Presents

President/CEO ~ Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans

Ballinger|Leafblad is proud to present the following information on behalf of our client,
Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV).
www.ballingerleafblad.com

www.mac-v.org

PRESENTING OUR CLIENT ~

Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that
has been offering support and assistance to veterans for more than 25 years. Each year MACV
receives upwards of 25,000 contacts, inquiries, and requests from veterans across the state.
In 2015, MACV comprehensively served thousands of veterans and their families throughout
Minnesota, many of whom were homeless or experiencing a crisis that could lead to
homelessness. The need for these services continues to rise. Many homeless and veterans
organizations recognize MACVs transitional and permanent housing programs as a model for
the nation. MACV has a passion for serving those in Minnesota who first served us.
The organization looks for the barriers veterans have faced, how they overcame those
barriers, and what they are doing now to help other veterans deal with those same issues.
Homelessness and its consequences are leading causes of personal and family suffering, and
result in major healthcare and social costs. MACV exists to directly help veterans and their
families affected by homelessness or those in danger of becoming homeless. It also strives to
serve, inform, educate and train others to carry a message of hope. As a result, MACV aims to
set a national standard for respectfully meeting housing and supportive services needs of
veterans, while maintaining the dignity of all those involved.
Through outreach offices in Minneapolis, Duluth, and Mankato, MACV provides and coordinates
services for veterans in need throughout the entire state of Minnesota.
Following is the overall demographic breakout of MACV clients:
Men 88 percent Women 12 percent
Veterans with families seeking assistance 25 percent of the total clients
Veterans from conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq 33 percent of total clients (and this number is
rising)
Veterans with a disability 70 percent of total clients
MACV provides a structured assistance program, giving the veteran support to once again
become a productive member of the community, confidence to rebuild relationships, and
assurance that the community recognizes and cares about them and their service to our
country.

MISSION, CORE VALUES AND VISION ~

Mission
To provide assistance throughout Minnesota to positively motivated veterans and their families
who are homeless or experiencing other life crises.
Core Values
MACV believes:

In promoting the respect and dignity of veterans in need through caring and teamwork.
That homelessness and prevention of homelessness are multi-dimensional
circumstances requiring a multi-disciplinary, holistic approach for recovery.
Sober living provides the context for action and foundation for multi-dimensional,
holistic recovery.
In valuing our history.
Veterans who have honorably served our country deserve all the support and resources
the community can provide in dealing with critical issues.
In being leaders, and requiring professional acumen and integrity from all staff and
board members.
Innovation, collaboration, and continuing education are essential in meeting these
veterans needs.
As stewards of community resources, MACV strives to avoid duplicating existing services
and to ensure all funds are used as effectively as possible.
No veteran in need will be turned away without doing everything feasible with available
resources to get the assistance needed.

Vision

MACV Is recognized as a state-wide leader in addressing homelessness, and in homeless

prevention among veterans through innovative programs, key partnerships, and
effective advocacy.
MACV provides a broad continuum of supportive and low-income housing options and
innovative employment programs to promote financial independence of the veterans
served, and assists, supports and inspires veterans experiencing homelessness to
achieve and contribute toward their goals for housing and employment.
MACV leads efforts to engage all sectors in advancing an advocacy agenda that
promotes housing as a basic human right.
MACV builds on its unique relationships with its key supporters to create a community
engaged in ending and preventing homelessness.
MACV develops and maintains consistent and sustainable funding through diversified
sources to include recurring annual fundraising events.

PROGRAMS ~
Assistance
MACV is dedicated to honoring those who
served us first. MACV does not duplicate
any services already available through
federal, state or county veteran benefits.
The first step is to connect a veteran with
the Veterans Administration for medical and
mental health benefits, and the county and
state for access to those programs.
However, there are gaps in these services
primarily housing and employment support.
MAVC offers assistance with the following:
Mortgage
Rent
Utilities
Transportation
Food
Employment
Legal Referrals (Vetlaw)
Vetlaw
Vetlaw was created to address legal issues
that can present a barrier to employment or

housing once other immediate needs are

met. These issues can include unlawful
detainer/evictions, child support, DUI/DWI,
drivers license suspension/revocation, back
taxes, or defaulted student loans. Since the
program began in November of 2003, there
have been nearly 800 files opened for
veterans in the MACV program. These files
represent individual legal issues for more
than 450 individual veterans served.
Housing
MACV offers Structured Independent Living
(SIL) Houses for many clients who show a
desire to live a sober life after drug and
alcohol treatment. The length of stay varies,
and is dependent on the circumstances, but
the maximum stay is two years. The
programs name is significant because it
combines two important concepts:
Independence and Structure. SIL House
residents have been deemed eligible and
appropriate for independent living. This
means they are responsible for the

