Executive Director: Community Mental Health & Growth Leader

Executive Director

Independence Center

St. Louis, Missouri

The Moran Company is pleased to partner with Independence Center to recruit the organization's next Executive Director.

Organizational Background

Independence Center (IC) is a community behavioral health organization that is committed to helping adults manage the challenges associated with serious and persistent mental illness. Founded on the Clubhouse model of psycho-social rehabilitation, IC provides a comprehensive, whole-person continuum of care that integrates social rehabilitation, clinical therapy, outpatient psychiatric services, care coordination, transitional and permanent supportive housing, and competitive employment programs.

In addition to the Clubhouse, IC offers additional programs and services to meet and support member needs.

Accredited by both the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and Clubhouse International, the Independence Center Clubhouse is one of the largest and strongest among over 330 Clubhouses worldwide and stands as one of only five designated Clubhouse International Training Centers in the United States. In this capacity, the organization runs immersive Colleague Training sessions throughout the year, hosting global delegations to help them implement and enhance the Clubhouse model in their local communities.

To support its extensive mission, Independence Center operates a multi-tiered service ecosystem. The organization has achieved substantial programmatic scale, historically serving over 1,500 individuals annually, and continues to expand its clinical and operational boundaries to address emerging community needs. IC is dedicated to empowering adults living with serious mental illness to manage symptoms, find belonging and purpose, and gain the independence to live a healthy, quality life.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (E.D.) serves as the chief executive officer of Independence Center. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the E.D. provides visionary leadership, operational oversight, financial stewardship, community representation, and strategic growth management. The E.D. ensures high-quality and mission-driven services while strengthening partnerships, expanding funding streams, and cultivating a thriving organizational culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Growth Management: Guide strategic growth initiatives and program expansion, including the exploration of improved community responsiveness, clinical best practices, and data-driven outcomes. Seek out innovative solutions to mental health care trends while continuing the organization’s commitment to meeting community needs such as housing and other services.
• Personnel Management and Culture Building: Oversee a multidisciplinary leadership team responsible for rehabilitative, clinical, residential, financial, compliance, human resource, and development functions. The leadership team includes eight managers and a development team of three.
• Community & Network Leadership: Serve as the public face of the organization locally and nationally. This includes an active board relationship with the Behavioral Health Network, the Department of Mental Health, the Missouri Behavioral Health Council, and various other mental health partnerships. Increase awareness of Independence Center by participating in various networking groups.
• Board Governance: Partner closely with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance, transparency, and strategic alignment.
• Financial Stewardship, Quality & Compliance, People-First Culture: Ensure fiscal integrity, diversified funding, quality outcomes, regulatory compliance, and a psychologically safe workplace. Provide administrative leadership to the finance,…