Area Director

APACE; Auburn (NE); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision benefits

Paid leave

Tuition assistance

Retirement benefits

Job summary

APACE is seeking an Area Director to oversee operations across the region, ensuring high-quality services for individuals served, including day and residential supports. The role collaborates with finance, HR, and leadership to manage staff development, program growth, budget, and community relations.

The position requires traveling to sites, responding to emergencies, and aligning with the organization’s mission.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a multi-site program or nonprofit agency.
• Knowledge of governing board relations, financial oversight, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and strategic planning abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and enforce policies with leadership approval.
• Ensure quality of life aligned with each individual's program plan and mission.
• Prepare operating budgets and oversee daily financial operations.
• Promote services through community engagement, partnerships, and outreach.
• Lead a management team and supervise staff performance and development.

Skills

Executive leadership

Budget management

Policy enforcement

Staff development

Operations management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field

Job description

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Area Director reports to the Chief Operating Officer or other assigned member of the Executive Team and is responsible for the operations of their assigned area and the provision of high-quality services and supports for individuals supported, including day, residential, and other wrap-around services as identified for each individual supported within their assigned Area/Agency.

The Director works collaboratively with other areas of administration, such as finance, human resources or other area leadership teams responsible for the day-to-day operations of their agency including staff recruitment and development, growth and development of effective habilitative programs and services, budget management, and community relations and engagement.

The Director must establish a professional environment within their Agency which enables opportunities for teaching, learning, and growth for individuals supported, their families, and the agency leadership team and staff. Utilizes the Apace Mission to facilitate agency decision-making.

SCHEDULE

This is a 40-hour-a-week, overtime-exempt position. The Area Director must be generally available to respond to emergencies at any time. The Director travels within the region and may have required meetings late in the evening that require overnight travel.

Apace offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition assistance, and retirement benefits. Review benefits online @ www.goapace.com/benefits

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop, implement, interpret, monitor, and enforce policies and procedures, with approval of Governing Board/Executive Director to include personnel policies, positive behavioral supports, human rights, ethical conduct, and licensure/regulation.
• Ensures that all individuals receiving Apace supports are afforded a quality of life that is reflected in the individual's program plan and the Mission Guidelines.
• Prepares annual operating budgets and oversees the day-to-day financial operations of the local agency.
• Promotes the agency's activities, services, and goals through memberships, collaboration, speaking engagements, tours, and other public education activities.
• Is a visible leader in the community by serving on regional and local boards and committees that govern and support agency services.
• Leads the agency management team through communicating, decision making, assuring quality customer service, and mediating conflicts.
• Provides for safe, efficient transportation for individuals supported when public transportation or community supports are not available.
• Ensures that individuals receive appropriate medical and mental health care by the Medical Services Associate and the Healthcare Coordinator in collaboration with the Apace nurse.
• Plans and obtains staff development and in-service training to maintain professional standards and competencies of staff.
• Monitors the collection, recording, and reporting of accurate data for planning and coordination of agency and regional services.
• Meets and exceeds the licensing standards of DHHS DDD, Department of Labor, Health Department, Department of Education, OSHA, and Social Security.
• Performs other duties as required by Apace.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated competence in the principles and practices of the education and support of individuals with developmental disabilities, considerable knowledge of personnel administration, budgeting, and financial management principles, general management techniques, and thorough knowledge of applicable governmental regulations.
• Ability to: establish and maintain cooperative relationships; express good judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions; express ideas clearly and effectively, orally and in writing; give effective administrative leadership to the program; and plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.
• Lifting may be required at the service location. If lifting or other adaptive equipment is available, it MUST be used.

Requirements

Required Education, Training, and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Services, Education, Public Administration, Business Administration, or other closely related fields.
• Four years of experience in vocational/day services or residential services or rehabilitation programs, or related fields with progressive administrative or supervisory experience.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a driver's license valid in the state of Nebraska or other adequate means of transportation.
• Performs duties "on-call" to attend to area program emergencies.
• Must possess a reliable means of communication (e.g. telephone, cell phone, etc.).
• May be subject to criminal history and APS/CPS background checks as well as drug and alcohol screenings.
• May be required to live within the area.