management of the normal duties that arise

in almost any other independent housing
environment.
The program is simple; yet following it is not
always easy. Recovery is too often lost amid
the pressures of daily living. Without
structure, discipline and a supportive
environment, the recovering person may
become discouraged and confused, and
revert to the old ways of thinking, and
ultimately relapse. Conversely, the personal
experience of the power of a 12-step
recovery program and the benefits that
follow become motivation for continued
sobriety and growth.
MACV provides a structured program, giving
the homeless veteran the support to again
become a productive member of the
community, the knowledge that the
community cares, and the confidence to
build relationships. It is intended to give
back to veterans the way of life she or he
fought to preserve.
MACV has several SIL Houses, which are
located in St. Cloud, Richfield, Minneapolis,
St. Paul, Maplewood, and Duluth. Currently
some houses are sponsored with funding by
Wells Fargo Bank, Donaldson Company, and
the Disabled American Veterans.
Building 47
A 13-bed residential facility run by MACV
Metro provides safe, clean and structured
housing for homeless single male veterans
in the Twin Cities Metro Area
Permanent Supportive Housing
In 2006, 11 units of permanent supportive
housing were opened in Mankato. The

Permanent Supportive Housing program

provides long-term, community-based
housing and supportive services for
homeless veterans with disabilities. The
intent of this program is to enable disabled
veterans to live as independently as possible
in a permanent setting. Supportive services
may be provided by the agency managing
the housing or another public or private
service agency.
MACV Duluth and Duluth Veterans' Place
The Duluth office moved into its new
location in December of 2010. The
renovation project, which was a partnership
between MACV and the Northern
Communities Land Trust (NCLT), was
completed in March of 2011. Duluth
Veterans Place has 11 permanent housing
units, four transitional housing units, and
one transitional disabled accessible unit.
Supportive services for veterans are
provided onsite, and MACV Duluths
administrative offices are housed in one of
the buildings. All of MACV Duluth's services
are available in one convenient location.
Emergency Assistance
To be eligible for services, clients must be a
veteran with a minimum of 181 days of
active duty service. For most programs,
MACV follows the same eligibility criteria as
the Minnesota Department of Veterans
Affairs. The veteran must be a Minnesota
resident (for at least 30 days) and either
homeless, or at imminent risk of becoming
homeless, and must be motivated to make
positive change. To be eligible for housing
assistance, the veteran should pay no more
than 30 percent of their income toward
monthly housing expenses.

Once a case file has been opened, income

verified and eligibility determined,
payments are made directly to the service
provider (i.e. utility company, landlord,
mortgage holder) on the clients
behalf. Generally, emergency assistance is
provided on behalf of clients on a one-time
basis in which the payment is considered to
resolve the current crisis. All services are
confidential, and release of information for
any purpose requires formal written
consent by the client.
StandDown
The original StandDown for homeless
veterans was modelled after the
StandDown concept used during the
Vietnam War to provide a safe retreat for
units returning from combat operations. At
secure base camp areas, troops were able
to take care of personal hygiene, get clean
uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive
medical and dental care, mail and receive

letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends

in a safe environment. StandDown afforded
battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to
renew their spirit, health and overall sense
of well-being.
That purpose still stands today when MACV
hosts a StandDown for homeless veterans
and those experiencing an issue which has
become a barrier in their lives. The idea is to
bring many services to one location and
make them more accessible to all veterans
who otherwise may not seek out services or
take advantage of benefits due to them.
MACV hosts a number of StandDown events
throughout the state during the year. The
Metro StandDown is a two-day event; the
other MACV StandDowns held throughout
the year are one-day events. These events
offer the same one-stop services. This ability
to gather so much information and receive
assistance from multiple agencies at one
time is what makes each MACV StandDown
such a huge asset to veterans.

PRESENTING THE POSITION OF PRESIDENT/CEO ~

Reports to: Board of Directors
Evaluation: Annually by the Board Chair/Executive Committee
Location: Headquarters St. Paul
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and communicate a vision and strategies for ending homelessness among
veterans in Minnesota; inspire others and secure and organize the resources necessary
to achieve that vision.
Develop and implement the organizations financial strategy, including obtaining private
and public dollars to finance the activities of the organization, managing the funds to
achieve organizational goals effectively, sustaining the organization and seeking
opportunities to increase the accomplishments of the organization.
Maintain positive and proactive relationships with local and national stakeholders
including funders, governmental leaders, advocacy organizations, provider
organizations, and other leaders in the community working to end homelessness.
Oversee the organizations programmatic vision that coordinates service delivery,
including primary providers, other community supporters, supportive housing and
participant self-determination, that will result in positive outcomes for participants.
Ensure implementation of systems to evaluate whether the organization is achieving its
mission, including to what degree the organization contributes to improving the lives of
participants, and insure these services are provided in a cost-effective manner.
Oversee an engaged community involvement strategy to get community feedback on
the organizations strategies.
Effectively lead team members to achieve the mission of the organization, including
hiring and supervising staff and consultants, and working well with the MACV Board of
Directors.

