Required Experience:
Qualifications
Required
Demonstrated leadership experience in nonprofit, public, or mission-driven organizations
Experience managing teams and organizational budgets
Experience working with system-involved families
Proven fundraising and relationship-building experience
Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
Commitment to anti-racism, equity, and trauma-informed practice
Proficiency with standard office and data management software
Preferred
Experience partnering with a Board of Directors
Experience implementing agency-wide initiatives
Strong knowledge of State and Federal healthcare laws, rules, and regulations, including - but not limited to - HIPAA, Medi-Cal, county/state child welfare services
Proficiency in continuous quality improvement processes
Advanced degree in nonprofit management, public administration, social work, education, or related field (or equivalent lived/professional experience)
Licensed clinical degree (LCSW or LMFT) with ability to clinically supervise
Ability to speak and write in both Spanish and English
We recognize that strong candidates may not meet every qualification listed. We encourage applicants to apply if they believe they could thrive in this role.
Compensation
Salary range: $102,648 to $120,120 commensurate with experience. Performance-based bonus opportunities may be available based upon organizational growth and fundraising success.
We Provide
A supportive, anti-racist, trauma-informed, learning-oriented work environment alongside a highly engaged and compassionate team of colleagues
An opportunity to do meaningful work in our community
Performance and salary review after the first 90 days
Flexible schedules
Diverse training opportunities
Benefits include:
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Vision insurance
401k Retirement plan
Generous paid time off
Our Commitment to Equity
At the Parents Center, we believe that hiring staff that reflect the populations that we serve is essential, and that historically marginalized communities — including BIPOC people, LGBTQ people, women, and people with lived experience related to this work — must be centered in the work that we do. As such, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.
Pay: $102,648.00 - $120,120.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
What draws you to leading the Parents Center?
Describe what your plan would be for your first 90 days of leading this organization as Executive Director.
Work Location: In person
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Duties / Expectations:
Executive Director
Parents Center, Inc.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
$102,648 - $120,120 a year - Full-time
Profile insights
Find out how your skills align with the job description
Licenses
Do you have a valid Licensed Clinical Social Worker license?
Skills
Do you have experience in Team management?
Languages
Do you know Spanish?
Job details
Pay
$102,648 - $120,120 a year
Job type
Full-time
Benefits
Pulled from the full job description
401(k)
Health insurance
401(k) matching
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Life insurance
Full job description
Reports to: Board of Directors
Location: Primarily in-person in Santa Cruz and Watsonville with some hybrid flexibility
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
About the Parents Center
For 45 years, the Parents Center has worked in collaboration with families, community partners, and government agencies to earn a long-standing respected place in our community. We respect that we all come from different backgrounds, customs and beliefs. We strive to constantly evolve our approach to ensure the best possible outcomes for the families we serve.
The Parents Center works to reunite and stabilize families in Santa Cruz County with the overarching goal of helping them achieve child safety, well-being and self-sufficiency. Parents Center provides culturally sensitive, integrated mental health and supportive wrap-around services for children and their families in a safe and secure environment. We strive to provide evidence-based services that lead to quality-of-life improvements for our most vulnerable populations.
Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of the Parents Center and is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, strategic direction, financial sustainability, operational and clinical excellence. The ED works in close partnership with the Board of Directors and leads a dedicated leadership team and staff to ensure high-quality programming, effective contract compliance, strong community and government partnerships, and long-term organizational sustainability.
The organization operates with an annual budget of approximately $2.5 million, and the Executive Director directly supervises a leadership team of 6–7 staff members.
The ideal candidate is a visionary and collaborative leader with strong people-management skills, financial acumen, fundraising experience, and a demonstrated commitment to equity and community-centered work.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Strategy
Partner with the Board to develop and implement strategic priorities
Provide visionary leadership aligned with the organization’s mission and values
Ensure programs and services are high-quality, responsive, aligned with community needs, and meet contractual requirements
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning
Ensure program quality, compliance with funding requirements, and alignment with organizational goals
Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture
Hire, supervise, and evaluate members of the leadership team and ensure strong supervision structures across the organization
Cultivate a supportive, learning-centered, anti-racist, trauma-informed, and inclusive workplace culture
Ensure adherence to professional clinical and ethical practice standards
Promote professional development and leadership growth across the organization
Ensure strong internal communication and team cohesion
Work collaboratively with leadership team to implement agency-wide initiatives, demonstrate a value-based organizational culture, and ensure information-sharing and equity amongst teams
Financial Management & Sustainability
Oversee development and management of the annual budget, contracts and negotiations of contracts
Ensure sound financial practices, compliance, and risk management in close partnership with Administrative Services Manager
Partner with the Board to lead fundraising strategy
Cultivate and steward relationships with funders, donors, and partners
Sustain collaborative relationships with County partners / contract-holders
Lead revenue development including grants, government contracts, and individual giving
Monitor financial performance and adjust strategies to maintain organizational sustainability
Program, Compliance & Risk Oversight
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including Medi-Cal, HIPAA, and child abuse reporting laws
Oversee clinical documentation, utilization review, and audit readiness
Ensure accurate data collection, reporting, and performance monitoring
Ensure appropriate incident reporting and timely communication of significant risks to the Board
Board Relations & Governance
Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors
Support Board development, engagement, and governance best practices
Provide regular updates on organizational performance, financial health, and strategic goals at bimonthly Board meetings
Ensure the Board has the information needed to fulfill its fiduciary responsibilities
Participate in Board meetings and annual retreat
Community Engagement & External Relations
Serve as a visible ambassador for the Parents Center
Build and maintain strong partnerships with funders and community stakeholders
Advocate for families and the communities we serve
Represent the organization at public events, meetings, and coalitions
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