Hiring for a Chief Executive Officer Position

1. Executive Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Provide overall executive leadership and vision for the Area Agency on Aging in alignment with the mission, governing board directives, and community needs.

• Develop, implement, and monitor short- and long-term strategic plans that address the changing needs of older adults and caregivers.

• Ensure organizational effectiveness, adaptability, and sustainability in a complex regulatory and funding environment.

2. Governance & Board Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison to the governing board and advisory councils.

• Support board development, orientation, and ongoing education regarding fiduciary responsibilities, policy oversight, and aging-related trends.

• Implement board-approved policies and provide timely, accurate information to support informed decision-making.

3. Regulatory Compliance & Program Oversight

• Ensure full compliance with the Older Americans Act, state of Iowa requirements, contracts, grants, and accreditation standards.

• Oversee planning, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of programs and services, including but not limited to:

     o Nutrition services

     o Caregiver support

     o Care management

     o Health promotion

     o Transportation

     o Long-term services and supports

• Ensure quality, accountability, and person-centered service delivery across the planning and service area.

4. Financial Management & Fiscal Stewardship

• Provide oversight of fiscal operations, budgets, audits, and financial reporting.

• Ensure responsible stewardship of public funds, grants, and contracts.

• Identify and pursue diversified funding opportunities to support agency sustainability.

• Maintain strong internal controls, risk management practices, and fiscal transparency.

5. Human Resources & Organizational Management

• Lead, mentor, and support a diverse and multidisciplinary workforce.

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and ethical organizational culture focused on service excellence.

• Oversee recruitment, retention, performance evaluation, and professional development of staff. • Ensure compliance with employment laws, labor agreements, and personnel policies.

6. Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Represent the agency to local, regional, state, and national stakeholders.

• Build and maintain partnerships with service providers, healthcare systems, community organizations, local governments, and advocacy groups.

• Convene stakeholders to improve coordination of services and strengthen the aging services network

7. Advocacy & Public Policy Leadership

• Serve as a visible advocate for older adults, caregivers, and community-based services.

• Monitor policy, legislative, and regulatory developments affecting aging services.

• Provide education and input to policymakers and community leaders regarding the needs of older adults and the role of the AAA.

8. Planning, Data & Performance Management

• Ensure needs assessments, area plans, and service priorities are data-driven and responsive.

• Utilize performance measures, outcomes, and quality improvement processes to guide decision-making.

• Ensure accurate reporting and timely submission of required data to funding and oversight entities.

9. Equity, Access & Person-Centered Services

• Ensure services are accessible, culturally responsive, and equitable across diverse populations and geographic areas.

• Promote person-centered, consumer-directed approaches that honor choice, independence, and dignity.

• Address disparities and emerging needs within the planning and service area.

10. Risk Management & Ethical Leadership

• Identify organizational risks and implement strategies to mitigate legal, financial, operational, and reputational exposure.

• Uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity, and public accountability.

• Ensure compliance with conflict-of-interest, confidentiality, and governance best practices.

1. Bachelor’s degree in public administration, social work, health administration, business administration, nonprofit management, gerontology, or a related field with 10 years experience in Aging Services; a master’s degree public administration, social work, health administration, business administration, nonprofit management, gerontology, or a related field with 5 years experience in Aging Services.

2. Minimum of 5-8 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including senior executive or director-level management in human services, aging services, healthcare administration, nonprofit organizations, or public sector agencies.

3. Demonstrated knowledge of the Older Americans Act (OAA), Medicaid, Medicare, and other federal and state programs impacting older adults and caregivers.

4. Experience working with or within Area Agencies on Aging, state units on aging, councils of governments, or comparable entities.

5. Proven ability to lead complex organizations with multiple funding sources, including federal, state, local, grants, and contracts.

6. Background in financial oversight, budgeting, fiscal accountability, and compliance with public funding requirements.

7. Demonstrated success in strategic planning, program development, performance measurement, and continuous quality improvement.

8. Experience collaborating with governing boards, advisory councils, elected officials, and community stakeholders.

9. Knowledge of Iowa’s aging services network, including coordination with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), service providers, and advocacy organizations.

10. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including older adults, caregivers, staff, policymakers, funders, and the general public.

11. Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, person-centered services, and aging with dignity.

12. Strong leadership skills with a record of building high-performing teams, fostering staff development, and maintaining positive labor relations.

13. Ability to represent the agency professionally at the local, state, and national level.

1. Personality which shows aptness in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff members and representatives of other agencies.

2. Must show evident of aptness and interest in teaching, planning, and evaluation.

3. Must be able to present problems and express self well before groups and individuals.

4. Ability to lead people through rapid change.

5. Demonstrate critical thinking skills.

1. Ability to maintain visual acuity at the level necessary to be able to read standard print and a variety of handwriting.

2. Ability to speak distinctly and verbally present ideas in an organized fashion.

3. Ability to maintain auditory acuity in order to be able to converse on the telephone or in person with people speaking in normal conversational tones.

4. Ability to maintain arm, hand and finger dexterity to be able to write.

Full-Time: Monday – Friday, 40hours/weekly with an approximate start time of 8:00 AM