DUTIES & EXPECTATIONS

General:
The President/CEO is responsible for the strategic leadership of MACV, including hiring and
supervising office and managerial staff, implementing strategic and operational programs,
overseeing fundraising and development activities, supervising distribution of grant funds,
assuring fiscal and compliance integrity, and leadership of the organization in harmony with the
organizations values and in furtherance of the mission statement of the organization.
The President/CEO will be responsible for leading the organization through technological
change and political/funding challenges. The President/CEO reports to and is evaluated annually
by the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans Board of Directors.

Specifics:
The President/CEO of MACV provides overall leadership and guidance to the organization as it
serves veterans throughout Minnesota. This role works closely with board chair and executive
committee. Most importantly, the President/CEO will be the point person for all public and
private discourse and will act as the voice of MACV with a variety of stakeholders. The
President/CEO strategically identifies and works with public, private, and nonprofit partners
integral to providing supportive services to veterans and family members.
The President/ CEO provides leadership and management related to staff and programs
associated with the organizations goals, and provides oversight and functional control of all
grants. The President/ CEO manages and provides controls for maximizing all assets and funds
entrusted to MACV, and is responsible for ongoing coordination with all governmental entities
in support of the MACV mission.
The President/CEO is responsible for establishing an ongoing corporate program to solicit
private support. While fundraising is not the primary goal of the leader, it is understood that
generating operating dollars through alliances and corporate donors is a necessary role
inherent to the position. The President/CEO establishes and maintains a professional
organizational image through communications, information systems, and electronic tools and
media, and ensures MACV achieves and maintains statewide recognition in a number of
important sectors.
Primary Objectives of the Position:
This position is comprised of five main areas of responsibility:
1) Leader: Advising the board, and advocating and promoting community change related
to the mission; motivates the staff in achievement of the organizations programs and
operations.
2) Communicator: Ensures staff and board have meaningful and up-to-date information;
looks to the future for change opportunities; interfaces with board and staff; interfaces
between organization and community.
3) Decision Maker: Formulates policies and planning recommendations to the board;
decides or guides courses of action in operations by staff.
4) Manager: Oversees operations of organization; implements plans; manages team
members; manages financial and physical resources.
5) Board Developer: Assists in selection and evaluation of board members; makes
recommendations and supports board during self-evaluation.

Other Position Responsibilities:

A. Financial Management
This function includes overall direction for all financial management, accounting, and budgeting
functions. The CEO develops financial procedures and directs their implementation. He or she
manages all financial and accounting activities. The CEO provides leadership and guidance
related to consulting relationships and the organizational audit.
B. Programs/Grants
The CEO oversees the organizational grants function. This includes oversight of reports and
audits as well as relationships with funders to include the Department of Labor, HUD, Health &
Human Services, EFSP, and the MN Dept. of Veterans Affairs. The role is instrumental in setting
direction and leading an effective grant and program process.
C. Human Resources
The CEO is responsible for leadership of the organization, including all human resources
activities. The CEO develops and implements recruitment, selection, compensation, benefits,
employee relations, policies, and training and development programs.
D. Management & Administration
The CEO position currently includes the following direct reports: Administrative Director and
Program Director. Maintains all Board of Director policies, procedures, support, and
information. This role is involved on organizational committees such as Homeless Management
Information System, Continuum of Care meetings, and others as appropriate.
E. Community Activities
The CEO will have a curiosity and learning lens on the sector. He or she will assess the impact of
current programs on the community and will seek out and maintain effective relationships with
community, professional, technical, and government agencies to achieve high-quality services
for the veterans to promote the mission of the organization.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Strategy
Strategic thinking skills and the ability to identify trends, and collaboratively develop
strategies to address needs.
Experience setting strategy and direction and working with a board of directors.

