Momentum for Health
Chief Financial Officer
The Position: Chief Financial Officer Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Location: San Jose, California Overview Momentum for Health ("Momentum") has a long history of addressing behavioral health needs in the community, grounded in core beliefs that emphasize the uniqueness of individuals, the potential for change, and the importance of respect. Today, Momentum is one of the largest providers of behavioral health services, meeting the needs of adults in Santa Clara County. The organization is committed to innovation, evidence-based treatment, and advocacy to reduce stigma around mental health, partnering with clients throughout their recovery journeys. A Compelling Leadership Opportunity Momentum for Health's incoming Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") will participate in the shaping of the future of the organization at a pivotal time of new CEO leadership, organizational transformation, and an era of nationwide reform for behavioral health services. This CFO role at Momentum is an opportunity for a seasoned finance professional to be a confidante, advisor, and thought partner to the CEO on leading strategic organizational growth while ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the organization. This CFO is a key member of the Momentum for Health Executive Team providing strategic thought partnership and guidance on all business matters at organizational and functional levels. As a member of the Executive Team, this professional plays a critical role in the overall management of the organization -- leading a dedicated finance team, participating in informed decision making with peers on the Executive Team, and collaborating with an engaged Board of Directors. Local Origins Founded during a time when mental health treatment primarily occurred in hospitals, Momentum's early efforts aimed to shift care from institutions to community-based settings. In the 1950s, California's state hospitals housed over 36,000 individuals, often without due process. Research began to highlight the ineffectiveness and potential harm of institutionalization, prompting a change in public opinion and the development of community-focused treatment options, supported by the Short-Doyle Act and the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (LPS). In Santa Clara County, three key agencies laid the groundwork for what is now Momentum for Health: Avenues to Mental Health (1953):
Pioneered behavioral health care with California's first halfway house and a research-focused residential program. Miramonte Mental Health (1962):
Developed impactful programs for day treatment and family support. Community Companions (1973):
Fostered volunteer relationships with individuals facing serious mental illnesses and offered extensive outpatient services. By the late 1990s, the mental health system had become fragmented. In 1997, the three agencies merged to form
Alliance for Community Care
, enhancing service delivery, cultural competence, and operational efficiency.
This organization rebranded to Momentum for Mental Health in 2007,
reflecting a focus on clients' recovery journeys. In response to changing community needs, Momentum expanded its offerings throughout the 2010s, including programs for co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions. This evolution culminated in a name change to
Momentum for Health
in 2020, emphasizing a holistic approach to well-being. Programs for co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions that are currently offered by Momentum for Health include: La Selva Group (founded in 1979):
A private-pay program developed by Momentum for Health that offers comprehensive behavioral health services, including residential treatment, outpatient programs, supportive housing, and dual diagnosis care. Parisi House on the Hill (1994):
Established as Santa Clara County's first residential substance use treatment facility allowing mothers to live with their young children during recovery. The Opportunity The CFO operates as a strategic partner to the CEO and the Executive Team, helping define and operationalize strategies and plans that ensure financial health, support the organization's mission, and enable long-term financial viability of the agency in a changing world. The ideal CFO candidate will have a strong background in nonprofit financial strategy and leadership, including financial planning and accounting, budgeting and forecasting, cash flow management, and risk mitigation. This position is an exciting leadership opportunity to partner with the CEO on strategy and play a leadership role in building and scaling operations across multiple service lines. A proven track record in nonprofit financial leadership, government contracts, and knowledge of the behavioral health sector, will be of high value. It's an exciting time for Momentum for Health as the agency prepares for a future with a growing demand for services, navigates uncertainties around government funding levels, and explores new partnership opportunities and service offerings. Organizational Leadership The organization has an annual operating budget of $75 million, a staff of 548, and is governed by a 17-member Board of Directors. The CFO is a direct report to the CEO and a member of the Executive Team. The Executive Team members include: Chief Medical Officer/Chief Operating Officer Chief Financial Officer Chief Administrative Officer General Counsel/Chief Compliance Officer Chief of Outpatient Programs Chief Officer of Residential and 24/7 Programs Executive Director of La Selva Group Director of Human Resources The CFO will be responsible for a staff of 28 and four direct reports, including: Controller Financial Planning and Analysis and Contracts Revenue Cycle Management Information Technology Responsibilities Financial Management Develop and implement financial strategies, policies, and procedures to drive the organization's financial success and long-term sustainability. Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes, ensuring accurate financial reporting and analysis and providing timely and actionable insights that impact results. Collaborate with key service line leaders to develop annual budgets, monitor performance against targets, and improve processes to optimize financial results (for example, cycle time for reimbursements). Manage cash flow and financial risk to optimize resources and achieve organizational objectives. Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, accounting standards, and reporting requirements. Oversee the preparation, analysis, and presentation of financial reports, budgets, and forecasts to the CEO and Board of Directors. Leadership and Management Contribute actively to the strategic planning process, including evaluating and modeling the financial impact of strategies under consideration by the Executive Team and the Board of Directors. Collaborate with the CEO and Executive Team to strengthen and modernize Momentum's operational infrastructure, evolve the service portfolio, and enhance cross-department collaboration to optimize impact. Clearly communicate financial benchmarks, expectations, performance, and trends, ensuring the Board of Directors, CEO, and other stakeholders are informed on a timely basis. Attend and present at board meetings and staff board committees. Build, lead, mentor and empower a team of talented finance professionals while building a culture of continuous improvement, best practices and customer service. Build strong relationships with external stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, donors and community partners. Represent the organization in financial and strategic matters as required. Information Technology Provide guidance, leadership, and oversight of the IT function ensuring the appropriate strategy, infrastructure, talent, and tools are in place to support the agency's mission and operational requirements. Ensure appropriate safeguards and escalation processes are in place to appropriately manage IT infrastructure, systems, and applications, with sound practices around data security, privacy, cybersecurity and compliance. Foster and support innovation in IT, including Identifying and implementing technology solutions to streamline operations, improve productivity, and enhance data analytics capabilities. Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related degree required. Master's degree in business administration, finance, accounting or related degree preferred. Experience: Prior Chief Financial Officer experience in a similar sized complex nonprofit organization and/or healthcare provider or large behavioral health provider. Experience working with governmental funders at the State and/or County levels. Experience working in partnership with a CEO and a Board of Directors on
The Position: Chief Financial Officer Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Location: San Jose, California Overview Momentum for Health ("Momentum") has a long history of addressing behavioral health needs in the community, grounded in core beliefs that emphasize the uniqueness of individuals, the potential for change, and the importance of respect. Today, Momentum is one of the largest providers of behavioral health services, meeting the needs of adults in Santa Clara County. The organization is committed to innovation, evidence-based treatment, and advocacy to reduce stigma around mental health, partnering with clients throughout their recovery journeys. A Compelling Leadership Opportunity Momentum for Health's incoming Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") will participate in the shaping of the future of the organization at a pivotal time of new CEO leadership, organizational transformation, and an era of nationwide reform for behavioral health services. This CFO role at Momentum is an opportunity for a seasoned finance professional to be a confidante, advisor, and thought partner to the CEO on leading strategic organizational growth while ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the organization. This CFO is a key member of the Momentum for Health Executive Team providing strategic thought partnership and guidance on all business matters at organizational and functional levels. As a member of the Executive Team, this professional plays a critical role in the overall management of the organization -- leading a dedicated finance team, participating in informed decision making with peers on the Executive Team, and collaborating with an engaged Board of Directors. Local Origins Founded during a time when mental health treatment primarily occurred in hospitals, Momentum's early efforts aimed to shift care from institutions to community-based settings. In the 1950s, California's state hospitals housed over 36,000 individuals, often without due process. Research began to highlight the ineffectiveness and potential harm of institutionalization, prompting a change in public opinion and the development of community-focused treatment options, supported by the Short-Doyle Act and the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (LPS). In Santa Clara County, three key agencies laid the groundwork for what is now Momentum for Health: Avenues to Mental Health (1953):
Pioneered behavioral health care with California's first halfway house and a research-focused residential program. Miramonte Mental Health (1962):
Developed impactful programs for day treatment and family support. Community Companions (1973):
Fostered volunteer relationships with individuals facing serious mental illnesses and offered extensive outpatient services. By the late 1990s, the mental health system had become fragmented. In 1997, the three agencies merged to form
Alliance for Community Care
, enhancing service delivery, cultural competence, and operational efficiency.
