Executive Director

NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley (GMV) is looking for our next full-time Executive Director to lead the organization in fostering hope for people affected by mental illness throughout a multicounty region, based in the Quad Cities.

NAMI is an abbreviation for National Alliance on Mental Illness, and our mission is to support, educate, and advocate for those living with a mental illness, and their families.

With an engaged board of directors, strong evidence-based programming based on national models, and stable finances, NAMI GMV is ready to grow under a visionary leader with a passion for providing education, resources, and local outreach, for mental health for all!

Organization Overview

NAMI GMV is a regional organization of families, friends, and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness. Through education, peer support groups, and advocacy, NAMI offers a range of options for everyone and believes in recovery and the hope for a better future.

We announce the opening for our new Executive Director, as our current Executive Director leaves the field to enjoy retirement.

The board represents a broad range of Eastern Iowans and plays an active role in making connections in the community on behalf of NAMI GMV.

The annual budget of NAMI GMV is nearly $400,000, funded through private and government grants, the annual NAMIWalks event, and an array of donors in the Quad Cities area. The intent is to grow this amount significantly during the Executive Director’s first year.

NAMI GMV works with dozens of nonprofit and healthcare partners to provide local programs, volunteer opportunities, and the perspective of those living with mental illness. The national NAMI network provides a wealth of resources and education, as well as a network of Affiliate Executive Directors, and serves as a sounding board and resource hub.

Position Overview

The Executive Director will be responsible for broadening the impact and services of NAMI GMV, and will lead the strategic planning implementation for NAMI GMV and serve as the primary spokesperson for NAMI GMV. They will also

· Work with the Board to ensure a long-term growth and sustainability strategy in line with the strategic plan

· Manage the finances of NAMI GMV, including monthly reporting to the board, budgeting, strategic planning, and compliance with funding requirements

· Develop and oversee all aspects of NAMI programming such as training program leaders, seeking funding sources for new programs, and collaborating with NAMI Iowa/ NAMI National

· Significantly grow and expand the volunteer base, which is critical to NAMI’s work

· Raise money to fund the annual budget of the organization through events, major donor relations, grant writing, and donor stewardship

· Work with the board to create an implementation plan (for some of the strategic directions previously identified)

· Expand the funding base for NAMI by increasing existing funding sources and developing new ones

Qualifications and Credentials

The ideal candidate will also have

· Passion for mental health and for serving persons with mental illness

· High emotional intelligence, including understanding and sensitivity to persons of diverse backgrounds and/or those living with a diagnosed mental illness

o Prior professional experience in working with those who have mental illness is preferred, but not required

o Candidates lacking direct experience are still encouraged to apply

· At least four years of documented leadership roles (nonprofit experience preferred)

· Experience writing grants, executing special events, and/or fundraising, or supervising others in these roles

· Strong interpersonal, conflict resolution, and empathetic communication skills

· Complex project and organizational management experience including planning, delegating, and developing and improving processes

· Fantastic communication skills, including public speaking and presenting

o Occasionally, the Executive Director must appear in the media, be quoted in news articles, and/or be willing to present at forums and meetings attended by the public

· Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, decision-making, and reporting

· Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility

· Access to a car or other method of reliable transportation

· Proficiency in standard computer programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)

· Ability to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment screening

Individuals of color, from diverse backgrounds, and/or identify as LGBTQ are particularly encouraged to apply.

Primary Responsibilities

While the Executive Director will enjoy flexibility and autonomy and will not need to “clock in” each day, they are expected to develop activity benchmarks, SMART goals, and regular check-ins with the Board Chair and/or Executive Committee. They may also inherit standing coalition partner meetings, calls with NAMI Iowa and NAMI National, etc.

Specifically, responsibilities will include:

· Ensuring adherence to NAMI standards for programs, presentations, and support groups

· Creating and monitoring a budget for the organization

· Supervising, managing, and evaluating staff and volunteers

o This includes day-to-day, as well as higher level benchmarks and goals

· Serving as the primary strategist for fundraising, marketing, volunteer management and recruitment, and special events

o Currently, NAMI GMV has budget and capacity to hire for these specific areas, but they are ultimately the responsibility of the new Executive Director

Compensation/Benefits

The annual salary range for the position is $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience.

Candidates may reside anywhere in the Quad Cities area; work will focus on counties in eastern Iowa and western Illinois.

The benefits package includes health and dental insurance, generous paid leave and holidays, and a retirement match program.

________________________

NAMI GMV is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The executive search is being conducted by the NAMI GMV Board of Directors. All complete submissions (resume and cover letter) will be treated confidentially and with discretion.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but should be sent by October 31, 2024, to ensure full consideration. To apply, please submit a cover letter with a resume (PDF format preferred) to Board Chair Bill Iavarone, at williamiavarone@augustana.edu .

Selected candidates will complete a screening interview and two rounds of interviews with the committee, reference checks, as well as a pre-employment background check.

Target start date is Monday, December 9, but could be moved up depending on candidate availability.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Microsoft Excel: 4 years (Required)
• Budgeting: 4 years (Required)
• Organizational management: 4 years (Required)
• Leadership: 4 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Davenport, IA 52806: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70,000 - $80,000