10

Relationships and Leadership

Demonstrated leadership ability, including supervisory experience, and experience working
in collaboration with multiple parties with diverse interests.
Experience forming and maintaining strong working relationships with a variety of
stakeholders. A strong understanding of when to lead and when to let others lead.
Ability to lead and cultivate the team approach of the organization. Commitment to support
and recognize the contributions of other members of the team.
Communications
Excellent oral and written communications skills.
Exceptional skills with public speaking, persuasion and advocacy.
Strong influencing skills both within and outside the organization. Ability to drive consensus.
Financial
Experience in fiscal management, including complex financial statements, budgets and
contracts. Ability to manage risk and envision financial models that meet the needs of
multiple stakeholders.
Demonstrated fundraising ability in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Policy and Program
Programmatic leadership experience including policy development.
Personal Attributes
Ability to empathize and communicate effectively with people who are homeless.
Ability to demonstrate grace under pressure.
Have a sense of humor and know when to use it.
Uphold the highest level of integrity with people and information.

PRESENTING THE TWIN CITIES OF SAINT PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA ~

The Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis are a unique blend of small town and major
cosmopolitan hub. Both urban cores boast a thriving business atmosphere. Saint Paul, as the
state capital, is home to state government and has a more historical vibe. Minneapolis is the
larger and more commercial of the two cities. Outside of the central downtowns however, both
cities have many distinct neighborhoods and residents identify more with their individual
neighborhood than with the larger city as a whole.

11

Both cities share a common root of being river towns and the outdoors are a major attraction
for residents and tourists alike. In addition to the mighty Mississippi River, there are more than
100 lakes (more than 900 when including the suburbs), more than 250 parks and miles of biking
and walking trails. Nearly every weekend in the summer there are several outdoor events for
participants and spectators--triathlons, biking races, running races, boat races, water skiing
competitions, golf tournaments and more.
The active lifestyle of Twin Cities residents doesn't lie dormant during the winter either.
There are miles of cross-country skiing trails, several downhill ski areas within an hours drive,
ice skating, snowmobile riding, sledding, and--of course--ice fishing.
For those who prefer activity of the spectator variety, the Twin Cities is home to several major
sports teams: Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Timberwolves,
Minnesota Lynx, Minnesota United FC (soccer), and Minnesota Swarm (lacrosse).
There is also a minor league baseball team, the Saint Paul Saints. The Twin Cities have hosted
the World Series, Super Bowl, NCAA Basketball Finals, the USGA U. S. Open, the PGA
Championships and the Special Olympics. In 2014, Target Field was the setting for baseball's AllStar Game. This year the beautiful Hazeltine Golf Course will host the Ryder Cup and in 2018, the
Super Bowl will be played in a newly built, state-of-the-art stadium.

But the Twin Cities have more to offer than participatory and spectator sporting events. There are
countless arts and culture offerings here. The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra has a
reputation as one of the top orchestras in the world and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra is
regarded as one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world. Since the early 1960s, the Guthrie
Theatre has staged A-plus shows from the classical to the contemporary. Popular national shows
and performers also tour through the Twin Cities year-round at stages in both Minneapolis and
Saint Paul and at the University. There are more than 30 theatre venues, 10 dance companies, and
30 classical music groups in the cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis alone.

12

For the museum-goer, there are more than 60 museums in the Twin Cities. The Science Museum
of Minnesota and the Minnesota Children's Museum (both in Saint Paul) offer highly interactive
learning and fun experiences for the entire family. The Minnesota History Center is an
interactive museum for all ages, with permanent and changing exhibits, lectures and events.
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts has a collection of more than 100,000 pieces. The Walker Art
Center has been called "possibly the best contemporary art museum in the U. S." by Newsweek,
and has more than 11,000 pieces. The University of Minnesota's Weisman Art Museum is also a
contemporary art destination.
Beyond the outdoor, sports, entertainment and culture, perhaps the biggest attraction for the
Twin Cities is the lifestyle. Forbes hailed Saint Paul and Minneapolis as the nation's healthiest
cities. USA Today named Saint Paul as North America's "Most Romantic City. The Twin Cities
offer award-winning restaurants (several chefs have been regional James Beard Award
winners). In addition to the popular Mall of America, there are plenty of unique shopping
districts in both cities and in the suburbs.

BALLINGER|LEAFBLAD WELCOMES YOU CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Diane Steele
Vice President, Executive Recruitment
952-484-4217
dianes@ballingerleafblad.com

Marcia Ballinger, PhD

Co-Founder/Principal
651-341-4840
marcia@ballingerleafblad.com

MACV is an equal opportunity employer and believes each individual is entitled to equal
employment opportunities without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender
identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, religious beliefs, or disability. The
right of equal employment opportunity extends to recruiting, hiring selection, transfer,
promotion, training and all other conditions of employment.