This organization rebranded to Momentum for Mental Health in 2007,
reflecting a focus on clients' recovery journeys. In response to changing community needs, Momentum expanded its offerings throughout the 2010s, including programs for co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions. This evolution culminated in a name change to
Momentum for Health
in 2020, emphasizing a holistic approach to well-being. Programs for co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions that are currently offered by Momentum for Health include: La Selva Group (founded in 1979):
A private-pay program developed by Momentum for Health that offers comprehensive behavioral health services, including residential treatment, outpatient programs, supportive housing, and dual diagnosis care. Parisi House on the Hill (1994):
Established as Santa Clara County's first residential substance use treatment facility allowing mothers to live with their young children during recovery. The Opportunity The CFO operates as a strategic partner to the CEO and the Executive Team, helping define and operationalize strategies and plans that ensure financial health, support the organization's mission, and enable long-term financial viability of the agency in a changing world. The ideal CFO candidate will have a strong background in nonprofit financial strategy and leadership, including financial planning and accounting, budgeting and forecasting, cash flow management, and risk mitigation. This position is an exciting leadership opportunity to partner with the CEO on strategy and play a leadership role in building and scaling operations across multiple service lines. A proven track record in nonprofit financial leadership, government contracts, and knowledge of the behavioral health sector, will be of high value. It's an exciting time for Momentum for Health as the agency prepares for a future with a growing demand for services, navigates uncertainties around government funding levels, and explores new partnership opportunities and service offerings. Organizational Leadership The organization has an annual operating budget of $75 million, a staff of 548, and is governed by a 17-member Board of Directors. The CFO is a direct report to the CEO and a member of the Executive Team. The Executive Team members include: Chief Medical Officer/Chief Operating Officer Chief Financial Officer Chief Administrative Officer General Counsel/Chief Compliance Officer Chief of Outpatient Programs Chief Officer of Residential and 24/7 Programs Executive Director of La Selva Group Director of Human Resources The CFO will be responsible for a staff of 28 and four direct reports, including: Controller Financial Planning and Analysis and Contracts Revenue Cycle Management Information Technology Responsibilities Financial Management Develop and implement financial strategies, policies, and procedures to drive the organization's financial success and long-term sustainability. Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes, ensuring accurate financial reporting and analysis and providing timely and actionable insights that impact results. Collaborate with key service line leaders to develop annual budgets, monitor performance against targets, and improve processes to optimize financial results (for example, cycle time for reimbursements). Manage cash flow and financial risk to optimize resources and achieve organizational objectives. Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, accounting standards, and reporting requirements. Oversee the preparation, analysis, and presentation of financial reports, budgets, and forecasts to the CEO and Board of Directors. Leadership and Management Contribute actively to the strategic planning process, including evaluating and modeling the financial impact of strategies under consideration by the Executive Team and the Board of Directors. Collaborate with the CEO and Executive Team to strengthen and modernize Momentum's operational infrastructure, evolve the service portfolio, and enhance cross-department collaboration to optimize impact. Clearly communicate financial benchmarks, expectations, performance, and trends, ensuring the Board of Directors, CEO, and other stakeholders are informed on a timely basis. Attend and present at board meetings and staff board committees. Build, lead, mentor and empower a team of talented finance professionals while building a culture of continuous improvement, best practices and customer service. Build strong relationships with external stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, donors and community partners. Represent the organization in financial and strategic matters as required. Information Technology Provide guidance, leadership, and oversight of the IT function ensuring the appropriate strategy, infrastructure, talent, and tools are in place to support the agency's mission and operational requirements. Ensure appropriate safeguards and escalation processes are in place to appropriately manage IT infrastructure, systems, and applications, with sound practices around data security, privacy, cybersecurity and compliance. Foster and support innovation in IT, including Identifying and implementing technology solutions to streamline operations, improve productivity, and enhance data analytics capabilities. Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related degree required. Master's degree in business administration, finance, accounting or related degree preferred. Experience: Prior Chief Financial Officer experience in a similar sized complex nonprofit organization and/or healthcare provider or large behavioral health provider. Experience working with governmental funders at the State and/or County levels. Experience working in partnership with a CEO and a Board of Directors on