NAMI Central Texas—the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness—is dedicated to improving the lives of all individuals affected by mental illness through education, support, and advocacy programs.

Please Note: This is a hybrid office/remote role and therefore applicants must be residents of the greater Austin/Central Texas area (Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Burnet, and Caldwell counties). We will also entertain applications from those living outside of Central Texas and are interested in relocating. NAMI Central Texas does not cover relocation costs. Office hours are based on needs in serving the community, including occasional evenings and weekends. As position descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the below key responsibilities. 

About the Role & NAMI Central Texas

About the Role

Does the prospect of leading a team that’s creating community around mental illness ignite a spark within you? Does the excitement, challenges, and opportunities brought by expansion and growth of an established mental health nonprofit organization excite you? 

NAMI Central Texas wants to hear from you.

NAMI Central Texas (NAMI) is seeking an Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization during a pivotal moment in the organization’s history as we aspire to continue our positive momentum and meet the ever-increasing mental health needs of our community in the wake of the pandemic. We’re also adapting as the area’s rapid growth persists, fueled by innovative industries and economic opportunity, and as the Texas Legislature shows ongoing dedication to improving mental health policy each session. The mental health landscape in Texas is changing, and NAMI Central Texas is rising to the occasion. 

NAMI is in an organizational growth stage and seeks to continue managing this expansion strategically and effectively. NAMI’s  growth includes outreach to residents of a 5 county region, the scope of programs and services, program evaluation, revenue expansion and diversification, as well as strengthening the outcomes-based impact of the organization. The new ED will lead the organization applying critical thinking to strengthen and advance the organization’s mission and vision.

The ED position reports to the Board of Directors, and ultimately its President. In collaboration with the Board of Directors, the ED will define NAMI’s priorities and direction, set goals for the organization, and systematically lead the organization to achieve them. Our new ED will evaluate strategies that highlight how the organization differentiates itself from other like-minded organizations; and hire teams, set budgets, forge alliances, and build partnerships that further the mission. The ED will play a formative role in setting the tone for building the culture of NAMI Central Texas around community service, accountability and results so that the best in the field find NAMI to be a solid professional home with ample opportunities for advancement and professional growth. The ED will actively promote NAMI to build its financial reserves and goodwill, as well as secure resources, budget and allocate resources appropriately, and be responsible for the financial health of the organization.

About NAMI Central Texas

In keeping with the national NAMI model, NAMI Central Texas is a grassroots organization driven by a large network of volunteers—individuals, family members, professionals and friends—all impacted by mental illness. The organization has a nearly $1 million dollar budget and 9 employees, and works with third party firms for financial management services, talent management/human resources, grant writing and public relations. Additionally, the organization is diversifying its funding sources which at this time are primarily generated from special events, grant funding, and individual contributions. 

NAMI creates community around mental illness in several ways, including through its volunteer-led classes and support groups for individuals and families and friends of individuals living with mental illness, as well as a full range of community presentations, workshops and trainings that raise awareness, change perceptions, offer hope, and teach advocacy for schools, faith communities, community organizations, law enforcement and other professional groups. 

NAMI Central Texas has continued to achieve major milestones in many areas of community participation and in the successful expansion of both NAMI signature programs and locally developed programs across the Greater Austin area and the surrounding 5-county area.

Previous Experience

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. NAMI Central Texas will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

General 

  • At least 10 ten years of senior-level leadership experience
  • Nonprofit and/or social impact experience is strongly preferred. A candidate who brings both nonprofit board of directors executive leadership experience and previous for-profit leadership experience will also be considered to fulfill this preference 
  • Change leadership and change management
  • Demonstrated experience developing and leading a high-performing leadership team and overseeing a culturally diverse and multigenerational team relationship management experience
  • Strong financial analysis and management skills that demonstrate the ability to scale budgets and programming based upon organizational growth
  • Ability to point to specific examples of having developed and implemented strategies that have taken an organization to its next stage of growth
  • Has led critical thinking and innovation efforts, including setting and achieving strategic objectives, and managing a budget 
  • Past success working with a Board of Directors, including the cultivation of existing board member relationships
  • Familiarity and comfort interacting with vulnerable populations and underserved members of the community
  • Unwavering commitment to quality programs and data-driven program evaluation
  • Strong donor and community relations experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills 
  • Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred. Years of experience will also be considered in lieu of a higher education degree

“Bonus” Experience Desires 

  • Because we have a large Spanish-speaking population in Central Texas and want to be responsive to the community, we have a desire (but not requirement) to find a candidate for this position who can help us in meeting that community need. Please let us know if you are fluent in Spanish, and we will take that into consideration when reviewing compensation
  • Previous experience (including volunteer experience) with mental health
  • Familiarity with Central Texas demographics and political landscape 

What You Will Do

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging

Further develop and create a culture that supports NAMI’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion values and commitment by centering our work on diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as culturally responsive services and programs. 

