Executive Director - Center for Individual and Family Therapy

Organization: Center for Individual and Family Therapy
Location: Orange County, California
Reports To: Board of Directors
FLSA Status: Exempt (Full-Time)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of CIFT, will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, spiritual guidance, and comfortably and proactively promote the organization. This will ensure the organization fulfills its mission of providing Christ-centered, clinically sound integrated counseling and mental health services to a growing number of individuals, couples, and families in Orange County and beyond.

The Executive Director will oversee all aspects of organizational management; however, the ideal candidate will focus extensively on promoting CIFT’s culture and mission both internally and externally with our key constituents. Being a Relational Promoter is essential for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Vision & Leadership
   • Lead the organization in alignment with its Christian mission, values, and statement of faith.
   • Collaborate with the Board of Directors and Senior Leadership to set and implement strategic goals and long-term vision.
   • Foster a culture of excellence, compassion, integrity, and spiritual growth among staff and clients.
   • Serve as the CIFT’s ambassador and promoter within both the Christian community and broader local community.
     
     
2. Organizational & Operational Management
   • Oversee day-to-day operations, including marketing, clinical programs, administration, and facilities.
   • Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations governing mental health and nonprofit organizations.
   • Implement effective systems for measuring program impact, client outcomes, and operational efficiency.
   • Supervise senior leadership and provide mentorship and accountability to all staff and therapists.
     
     
3. Financial Management
   • Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Director of Operations and the Board.
   • Ensure sound financial practices, transparency, and stewardship of resources.
   • Oversee fundraising, donor relations, and grant management.
   • Build sustainable revenue streams through services, partnerships, and community support.
   • Comfortably drive CIFT’s external growth.
     
     
4. Clinical Oversight & Program Development
   • Support the Clinical Director and therapy staff in maintaining excellence in client care and adherence to ethical and faith-integrated standards.
   • Identify emerging community mental health needs and develop new programs or partnerships in response that grow revenue.
   • Encourage professional development and continuing education among staff and clinicians.
   • Continue to develop oneself clinically and professionally through relevant continuing education, up-to-date licensure and ongoing therapeutic work with clients limited to no more than 10 sessions per week.
     
     
5. Board Relations
   
   • Report regularly to the Board on organizational performance, challenges, and opportunities.
   • Partner with the Board to ensure effective governance and compliance with bylaws and mission.
   • Facilitate strategic planning and board development initiatives.
     
     
6. Community Engagement & Ministry Partnerships
   • Personally create, build and maintain relationships with local churches, Christian schools, community organizations, and donors.
   • Represent the organization at community events, church gatherings, and mental health conferences.
   • Serve as a spokesperson for Christian approaches to mental and emotional health.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; master's degree in psychology, counseling, business administration, nonprofit management, or theology preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience, preferably within a faith-based or nonprofit mental health organization.
• Experience managing multi-staff teams and clinical operations.
• Proven success in fundraising, financial management, and strategic planning.

Spiritual & Personal Qualifications

• A committed follower of Jesus Christ with a mature and active faith.
• Agreement with the organization’s Statement of Faith and commitment to integrate biblical principles in leadership and counseling practice.
• Demonstrated integrity, humility, and servant leadership.
• Ability to build trusted relationships across diverse Christian traditions and community sectors.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong track record of increasing revenue profitably, growing donors and growing relationships that are mutually beneficial.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Visionary leadership with practical execution ability.
• Skilled in nonprofit financial management and fundraising.
• Understanding clinical therapy environments, licensing, and best practices.
• Compassionate interpersonal skills and ability to lead through grace and accountability.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience ($100,000–$150,000 annually, depending on qualifications and job history).
• Company contribution toward group medical insurance.
• Access to supplemental employee funded health and retirement benefits.
• Paid time off, holidays, and spiritual retreat opportunities.
• Flexible schedule as needed for ministry and community events.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a statement of faith. After reviewing the received documents, an application may be sent.