Executive Director of Project ABLE

Organization History

Founded in Salem Oregon, Project ABLE provides peer-to-peer services and support for individuals recovering from mental health and co-occurring issues. The passion of more than 20 employees and more than 60 volunteers with lived experience creates a community of healing that provides one-on-one support, hosts groups and activities in two different locations. Additionally, Project ABLE provides Peer Support at a county run crisis center in McMinnville and runs one of Oregon’s first Peer Run Respites offering a 24/7 short term stay ER alternative for people in mental health crisis. For 20 years people have found the Project ABLE community and services an important part of their journey to finding A Better Life Experience (ABLE).

Reports to:

Board of Directors

Position Summary:

We are seeking a visionary and compassionate Executive Director to lead our organization into its next chapter. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of peer support principles, nonprofit leadership experience, and a passion for community-driven change. The Executive Director is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission, financial objectives, in-program development and administration, and providing strategic leadership.

This position does require travel between Project ABLE's different locations in McMinnville, Salem, and Depoe Bay plus traveling for different community partner meetings. This is not a 9 to 5, Monday through Friday position. The Executive Director will need to be flexible with time and days to fulfill this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership and Management

• Provide inspiring leadership to the organization and ensure that the internal culture supports the mission and promotes synergy and collaboration across the organization.


• Effectively partner with the Board, staff, and other key constituencies to address complex problems and improve peer outcomes.


• Ensure the continued development and management of a professional and progressive organization, mentor staff, and encourage their growth.


• Demonstrate an energetic, entrepreneurial nature that combines leadership and intellectual curiosity with practical management skills.


• Ensure establishment of and adherence to policies and procedures.


• Empower the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers to embolden the organization's mission, principles, purpose, and presence in the local community.

• Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization's work.


• Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.


• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field.


• Have leadership skills, including negotiation, problem solving, and decision

• Ensure productive and effective staff performance and manage the performance of management-level professionals.

Communications

• See that the board is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and all-important factors influencing it.


• Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups and organizations.


• Represent the programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the public.


• Attend Project ABLE board meetings.

Staff Relations

• Oversee the responsibility for the recruitment, employment, and release of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers.


• Ensure that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are held, and that sound human resource practices are in place.


• See that an effective leadership team, with appropriate provision for succession, is in place.


• Encourage staff and volunteer development and education plus assist program staff in relating their specialized work to the total program of the organization.


• Maintain a climate that attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of compassionate, quality people.

Budget and finance

• Be responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices.


• Work with the staff, accounting and payroll firms, and the board in preparing a budget; see that the organization operates within budget guidelines.


• Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work.


• Negotiate new contracts and grants


• Seek fundraising opportunities and develop, implement, and maintain fundraising plans with the board and staff.


• Jointly, with the president and secretary of the board of directors, conduct official correspondence of the organization, and jointly, with designated officers, execute legal documents.

Partnership Development

• Increase visibility of the Project ABLE services, programs, and activities and maintain good community relations.


• Serve as the organization's primary spokesperson, brand champion, and advocate to increase Project ABLE’s visibility and reputation.


• Assess opportunities and develop plans to maximize the positive impact on the community.


• Maintain contact with Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers.


• Maintain contact with potential and current community partners and develop or maintain community relationships with them.


• May be assigned special projects periodically by the Board of Directors.

Grants

• Use excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.


• Collaborate with staff to gather the data, budgets, and stories needed for strong applications.


• Oversee, track, maintain, and regularly report the status of grant proposals, including submission deadlines, follow-ups, and reporting requirements in alignment with organizational priorities.

Skills and Knowledge Required:

• Lived experience with mental health.


• Oregon State certification as a Peer Support Specialist and familiarity and experience working in or with Peer roles.

• Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills.
  


• High standards of accuracy. 
  


• Strong work ethic and positive attitude.
  


• Solid understanding of Peer Delivered Services, Oregon Administrative Rules, and Oregon Revised Statutes
  


• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
  

• Experience handling confidential information with discretion.


• Excellent time management, problem solving, and ability to multi-task and prioritize work.


• Solid communication skills both written and verbal.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, internet research, and other cloud-based programs – quick to learn and good at training others in the use of software.


• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage diverse individuals.

• Ability to set and keep strong boundaries while maintaining empathy.


• Valid Driver’s license and verification of insurance.


• Periodic weekends and evenings in support of fundraising events, Board meetings, committee meetings, community meetings, club events, outreach activities, and other activities.