  • Intentionally recruit and retain Board members, staff and volunteers who represent the diverse population in Central Texas, inclusive of those who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQIA+ 
  • Create inclusive environments for all Board members, staff, volunteers and community participants by continuously building your skills and knowledge, seeking on-going feedback and making necessary changes along the way for the betterment of NAMI programs
  • Advocate for policies that will enable NAMI to bring its words and commitments to life and action
  • Execute programs in ways that are equitable and culturally and linguistically responsive to the communities we serve

Executive Oversight

Lead the Programs Director to ensure:

  • Thoughtful execution of the existing programs strategy and plan to meet stated key performance indicators established for the organization
  • Regular, ongoing programmatic strategic planning and community-needs assessments to offer appropriate solutions for the changing needs of our clients and lead the implementation of those solutions
  • Strength in the outcomes-based impact of the organization 
  • In-depth program knowledge is leveraged and all programs, services, and activities for NAMI Central Texas families are in full operation and that our program participant needs are served at the highest possible level
  • Identification and responsiveness to opportunities and challenges that may have an impact on the quality and sustainability of programs and services
  • Development of strategies and tactics for program sustainability when a grant is received in anticipation of the completion of the initial grant funding, and the evaluation process for program continuation and or modifications 
  • Program evaluation is performed in alignment with the budget and strategic plan
  • All program activities are assessed and monitored based on progress indicators/measures for quality maintenance and improvement and to ensure collaboration and coordination between programs

Lead the VP of Mission Advancement to ensure:

  • Thoughtful execution of the existing development strategy and plan to meet organizational objectives and stated key performance indicators established for the organization
  • Thoughtful execution of the existing donor stewardship strategy and plan to meet organizational objectives and stated key performance indicators established for the organization
  • Thoughtful execution of the existing marketing and communications strategy and plan to meet organizational objectives and stated key performance indicators established for the organization

Community Engagement & Leadership

  • Serve the primary spokesperson and external relations officer for all matters, including fundraising and major donor development and cultivation, while working with the organization’s PR agency to develop additional spokesperson capability for key staff, board board members, and volunteers
  • Seek out engagement opportunities, and serve as the representative for the organization in high-level committees, groups, and networks where ensuring the voice of families and individuals living with mental illness are elevated is critical to creating systemic change
  • Participate in donor stewardship activities and invest time and attention to donor, volunteer, community partner, and other key stakeholder relations

Finance & Administration

  • Lead all aspects of the annual budget in collaboration with the outsourced Controller and the Board Treasurer. Provide periodic financial reports to the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
  • Develop and lead implementation of strategies to increase general operating revenues and diversification
  • Lead the Operations Coordinator to ensure
    • Efficiency and effectiveness of all internal operations and administration
    • Legal and financial compliance

Team & Leader Development

  • Model and promote an encouraging culture of optimism that supports constructive feedback, diversity of opinions, and professional styles of working and communicating
  • Develop direct reports in their leadership aptitude; provide the information and resources they need to effectively manage their teams and programs
  • Create and implement a process for full team member career development and advancement
  • Create and implement performance assessment process

Board Stewardship

  • Collaborate with the Board President and Executive Committee to prepare for board meetings
  • Provide the Board of Directors with timely financial and operation reports
  • Ensure the Board of Directors is informed in a timely manner on all key decisions or activities that could impact the organization’s mission, financial viability, operational sustainability, and program effectiveness
  • Assist in Board recruitment 
  • Engage individual Board members in matters pertaining to committee work, fundraising, events, and other matters where a high level of Board involvement is crucial

Compensation, Benefits, & Position Requirements

Compensation

Job Type: Full-time, exempt

Salary: $100,000 per year

Benefits

  • Hybrid office/remote working environment
  • Flexible schedule
  • 7 paid holidays
  • 1 floating holiday
  • Paid time off on the work days between Christmas and New Year’s Day during a calendar year
  • 15 days of additional paid time off
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance

Position Requirements

Physical

  • Sitting (on a regular basis)
  • Standing (on an occasional basis)
  • Talking (on a regular basis)
  • Hearing (on a regular basis)
  • Driving (on an occasional basis)
  • Vision – Close, Peripheral, Depth, Ability to Adjust Focus (on a regular basis)

Conditions

  • Indoors (on a regular basis)
  • Outdoors (on an occasional basis)

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Brianna McKinney, Interim Executive Director, at [email protected]. In your cover letter, please outline specific training and skills you possess that make you a great match for the position. This position will remain open until filled.

 

NAMI Central Texas maintains a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in all employment practices and decisions, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals without regard to of race, disability, ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, culture, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, faith, socio-economic status, lived experience, religion, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status. This applies to both NAMI Central Texas employees and applicants for employment.

DEI Statement

NAMI Central Texas’ mission is to improve the lives of all individuals affected by mental illness through education, support and advocacy programs. In service of our mission, we believe that staff members and volunteers that have lived experiences can relate to others who also have lived experiences with mental illness. We recognize that while mental illness affects all communities, public stigma of mental illness and mental health conditions have historically and

disproportionately impacted marginalized communities, often those experiencing systemic racism, discrimination and oppression, from seeking help or resources for their mental health conditions. Therefore, in order to more fully accomplish our mission, we believe that we must center our work on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as well as culturally responsive services and programs.

NAMI Central Texas is committed to the following actions:

  • We will build on our commitment to diversity by intentionally recruiting and retaining Board members, staff and volunteers who represent the diverse population in Central Texas, inclusive of those who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQIA+
  • We will create inclusive environments for all Board members, staff, volunteers and community participants by continuously building our skills and knowledge, seeking ongoing feedback and making necessary changes along the way for the betterment of our programs
  • We will strive to create and execute equitable programs and advocate for policies that will enable us to bring our words and commitments to life and action
  • We will intentionally create strategies to ensure we are serving the diverse communities in Central Texas, inclusive of those who identify as BIPOC and LGBTQIA+
  • We will continue to create and execute programs that are culturally and linguistically responsive to the communities we serve

We believe this work is a journey and is never complete. Therefore, this commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and culturally responsive services and programs will continue to evolve as NAMI Central Texas and the community we serve continue to grow and develop.