mission and an understanding of the transformational work of independent living programs and services.

·        A commitment to serving diverse and marginalized communities with empathy and cultural competency.

·        A flexible and proactive decision maker; able to adapt to a changing landscape

·        Patient and observant, with a sense of humor; A good listener.

 Application Process

The salary range is between $160,000 and $185,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Assets’ provides competitive benefits including health insurance (with dental/vision), access to a retirement plan, and a generous PTO policy. To apply, email your credentials to AssetsED@forakergroup.org.  Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing interest and qualifications.  For questions, contact Foraker consultant Ryan Smith at AssetsED@forakergroup.org .  Communications will be treated in confidence and resumes will be accepted until the closing date (though we encourage you to apply as early as you can as resume reviews begin immediately).

Assets, Inc is an equal opportunity employer.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender identity, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.