History and Background

RMHCSC is a $20+ million nonprofit governed by the Board of Directors.  In January 2022 Fatima Djelmane Rodriguez, the former Executive Director for Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times transitioned to CEO of RMHCSC following the 9-year tenure of Vincent Bryson as CEO and 13 years as the Executive Director of the LA Ronald McDonald House. A successful fundraiser herself, Rodriguez is energized by the growth of RMHCSC.

The Executive Director is responsible for providing leadership and management for one or more program(s).  Working in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Trustees (an advisory board vs. the RMHCSC Board of Directors, which is the governing fiduciary board), the Executive Director will oversee a $1.9 million dollar budget for a house that, for more than 14 years, has accommodated up to 23 families, at one time, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Last year the LBRMH served more than 1,300 guests, providing 4,537 family nights and 254 meals, with an average length of stay of 10 nights.

As a senior management team member, the new Executive Director will establish and lead a diversified fund development program with an emphasis on building a sustainable long-term philanthropy program. The ED will provide the CEO and board with a comprehensive plan that will boost revenue and strengthen relationships with key partners. They will have a demonstrated track record of growth, partnership development, budget and fiscal management and systems evaluation. They will also ensure success in development/fundraising, board development, program management, supervision of employees, marketing, and general non-profit business operations. 

They must possess intellectual horsepower and be naturally persuasive and fair, and value accountability for themselves and others. They will be engaging and thoughtful and lead based on a sense of core ethics of collaboration and a drive for excellence.

They will further develop a dedicated advisory board of trustees committed to introducing their network of relationships to this beloved organization with a clear mission and strong case for support.  With the support of the CEO, the successful Executive Director will create KPI’s to track and evaluate effective implementation of successful practices across all levels of the organization. The ED will also oversee wealth screening and identify potential corporate partnerships and create strategic activation opportunities for current partners.

The Opportunity

Building upon RMHCSC distinguished brand, the Executive Director will lead the vision and strategy for the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House. The Executive Director will prepare for significant growth in revenue. The Executive Director serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and is responsible for designing, implementing, and executing philanthropic programs and initiatives directed to meet the short and long-term financial needs of the House.  The Leadership Team is also actively involved in the overall visioning and direction of the larger RMHCSC chapter.

Position Description

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall success of the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House (LBRMH) in alignment with the direction of the larger RMHCSC chapter and global RMHC. The ED will bring energy, commitment, and innovation to drive LBRMH’s enhanced Board development, and community engagement. The ED is expected to promote a collaborative, revenue-oriented culture supporting the CEO and organizational leadership in cultivating high-capacity donors on a consistent basis. The ED will lead the development and execution of impactful fund development strategies for LBRMH’s individual donors, corporations, and foundations.

Responsibilities

Development and Fundraising

• Lead the house’s development strategies to support the $1.9 million budget.

• Develop and manage a diversified funding base (with a focus of diversifying current reliance on event revenue), including a comprehensive fund development plan that identifies prospects, donors, and community partners.

• Oversee and implement LBRMH’s donor advancement plan to encourage increased levels of giving and develop a formal major giving program.

• Direct special events and serve as the spokesperson at key events, including the annual Walk for Kids and Gala.

• Collaborate with the CEO and other Executive Directors on chapter-wide initiatives and donor identification.

• Oversee the management and use of Raiser’s Edge, ensuring proper input, maintenance, and reporting of donor and prospect records.

• Ensure alignment of philanthropy and fund development with the organization’s values, mission, and strategic plans.

• Develop and oversee tailored solicitation programs to attract, retain, and motivate donors and volunteers.

• Direct the development and writing of foundation, corporate, and government proposals and solicitation materials.

• Ensure timely donor acknowledgments, stewardship, and recognition.

House Operations & Family-Centered Care

• Oversee all aspects of house operations to ensure a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for families.

• Ensure the delivery of outstanding, family-centered programs and services consistent with the mission and policies of RMHCSC and RMHC Global.

• Implement and maintain best practices in house operations, ensuring that the highest standards of care and support are provided to the families.

• Manage relationships with Partner Hospitals and other medical partners to ensure seamless integration of services and support for families.

• Oversee and track the house’s replacement reserves, ensuring that adequate funds are allocated and maintained for the long-term upkeep and necessary capital improvements of the facility.

