Remote Interim Executive Director Mental Health Advocacy

MHAS SEEKS INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – APPLY IMMEDIATELY
Annual Salary
$160,000+ dependent on experience
Organization Overview
Mental Health Advocacy Services (MHAS) is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and advance the legal rights of low-income adults and children with mental health disabilities and empower them to assert those rights to maximize their autonomy, achieve equity, and secure the resources they need to thrive. MHAS assists both children and adults, with an emphasis on obtaining government benefits and services, protecting rights, and fighting discrimination.

MHAS also serves as a resource to the community by providing training and technical assistance to attorneys, mental health professionals, consumer and family member groups, and other advocates. Finally, MHAS participates in impact litigation and policy work to improve the lives of people with mental health disabilities.
Four Day Work Week, Fringe Benefits, & Work Culture
On January 1, 2023, MHAS proudly and permanently adopted a four-day work week. After completing a six-month trial of a four-day work week in 2022, MHAS found what almost all other companies that have moved to a four day work week have found: the four-day work week improves organization productivity and employee health, reduces gender inequality, and creates a more sustainable work environment.

All full-time MHAS employees work four, eight-hour days per week. The MHAS office is closed on Fridays.Other benefits include paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; employee health, dental, vision, long term disability, and life insurance; and parking/transit fare reimbursement.

MHAS is proud of its collegial, family-friendly culture that respects the work/life balance of its employees. MHAS also provides employees with frequent wellness opportunities, including training on stress management and mindfulness, group meditation, and regular, informal staff gatherings.

MHAS advocates work remotely with access to the MHAS headquarters office as needed. MHAS equips all employees working from home with needed technology and other office supplies. All staff must be vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.
Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the key management leader of MHAS, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization's operations, programs, fundraising, and strategy. The ED will work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to ensure the organization's mission is fulfilled through strategic planning, program development, community outreach, and financial sustainability. This is a highly visible leadership role requiring a visionary leader who is passionate about mental health advocacy and skilled in nonprofit management.

This is a remote position but we are looking for someone who resides in the State of California and ideally in Southern California for occasional in-person needs (signing checks, etc…)
Timeline
MHAS is looking for someone who is available to begin immediately and, ideally, no later than September
2. This is an interim position that will likely take place from September 2-December 31, 2025. The MHAS Board of Directors will be undergoing a lengthier search for the next Executive Director this fall, with the goal of having the next Executive Director begin January 1, 2026. The person who fills the Interim ED role will be welcome to apply for the ED role if they so choose.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement a strategic vision that aligns with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Lead MHAS’s efforts to identify emerging issues, trends, and opportunities in mental health advocacy.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation within the organization.
• Act as the primary spokesperson for MHAS, representing the organization to stakeholders, partners, and the public.

• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of MHAS’s programs and services to ensure effectiveness and alignment with the mission.
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and professional standards in all program areas.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community…