Executive Director

Executive Director

Family Paths, Inc. is a nonprofit organization of mental health professionals and dedicated volunteers that provides mental health, clinical counseling, family support services, and therapy services to low-income, multi-stressed individuals and families in Alameda County and beyond. Services include a 24-hour Parent Support Hotline, a 24-hour Foster Parent Advice Line, CalWORKs Case Management, Positive Parenting Classes, and counseling for children, adolescents, parents, caregivers, and families. These services are offered primarily through contracts with county agencies that administer state and federal funds for MediCal (Medicaid), CalWORKs (TANF) and other programs that support low-income families.

Mission: Family Paths strengthens family relationships by providing mental health and supportive services with respect, integrity, compassion, and hope.

Vision: A safe home for every child.

Values:

• Respect in our communications.
• Integrity in our actions.
• Compassion for our struggles.
• Hope for the future.

Family Paths is an inclusive, caring, multicultural agency committed to serving all families regardless of age, ethnicity/race, financial status, language, sexual orientation, immigration status, class, religion, gender, mental or physical ability. Dedicated to living their values, Family Paths developed Group Agreements to create a foundation of trust and collaboration and a safe space to learn and grow.

The Executive Director (ED) provides visionary and strategic leadership to advance the organization's mission, values, and long-term financial sustainability. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED oversees all aspects of organizational management, including staff leadership, program delivery, fundraising, financial stewardship, community partnerships, and operational infrastructure. The ED will lead a dedicated team of approximately 70 staff including the following direct reports: Clinical Director, Family Services Director, Finance Director, Human Resources Director, Management Information Services Director, Development Assistant, and Executive Assistant. The ED must be deeply committed to serving diverse, primarily low-income communities through mental health, parent education, and related supportive services.

This is a pivotal time of transition for Family Paths. The ideal candidate will be an accessible, grounded, equity-driven leader who builds trust through strong communication, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to the communities served. The ED will guide the organization through this leadership change with care, humility, and purpose. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Strategic and Visionary Leadership
• Partner with the Board and senior team to set organizational strategy, drive programmatic effectiveness, and ensure the conditions necessary for sustainability and growth within a complex, evolving landscape.
• Oversee projections for staffing, infrastructure, and funding needs.
• Formulate and administer policies and operational procedures across all departments.
• Monitor and evaluate progress against goals, adjusting plans as necessary to achieve results.
• Provide guidance, authorization, and support to staff to implement major initiatives.
• Financial Oversight
• Oversee the development and management of a $7 million operating budget.
• Monitor investments, expenditures, and contract compliance.
• Ensure financial systems meet all regulatory requirements, and that reporting to the Board and funders is timely and accurate.
• Fundraising & Resource Development
• In partnership with the Development Assistant and Board, lead the creation and execution of a robust fundraising strategy that is compatible with Family Paths' primary role as a government contractor.
• Identify, pursue, and secure government contracts, foundation grants, and individual donor support.
• Serve as a compelling spokesperson and relationship-builder to inspire investment in Family Path's mission.
• Community Partnerships & Contracts
• Ensure that Family Paths fulfills all obligations under its contracts with government agencies, including reporting requirements.
• Sustain and expand networks with key stakeholders in the community.
• Serve as the primary liaison with governmental agencies and community partners, advocating for Family Paths and the families it serves.
• Facilitate collaboration with public and private entities to develop culturally relevant and responsive programs.
• Oversee contract negotiations and ensure programs meet or exceed requirements.
• Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture
• Promote a culturally competent, community-centered workplace that attracts, develops, and retains top talent.
• Hire, mentor, and evaluate a strong leadership team, with clear succession planning.
• Delegate appropriately while maintaining overall accountability for performance, policy adherence, and staff well-being.
• Strengthen communication and coordination by leading cross-functional management meetings and maintaining clear internal and external communication channels.
• Foster a dynamic culture of service, engagement, and learning for all employees with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Board Engagement
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors.
• Keep the Board fully informed of organizational performance, risks, trends, and emerging opportunities or challenges.
• Support Board development, recruitment, and governance structures to ensure effectiveness and engagement.
• Facilities & Infrastructure
• Oversee facility ownership, leasing, and maintenance, including the Grove Building, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory, and loan requirements.
• Ensure that physical and technical infrastructure supports operational excellence.

Traits and characteristics desired:

The ED will provide strategic direction and organizational leadership by articulating a clear vision, fostering a healthy and inclusive culture, setting measurable goals, and empowering the senior team to excel. As an emotionally intelligent and equity-driven leader, the ED will inspire and motivate Family Paths' dedicated workforce while cultivating meaningful relationships across the broader community.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven ability to build and support high-functioning teams, coach and mentor staff, and lead through influence rather than authority. They will be a strong communicator, both in writing and speaking, with the ability to navigate conflict, analyze complex challenges, and make thoughtful, data-informed decisions.

With a collaborative, community-responsive approach, the ED will advance operational, programmatic, and fundraising goals aligned with the organization's mission. The ideal candidate will know when to step back and trust the expertise of leadership and frontline teams, and when to engage directly, modeling problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Deeply rooted in Alameda County, the ED will bring a strong connection to the communities served and apply an equity lens to all aspects of organizational leadership and clinical practice.

Career track leading to this position:

The ideal candidate will bring senior-level nonprofit leadership experience, including a successful track record in fundraising, managing risk, overseeing program budgets, guiding organizational growth, and ensuring compliance with state and federal contracts. Experience managing through organizational change is highly valued as well as the ability to lead remote and hybrid teams effectively. While a clinical degree is not required, the candidate should have experience managing clinical teams and working knowledge of clinical operations, including compliance with HIPAA, trauma-informed care, and systems impacting children and families. Familiarity with the Bay Area or similarly diverse, urban, and multicultural communities is highly valued, along with a deep understanding of working in and alongside communities that have been historically marginalized. This role will require a regular on-site presence, and the Executive Director will engage meaningfully with staff and community partners.

Education and certifications:

A master's degree in clinical psychology or a related field is preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.

Compensation:

The annual salary range for this position is $195,000-215,000. Relocation assistance, if needed, is negotiable. A comprehensive benefits package will be provided.