CEO - Bethany Homes in Ripon

Meet Bethany Homes. Established by area churches and community leaders, Bethany began as a dream. Through the dedication and determination of leaders such as Rev. John De Jong, Andrew Douma, and many others, that dream became a reality. Located in the middle of what was then an almond orchard, the primary purpose of the organization was to provide “a Christian Home for seniors and those in need of nursing and respite care from infirmity or illness.” In 1963, Bethany opened its doors, beginning their decades-long journey of serving the needs of the elderly. The original 74-bed convalescent hospital, as it was called back then, was filled to capacity within the first year of operations. The success of its first project encouraged both the Board and the Society to consider expanding its services. Over the next 60 years, Bethany would continue to grow and expand by both service and size through excellent leadership, community support, and a team dedicated to providing care in the spirit of Christian love. Today, over 400 residents enjoy retirement at Bethany through Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, Memory Care, In-Home Care, Adult Day Services, and Independent Living Services. In addition, a brand new village-style residential facility, “The Terraces,” in the heart of Ripon, opened in September 2025. Bethany is now able to be a vital part of our community and is recognized as one of the state’s finest Multi-Level Retirement Communities.

About the CEO. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bethany Home Society ('Bethany') provides visionary, spiritual, and executive leadership to ensure that all programs, services, and operations faithfully reflect Bethany’s Christ-centered mission — to serve seniors and their families with excellence, compassion, and dignity in the name of Jesus Christ. The CEO is accountable to the Board of Directors and serves as the primary link between the Board and Bethany’s management team, ensuring strategic alignment, operational integrity, and faithful stewardship of all resources entrusted to Bethany’s care. The CEO must model a mature and active Christian faith, integrating biblical principles into all aspects of administration, care, and community engagement. The primary focus of the CEO is strategic leadership, mission advancement, and external representation.

The CEO's responsibilities include:

• Mission and Vision Leadership Champion Bethany’s Christ-centered mission, ensuring that all programs and decisions align with biblical values and the Statement of Faith. Lead the development and execution of a clear, compelling, strategic vision in collaboration with the Board. Serve as the spiritual leader of the organization, modeling servant leadership and fostering a culture of prayer, integrity, and compassion.
• Board Relations and Governance Serve as the chief liaison between the Board of Directors and management. Provide timely, accurate, and thorough reports on organizational performance, opportunities, and challenges. Support the Board in policy development, governance best practices, and strategic oversight. Recommend policies, long-range plans, and major initiatives for Board approval.
• Executive Leadership and Organizational Oversight Oversee Bethany’s senior leadership team, including the COO and Director of Finance. Ensure alignment between strategic priorities and day-to-day operations. Maintain ultimate accountability for compliance and risk mitigation related to all legal, ethical, and accreditation standards applicable to senior living and healthcare operations. Cultivate a healthy, collaborative, and mission-driven organizational culture.
• Financial Stewardship Work with the Director of Finance to ensure fiscal soundness, transparency, and accountability. Develop and recommend annual budgets and long-term financial strategies to the Board. Ensure sound resource allocation and oversee major capital or fundraising initiatives. Promote donor engagement and community philanthropy in support of Bethany’s mission.
• Community and Church Relations Serve as Bethany’s primary public representative and ambassador. Build and maintain relationships with local churches, community organizations, civic leaders, and regulatory agencies. Uphold Bethany’s reputation for compassionate, Christ-honouring service. Be willing to work beyond normal working hours as necessary. Represent the organization at functions, conventions, and seminars. Be involved in community/civic/health programs and activities. Attend and participate in applicable continuing educational programs and professional organizations.

What you bring. The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the CEO:

• Spiritual Expectations and Personal Characteristics The successful CEO candidate must possess a deep, personal Christian faith and demonstrate spiritual maturity. They must be a confessing Christian who demonstrates a life consistent with biblical faith and Bethany’s doctrinal foundations. The candidate should view this role as a ministry calling more than a “job”.
• The ideal candidate will also be a: Visionary leader who can inspire, motivate, and unify others. “People person” who actively interacts with both staff and residents regularly. Possess strong business and financial acumen that will ensure the fiscal and operational health of the organization. Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication abilities, offering grace under pressure. Be able to balance compassion, stewardship, and accountability. Demonstrate knowledge of gerontology, medical practices, procedures, laws, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to care and services to older persons (or commitment to become knowledgeable).

Education and Experience. B.A. or B.S. degree from a recognized college or university is required. Graduate degree, or equivalent in experience, in business, hospital administration, health care, gerontology, ministry, or other related fields, strongly preferred. Experience as a CEO, Executive Director, or in a senior management position with a multi-level care facility is preferred. Experience as a CEO or Executive Director in a multi-care or Senior Living environment would be a plus. Experience in the management of multiple services/departments and supervision of a large staff is required. Possession or willingness to obtain a California Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) license. A working knowledge of and experience with California laws and regulations related to the care of the Elderly and Residential care is strongly preferred. Possession of, or willingness to obtain a valid California Nursing Home Administrator's License. Possession of a Skilled Nursing Administrator license is not required, but could be beneficial.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language. Working knowledge (or commitment to become knowledgeable) of gerontology, medical practices, and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to care and services to older persons. Ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the necessary programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures governing services to older persons. Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant. Ability to work through stressful situations and deadlines. Ability to manage hostile, emotionally upset residents, family members, employees, etc. Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agents, and the general public. Ability to work harmoniously with and supervise professionals and non-professionals.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications. Possesses a deep and vital commitment to Jesus Christ and to living out that faith in their daily lives, whether at work or at home. “People person” who actively interacts with both staff and residents regularly. Heart for the elderly who are under his/her care. A visionary leader who can see down the road and can proactively address potential challenges and/or pursue opportunities for growth. Strong business and financial acumen that will ensure the fiscal and operational health of the organization. Interruptible.

What it's like to live in Ripon, CA. Ripon, California, known as "The Jewel of the Valley," is a tight-knit, family-oriented community that offers a welcoming environment with a strong emphasis on faith, safety, and outdoor recreation. The city is home to highly rated public and private schools, and its residents enjoy a variety of community activities, such as the annual Almond Blossom Festival and well-organized city programs for all ages. With numerous churches of various denominations, Ripon has a faith-base that enriches its community spirit. The town’s parks, bike trails, and access to the Stanislaus River provide ample opportunities for outdoor enjoyment, while Ripon’s small businesses add local charm. Residents can also easily explore major attractions like San Francisco, Monterey, Yosemite National Park, and the Pacific Ocean, making Ripon a perfect blend of peaceful living and access to California’s best destinations.