Executive Director

Executive Director

Protected Harbor, Inc.

Fort Myers, Florida

The Moran Company is pleased to partner with Protected Harbor, Inc. to recruit the organization’s next Executive Director.

About Protected Harbor

Protected Harbor is a Fort Myers, Florida based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization licensed through the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). Protected Harbor (PH) has as its mission to provide residential and community-based programs and services, enhanced with Christian care, for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a faith-based organization, Protected Harbor is currently supporting 13 individuals in two beautiful group homes in Fort Myers, 5 clients in their Beacon of Light Collier County Day Program, 3 individuals through Supported Living Services. The agency impacted the lives of 167 individuals last year.

PH has 10 full-time and 5 part time staff members. One of the full-time staff is the current Director of Community Supports who has day to day responsibility for the services being provided to participants. The Executive Director’s primary responsibility will be to work closely with the Board of Protected Harbor, potential funders, community leaders and others on refining and implementing a bold vision for the future expanding the number of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) whose lives will be positively impacted by enhancing Protected Harbor’s programs and services in and around Ft Myers, and by reaching people in other communities.

The vision for the future reflects the fact that the organization’s impact has been steadily expanding, but much more needs to be done. With a wait list of approximately 100, and ongoing discussions about supporting individuals with IDD in programs and services where all people are valued, accepted and have control over their destinies, the Board is seeking a full-time Executive Director capable of helping to refine the vision and then – using the vision—work closely with the Board in leading the organization into an exciting future.

Protected Harbor had a $1.3M 2022 annual operating budget, with a net income of just over $400K. The budget has almost tripled in less than 5 years. The organization receives government fees to offset the cost of services, but the organization is also financed by resident fees, contributions (individual, corporate, organizational) fundraising events, and grants.

Desired Candidates

The ideal candidate is a seasoned manager (with a preference for experience in the provision of residential services for people with developmental disabilities) who has demonstrated success in fundraising. The ideal candidate will genuinely share the vision of Protected Harbor. Given that Protected Harbor is dedicated to offering various opportunities for spiritual growth for its participants, the person hired for this position is expected to be a transparent leader who has a real passion for Protected Harbor as a faith-based organization. The ideal candidate must also have excellent communication skills, be a “self-starter” with a strong work ethic, have high energy and be able to inspire/excite others about the vision for the future.

Responsibilities

The Executive Director will promote visionary leadership, community engagement and donor development for the organization, under the direction of the Board. Strategic planning, oversight of the Senior Director of Operations, risk management, executive level decision making and execution, external relations, community housing and program development, fundraising and capital campaign facilitation will be his/her primary responsibilities.

1. Board Governance: Works with the Protected Harbor Board of Directors in order to fulfill the organization’s mission and long-range vision.
2. External Relations: Represents the organization to the community, where (s)he is actively engaged.
3. Fund Raising: Generates funding support through current and new sources.
4. Operational Planning and Management: Oversees the efficient and effective day- to-day operation of the organization.
5. Financial Planning and Management: Plans for adequate resources and ensures sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures.
6. Human Resource Planning and Management: Determines and oversees staffing requirements, and policies for organizational management and program delivery.
7. Risk Management: Identifies and evaluates the risks to the organization’s people (residents, staff, management, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image, and implement measures to control risks.

Professional Qualifications and Attributes Sought

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and experience required.

Education and Experience:

At least an undergraduate degree in Social Work, Business, Finance, Non-Profit Administration, or closely related area. Master’s degree is preferred. Seven (7) years of progressive management experience in the non-profit sector with a proven track record in fundraising. At least 4 to 5 years of experience working with developmentally disabled adults would be highly desirable. Experience in building financial and development partnerships to successfully acquire, manage and maintain multiunit facilities for diverse populations is desirable. The person hired is expected to participate in on-going professional training opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Key Attributes:

• Strong management skills to include program development and implementation
• An effective ambassador —a strong internal and external representative for the organization
• Strategic decision maker who can bring vision, direction, and a collaborative atmosphere to move the organization forward
• High-level senior leader who knows how to inspire, empower and galvanize both staff and volunteers
• To ensure that the focus of Protected Harbor as a faith-based organization reflecting Christian principles is maintained, the candidates for this position are expected to be mature adults with personal integrity, character and a reputation consistent with this goal
• Strong sense of serving and caring for the needs of adults with disabilities; mature personal characteristics, such as perseverance, compassion and a willingness to learn
• Strong written and verbal language skills
• Effective in making presentations to individuals and groups
• Able to interact with donors/funding agencies and political leaders to advocate on behalf of the agency’s families and services
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, analysis and reporting
• Experience in seeking/securing grants
• Fundraising skills and a track record of building a strong donor network
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends

Challenge

The priority is to work with the Board and community to cast a bold vision that recognizes a significant expansion in services by 2030, while insuring the successful ongoing operation of the existing, highly regarded, faith-based group home and supported living services. The vision is being refined, but likely includes provision of employment services, recreational services, enhanced family support services and the development of additional housing options through a community development initiative. To support the overall effort new partnerships will need to be developed and a “layered” funding matrix will need to be developed that incorporates fees, grants, donations and the appropriate application of various other funding options (i.e. credits).

Living and Working in the Area

Situated between Tampa and Miami on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is a growing city with a population of just over 90,000. The “City of Palms” has long lured vacationers with its year-round warmth, lush flora, waterways and proximity to white sand beaches. Fort Myers offers an abundance of outdoor activities, like boating, fishing, hiking, biking, tennis, pickleball and golf. The city has also grown more diverse, providing myriad cultural and dining options, from local theatre troupes to an array of cuisines from renowned chefs.

Florida also has the advantage of being a state with no income tax for residents.

Compensation

Total compensation is estimated to be in the $115,000 range, and includes salary, healthcare reimbursement, car allowance, and retirement match. Other benefits include 3 weeks of accrued vacation per year.

Non-Discrimination

Protected Harbor is an Equal Opportunity Institution and EEO/Affirmative Action Employer committed to excellence through diversity. Employment offers are made on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability, age or veteran status.

Application Process

The search for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Protected Harbor, Inc. is being conducted by The Moran Company. Questions should be directed to Don Harkins, Senior Search Consultant, The Moran Company at don (at) morancompany.com.

To apply for this position, respond to the application questions, submit a resume and cover letter to Don Harkins, The Moran Company.