Executive Director

Sunflower Hill is a vibrant nonprofit in Northern California dedicated to creating 'places and spaces' where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) can live, learn, work and thrive. Our first residential community, Irby Ranch, opened in 2020 and we now have three new supportive living communities in development. We also operate a one-acre organic farm offering vocational and social training programs for adult day and high school transition classes.

We are seeking a strategic, innovative and financially savvy Executive Director to join our strong staff and dedicated board of directors. This is a 25-30 hour a week hybrid position, with significant flexibility. The Executive Director, under the guidance of the Board of Directors, provides visionary and operational leadership for Sunflower Hill. This role is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission through strong nonprofit management, program development, fiscal stewardship, fundraising, grant oversight, and community engagement.

Sunflower Hill has intentionally designed this position as a 0.75 FTE (approximately 25-30 hours per week) leadership role. We are open to engaging the right candidate as either:

• A .75 FTE employee, or
• A fractional Executive Director (independent contractor)

Our priority is securing the right strategic and mission-aligned leader; structure will follow fit.

The Executive Director will cultivate strong relationships with families, community partners, funders, service providers, and local stakeholders while ensuring organizational sustainability and impact.

1. Organizational Management & Leadership
   1. Serve as the Chief Executive of Sunflower Hill, advancing its mission, vision, and values.
   2. Lead the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan, the annual operating and revenue goals
   3. Oversee day-to-day management and operations, including staff, consultants, participant programs,
   4. Working with the board, support the development and expansion of affordable residential communities for adults with I/DD.
   5. Ensure residential programs and garden activities promote independence, interdependence, inclusion, and quality of life.
   6. Working with the board, recruit, manage, and retain consultants, vendors, and professional advisors as needed to support organizational operations.
2. Fiscal Management
   1. Develop and manage the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Board.
   2. Ensure strong financial controls, transparency, and compliance with nonprofit regulations.
   3. Oversee financial reporting, audits, tax filings, and Form 990 preparation.
   4. Monitor financial performance and provide regular financial updates to the Board.
   5. Lead fundraising efforts including grants, donations, sponsorships, and partnerships while overseeing full grant administration, including proposal development, reporting, compliance, and funder relationship management.
3. Board Operations, Governance, and Development
   1. Partner closely with the Board of Directors to strengthen governance, leadership, and strategic oversight.
   2. Participate in Board-driven strategic planning, goal-setting, and evaluation of organizational impact.
   3. Prepare meeting agendas, reports, and materials for Board and committee meetings.
   4. Serve as an ex-officio member of Board committees.
   5. Ensure timely, accurate, and transparent communication between staff and the Board.
4. Programs, Housing Administration
   1. Leadership and oversight at Sunflower Hill’s residential communities and programs serving adults with I/DD. Serve as a liaison to SFH partners and vendors.
   2. Understand and articulate the evolving needs of adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families.
   3. Ensure program outcomes are measured, documented, and aligned with the organization’s mission.
   4. Support innovation and continuous improvement in housing and program offerings.
5. Community Relations & Outreach
   1. Build and maintain strong relationships with families, community partners, service providers, funders, and local agencies.
   2. In conjunction with the board and staff, represent Sunflower Hill at community events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
   3. Serve as a visible advocate for supportive housing, disability services, and community programs
   4. Oversee marketing, communications, and outreach efforts, including website content and storytelling.
   5. Communicate the impact of Sunflower Hill’s housing and programs to donors, partners, and the broader community.

Benefits may include:

• Competitive salary aligned with fractional structure (25-30 hours per week)
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (eligible at 30+ hours per week)
• Retirement plan
• 11 holidays plus 3 floating holidays per year
• Vacation
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement
• Professional development support

Qualifications and Attributes

1. 1. Bachelor's Degree.
   2. Five years leadership experience required. Previous management of non-profit teams required.
   3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational abilities; self-starter with initiative to work independently and with minimum supervision.
   4. Must have the visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation; ability to adequately observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate policies and procedures; the physical ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills.
   5. Proven supervisory skills in training, evaluating, and motivating staff and volunteers, as well as developing and managing an effective staff team.
   6. Professional demeanor and the ability to work well with the public, staff and volunteers.
   7. Demonstrated leadership experience in nonprofit management and working with a neurodiverse population.
   8. Strong understanding of nonprofit governance, financial management, and strategic planning.
   9. Experience working with Boards of Directors and community stakeholders.
   10. Passion for advancing inclusion, equity, and opportunities for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
   11. Ability to lead with empathy, vision, and accountability.