Chief Executive Officer

Job description

Healthy Community Alliance, Inc. (HCA) is a nonprofit organization based in Gowanda, New York, serving Cattaraugus County, Chautauqua County, and portions of Erie and Wyoming counties. Founded in 1996, HCA is one of 30 rural health networks supported by the New York State Department of Health's Charles D. Cook Office of Rural Health. HCA's mission is to enhance quality of life in rural communities through inclusive partnerships that promote wellness and prevention. HCA provides both direct services and regional support, with programs focused on health access, caregiver and senior services, maternal and infant health, insurance navigation, nutrition, and more. The organization also builds regional capacity through fiscal sponsorship, administrative support, and network coordination. A key feature of HCA's work is its ownership of a multi-use facility in Gowanda. Upper floors house Academy Place Apartments, HUD-supported senior housing, a limited partnership governed by the Academy Place Housing Development Fund Company ("Academy Place"). Community Place LLC, a subsidiary of HCA located on the first floor, serves as a commercial hub for medical, behavioral health, aging services, recreation, and food access. This integrated model reflects HCA's commitment to addressing social drivers of health.

Position Summary

HCA is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to advance its mission to improve quality of life in rural communities through broad-based, inclusive partnerships that support wellness and prevention, lead strategic growth, and maintain high standards of operational performance. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO will offer vision, leadership, and oversight for all operations, programs, and staff. This individual will also serve as a prominent external ambassador, building relationships, leading fund development, and forming community partnerships to strengthen HCA's impact and reputation in addressing rural health disparities.

The ideal candidate is a mission-driven, strategic leader with a proven ability to translate vision into impact. They bring strong organizational and financial management skills, along with experience fostering an inclusive, collaborative culture. They are an effective communicator and relationship-builder, comfortable serving as the organization's public face and cultivating funders, partners, and community stakeholders to support sustainable growth. This individual demonstrates sound judgment, adaptability, and a deep commitment to the organization's values, balancing big-picture thinking with day-to-day operational excellence.

Essential Functions

Leadership & Vision

Uphold and advance HCA's mission, values, and strategic objectives through effective leadership and operational oversight.

Collaborate with the HCA and Academy Place boards and staff to develop and execute long-term strategic initiatives.

Identify opportunities for new programs, partnerships, and earned revenue.

Lead program development and innovation to address emerging community health needs.

Ensure high program quality through regular tracking, evaluation, and reporting on measures of success.

Strengthen HCA's role and visibility as a trusted partner in promoting rural health equity.

Organizational & Personnel Development

Foster a high-performing, compassionate team through effective hiring, management, professional development, and inclusive leadership.

Maintain effective operational systems, including organizational policies, regulatory compliance, and human resource practices.

Lead financial oversight of a $2M operating budget, in partnership with the Director of Finance, ensuring fiscal sustainability, accountability, and accurate reporting.

Board Governance

Cultivate a strong, transparent working relationship with the HCA and APHDFC Boards of Directors.

Support the HCA and Academy Place boards in governance, strategic planning, policy development, and committee work.

Inform and advise the HCA and Academy Place boards regarding current trends, problems, and opportunities that are important to the organization's mission and operations.

Ensure compliance with organizational bylaws and nonprofit best practices.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

Act as lead ambassador and advocate for HCA's mission at local, state, and federal levels.

Develop and maintain strong partnerships with service providers, funders, universities, government entities, and local stakeholders.

Represent HCA in local, regional, and statewide efforts advancing rural health and well-being.

Financial Performance and Resource Development

Lead fundraising strategy across grants, government funding, foundations, and other funding partners while ensuring ongoing viability of current revenue streams.

Work closely with the HCA and Academy Place boards to broaden and diversify funding opportunities and revenue sources.

Develop the annual budget, in cooperation with the Finance Committee, subject to approval by the HCA Board of Directors.

Ensure responsible stewardship of resources, and work with the Finance Committee, Director of Finance, and auditor to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.

Operations

Maintain the necessary financial, human resources, and other management and administrative policies and procedures for the organization

Bring relevant policies to the board of directors for review and approval.

Develop, maintain, and update policies, procedures, and risk management practices essential to running the organization, its affiliates, and facility.

Ensure the legal integrity of the organization, monitoring compliance of the organization with all applicable laws and regulations.

Other

Adhere to all organizational policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Conduct themselves in a professional, ethical, and respectful manner in all interactions.

Maintain a safe work environment and comply with workplace health and safety requirements.

Use organizational resources, equipment, and technology responsibly and appropriately.

Maintain confidentiality of sensitive organizational, employee, client, donor, and financial information.

Perform other duties as needed to support the organization's effective operation.

Qualifications

Minimum of 5 years of proven leadership experience in the nonprofit, human services, or community sector.

Strong background in organizational management and staff development.

Proven ability to think strategically, anticipate opportunities and challenges, and guide organizational direction.

Demonstrated ability to develop community relationships and partnerships.

Proven track record with procurement of grants and contracts.

Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to compellingly articulate the organization’s mission, impact, and value to diverse audiences.

Commitment to serving rural populations and understanding the unique challenges they face.

Familiarity with housing and property management and oversight.

Experience living or working in rural and underserved communities.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in human services, business, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Reliable transportation, a well-maintained, operational personal vehicle, and a valid driver's license are required.

Additional Information

This position requires on-site presence in Gowanda, NY, with remote flexibility.

Interviews will begin in November.

The position will begin in March 2027.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range of $120,000 - $140,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications

Health insurance benefits

401 (k) plan

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.