Executive Director - Mental Health Client Action Network(MHCAN)

Paycom - ATS; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mental Health Client Action Network (MHCAN) in Santa Cruz, CA, seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and program management during its transition to a certified Clubhouse model. This full-time role reports to the Board of Directors and ensures alignment with County Behavioral Health, maintaining peer-powered services.

Responsibilities include HR leadership, program oversight, fundraising, and reporting.

Qualifications

• Lived experience as a person with a mental health condition is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 2–3 years of progressively responsible leadership in nonprofit/community service.
• Experience supervising staff, managing program operations, and overseeing grant/contract deliverables.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR, staff supervision and mentoring of program staff and peer team.
• Oversee Clubhouse model transition and ongoing operations.
• Develop annual objectives with Board and County contract monitor.
• Provide monthly performance, operational, and financial reports to the Board.
• Represent MHCAN in county partnerships and community meetings.

Skills

Lived experience

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Fundraising

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

The OrganizationThe Mental Health Client Action Network (MHCAN) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting adults in Santa Cruz County with lived experience of mental health challenges. Founded nearly 40 years ago as an independent peer support center, MHCAN is actively transitioning its operational framework to an accredited Clubhouse Model of Services.In alignment with Clubhouse standards, MHCAN operates as a member-driven community where participants (\"members\") and staff work side-by-side to run daily center operations, build social connections, and pursue employment, education, and wellness goals. All MHCAN staff members share lived experience with a mental health condition and/or navigating the mental health system.Position SummaryThe Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of MHCAN and is responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, program management, community engagement, and resource development. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director ensures the organization stays true to its core mission of peer empowerment while successfully guiding the agency through its transition to the Clubhouse model and maintaining strong alignment with County Behavioral Health.This is a full-time (1.0 FTE / 40 hours per week) exempt position.Compensation: $95,000 – $105,000 annually, depending on experience.Core ResponsibilitiesHuman Resources & Staff Leadership (25%)Hire, train, supervise, and mentor all program staff and peer support team members.Foster a positive, supportive, and accountable organizational culture centered on lived experience and recovery.Manage staff scheduling, performance evaluations, and team development.Partner with the Fiscal Agent (FSAS) on HR policy enforcement, workplace safety, and personnel administration.Program Oversight & Clubhouse Model Transition (25%)Lead the agency’s transition to and ongoing operation of a certified Clubhouse model of services.Ensure daily program activities effectively meet client needs and contract objectives.Evaluate program outcomes and implement continuous service delivery improvements.Monitor compliance with grant deliverables and County service agreements.Organizational Leadership & Strategy (20%)Implement the organization's mission, vision, and strategic goals, serving as a passionate advocate for peer support.Develop annual organizational objectives in close collaboration with the Board of Directors and the County contract monitor.Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable legal and nonprofit regulatory standards.Provide monthly performance, operational, and financial reports to the Board.Community Relations & County Partnership (15%)Serve as the primary spokesperson and public representative for MHCAN.Build and maintain productive, collaborative relationships with County Behavioral Health, local community partners, and contracted service providers.Represent MHCAN in local task forces, community meetings, and mental health advocacy networks.Fundraising & Resource Development (10%)Research, write, and manage grant applications to diversify funding streams.Cultivate relationships with individual donors, private foundations, and community partners.Oversee donor stewardship and track grant reporting deadlines.Financial Oversight & Fiscal Agent Coordination (5%)Develop and manage the annual operating budget (approximately $590,000) in partnership with the Board and Fiscal Agent.Collaborate directly with Front St. Administrative Services to oversee fiduciary practices, review monthly financial statements, and ensure budget alignment. (Note: Daily bookkeeping, payroll processing, and accounting entries are performed directly by the Fiscal Agent.)QualificationsLived Experience: Lived experience as a person with a mental health condition and/or direct experience navigating the mental health system is required.Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent practical experience.Leadership Experience: Minimum 2–3 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a nonprofit or community service environment.Management & Budgeting: Demonstrated experience supervising staff, managing program operations, and overseeing grant/contract deliverables.Skills: Strong communication, interpersonal, and project management skills with the ability to build consensus across diverse community stakeholders.Performance ExpectationsMaintain a balanced annual budget in coordination with the Fiscal Agent.Ensure successful transition and operational implementation of the Clubhouse model.Provide consistent leadership, accountability, and support to program staff.Maintain strong, transparent relationships with the Board of Directors, County Behavioral Health, and community partners.Ensure timely completion of grant reports and contract deliverables.Working Conditions & Physical RequirementsStandard office environment with high levels of interpersonal interaction.Computer and telephone usage for extended periods.Occasional evening or weekend attendance at Board meetings or community events.Local travel within Santa Cruz County.Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.Reporting Relationship: Reports directly to the MHCAN Board of Directors.