Mustapha Abdulai, PhD.

• Supervised a team of three Associate Directors in the Adult department comprising of 16 program managers and 240 direct care professionals.
• Led cross-functional teams in project management to improve operational efficiency and stakeholder engagement.
• Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance program effectiveness and service delivery.
• Collaborated with senior leadership to establish organizational goals aligning with mission-driven outcomes.
• Mentored staff on best practices, fostering professional development and enhancing team performance.
• Advocated for policy changes to support developmental services at local and state levels.
• Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
• Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
• Fostered partnerships with community organizations to expand service offerings and resource availability.
• Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
• Oversaw budget management, ensuring alignment with financial strategies and operational needs
• Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
• Provided quality assurance through monitoring and evaluation
• Ensure safety and compliance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts DDS regulations
• Liaised with program heads to manage a $8 million budget in accordance with State/federal regulations using Raiser's Edge, NXT Nonprofit Fundraising Software etc
• Evaluated grant applications to identify suitability for funding and development program operational plans for program placement.
• Facilitated policy dialogue and developed training guidelines for staff
• Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance program effectiveness and client outcomes.
• Led cross-functional teams in the execution of organizational goals and mission-driven projects.
• Secured key partnerships that contributed to the company''s overall growth strategy and market reach.
• Improved team morale and productivity by implementing comprehensive professional development program.

• Directly supervised five managers and supported twenty-five clients that lived in the homes
• Supervised and prepared homes for DDS Audits under OQE compliance
• MAP Audits and training compliance under DPH Regs.
• Evaluated Manager performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
• Mentored junior staff, promoting professional development and knowledge sharing.
• Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
• Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
• Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging staff to share innovative ideas and providing resources for professional development.
• Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
• Improved overall team efficiency by streamlining project management processes and implementing new collaboration tools.
• Reduced operational costs by identifying inefficiencies and implementing cost-saving measures in various departments.
• Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
• Directed policy development efforts, ensuring alignment with best practices in human services management and client care standards.

• Supervised 15 staff and supported 5 Adults in their permanent home
• Conducted clients' quarterly meeting reviews with families and clinical teams to monitor progress of clients
• Clinical assessment and management of the individual programs in the homes
• Contributed to developing treatment plans, goals and program contracts
• Served on the on-call and emergency on–call notification
• Facilitated onboarding and continuous education for team members, hiring and Supervision
• Reviewed budget allocations to identify discrepancies and improve resource allocation, payroll and funding
• Sets up interest survey needs assessments for the clients to help cater for their emotional, physical, educational and economic needs
• Program monitoring and evaluation in relation to Department of Development Services regulation
• Updated and resolved incidents and managed cases objectively
• Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to a robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
• Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.

• Conducted staff training and in-service sessions on effective teaching methods to enhance engagement across all programs
• Developed educational transitional plans and opportunities for young adults at risk
• Designed educational operational strategies to foster program growth and improve service delivery
• Provided safeguard support and shared learning practices for the clients in the program
• Led program development initiatives to enhance service delivery and client outcomes.
• Implemented quality assurance protocols to ensure compliance with organizational standards.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
• Analyzed program performance data, identifying trends to inform strategic planning decisions.
• Developed training materials and conducted workshops to improve staff competencies and skills.
• Demonstrated strong leadership skills under challenging circumstances, effectively managing team dynamics during periods of transition or high-stress environments.
• Assisted with community resources for healthcare and mental health.
• Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
• Upheld strict compliance with internal policies and external regulations governing the program''s activities, ensuring all operations ran smoothly without legal issues or complications.
• Coached team members on productivity strategies to accomplish challenging goals.
• Monitored program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services.
• Established partnerships with community organizations to expand resource access for clients.
• Developed training materials for staff to enhance program delivery and effectiveness.

PhD dissertation: “GROUNDING LAND GOVERNANCE: Embedded land conflicts, legal pluralism and contestations in Peri-urban West Africa. A comparative analysis of Ghana and Togo”.

Institute of African Studies- Legon

Heller School for Social Policy and Management