Bill Wilson Center

Santa Clara, CA

Chief Executive Officer

The Bill Wilson Center is in the search for a Chief Executive Officer. Please click to view the full position description or to nominate/apply.

Founded in 1973, the Bill Wilson Center’s ultimate goal is to end youth & family homelessness and poverty in next generations by providing a range of tailored housing, counseling and supportive service solutions that help people develop personal assets and lead independent lives. CEO Sparky Harlan joined the organization in 1983, and has led the organization as its chief executive for almost 40 years. She transformed Bill Wilson Center from an underfunded nonprofit facing a 50% cut to its then $300,000 budget, to one of Santa Clara County’s leading suppliers of wrap-around, comprehensive support services for homeless youth and families, with an emphasis on supporting youth who have interacted with the foster care or juvenile justice systems.

The organization has a staff of 218, a budget of over $30 million, and its 30 programs serve more than 4,700 people annually. Bill Wilson Center “walks the talk” when it comes to assuring representation within its ranks, believing that inclusion at the staff and board level of those with different perspectives, lived experiences, races, competencies, income levels, identities and orientations is central to its success.

The new CEO will be a forward-thinking innovator who can lead the organization to new heights, with three overarching objectives:

  • Financially and otherwise strengthen an already strong Santa Clara County-centered nonprofit providing a continuum of housing, counseling and behavioral health services;
  • Sustainably grow programs and services by expanding services within the current geography and/or by extending the agency’s geographic reach;
  • Advocate within the County, the State, and the Nation for policies and funding that improve housing, counseling and supportive services for youth and families.

We appreciate you sharing the position description with your network, and also any nominations you might have.

For additional information or to apply, please contact Dennis Hanthon, Mark Oppenheim or Kevin Redick at info[at]moppenheim[dot]com

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