Executive Director - Mental Health Client Action Network(MHCAN)

The Organization

The 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 Summary

The 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 Responsibilities

Human 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.)