• Monitor reserve levels regularly to ensure the house remains in optimal condition and is prepared for future needs.

Board & Leadership Collaboration

• Manage and cultivate a strong board of directors in partnership with the CEO.

• Effectively manage and engage the board of directors, ensuring they are fully informed and understand the strategic importance of the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House as part of the larger Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California (RMHCSC).

• Foster a strong connection between the board’s goals and the overarching mission of RMHCSC, emphasizing the house’s role in contributing to the collective impact and success of the entire organization.

• Partner with the Board Chair to plan agendas and materials for board meetings and annual retreats.

• Assist the board in evaluating performance and determining accountabilities for members and fundraising volunteers.

• Collaborate with the board to identify potential Directors for the LBRMH Board of Trustees.

• Build and strengthen relationships with McDonald’s Owner/Operators, Partner Hospitals, and other key stakeholders.

Employee Management & Program Delivery

• Cultivate a supportive and inclusive work environment that promotes team morale, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the mission.

• Implement initiatives to recognize and celebrate staff and volunteer achievements, and ensure that the house culture reflects respect, compassion, and a family-centered approach in all interactions.

• Provide leadership, supervision, and goal-setting for all staff and volunteers, ensuring their professional development.

• Oversee proper hiring, staff oversite, and any necessary coaching or counseling actions.

• Encourage staff and volunteer development and education to enhance the quality of services provided.

• Ensure that all programs and services reflect the commitment to family-centered care.

Leadership, Management, & Administration

• Develop and monitor a 3-5 year plan consistent with RMHCSC strategic plan.

• Actively contribute as a collaborative member of the RMHCSC Leadership Team.

• Prepare and oversee the annual budget, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic goals.

• Ensure sound financial and risk management systems in collaboration with the COO and Chapter Director of Finance and Administration.

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertinent to nonprofit organizations.

• Provide monthly written reports to the CEO and at Trustee meetings.

Marketing, PR, & Communications

• Develop and implement marketing and communication plans, managing local media relations.

• Oversee the creation of event programs, brochures, and other publications to enhance LBRMH’s visibility.

• Serve as a key steward of medical partner relationships and ensure a robust social media presence and stakeholder communication strategy.

Other Responsibilities

• Execute all other duties as assigned by the CEO

Qualifications

• Proven leadership, vision, imagination, and integrity.

• Minimum of 7 to 10 years of senior management experience with increasing levels of responsibility, including direct stewardship of a board of directors.

• 7 years of successful major gift fundraising with individuals and corporations; capital campaign experience preferred.

• Strategic and hands-on experience in cultivating, managing, and segmenting donors, with a record of quantifiable success in development.

• Demonstrated ability to plan and operate strategically, build public support, strengthen infrastructure, inspire staff and board members, and develop effective programs.

• Experience in systems operations, financial/budgeting processes, and building out a team focused on organizational capacity.

• Proficiency in managing CRM platforms, with Raiser’s Edge experience preferred, including supporting effective use, data entry, and training on the platform.

• Exceptional financial, organizational, and administrative skills, with the ability to plan, set goals, and follow through effectively.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with and gain the respect of varied constituencies, including staff, board members, potential donors, and volunteers.

• Effective communicator with a track record in writing proposals, solicitation letters, donor correspondence, and other materials to enhance fundraising efforts.

• Flexibility to work collaboratively as part of a team while managing multiple responsibilities.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel; database software experience, particularly with Raiser’s Edge, is preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree or experience equivalent.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following capabilities

• Commitment to the mission and work of the RMHCSC with the credibility and persuasiveness to secure support from others.

• Familiarity with the philanthropic landscape of the Long Beach area. 

• A manager who leads by example and exemplifies the values and ethics of the organization.

• An organized individual with strong creative and conceptual skills.

• A doer who functions effectively without being autocratic or political; must be a team player who is inclusive, flexible, creative, energetic, and fair-minded.

• A decisive and resourceful individual with the willingness to accept responsibility and take charge of results; able to work successfully with limited resources.

• A self-starter who is confident enough to express opinions, forging ahead when appropriate and holding back, when necessary, with a sensitivity to the feelings and opinions of others.

• An energetic person who is emotionally mature and dependable, a collegial individual.

• Being bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

Compensation

• A salary range of $145,000 to $160,000 and up to 10% bonus, plus a competitive compensation package will be offered to attract an outstanding candidate.