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Experienced Nonprofit Executive Director
The Northwest Resource Associates (NWRA) Board of Directors has begun the search for an Executive Director passionate about bettering the lives of children and families and improving child welfare systems. After the successful tenure and upcoming spring retirement of the founding Executive Director, we are looking to hear from individuals who believe they have the passion and the strengths to sustain and expand the organization’s success. While candidates should have a well-rounded executive skill set, the Board is especially interested in hearing from leaders who have experience reaffirming organizational vision, providing leadership, setting programmatic priorities, and actively participating in organizational management.
The Organization
NWRA (www.nwresource.org) is a multi-faceted non-profit agency that provides an array of services for the child welfare community, with a primary focus on the areas of adoption, foster care, and caregiver support. We provide a resource of knowledge and expertise to strengthen the work of organizations and programs that promote and enhance the welfare, health and safety of children, individuals, families and communities.
With 39 employees in five offices in three states, we have been successfully designing, developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating high-performing programs since 1980. The organization is largely funded through contracts and grants with public agencies and has an approximate annual operating budget of over 3.5 million.
Some of NWRA’s current programs include:
- AdoptUSKids – Digital Media Team (www.adoptuskids.org)
- Alaska Center for Resource Families (www.acrf.org)
- Northwest Adoption Exchange (www.nwae.org)
- Oregon Adoption Resource Exchange (www.oare-kids.org)
- Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center (www.orparc.org)
- Washington Adoption Resource Exchange (www.warekids.org)
Our programs regularly empower children, families, and professionals to navigate existing child welfare systems. From providing families with much needed training and support, to connecting children with the adoptive families they deserve, NWRA is in an exciting period of partnership and innovation with public child welfare agencies. To continue this success, NWRA seeks a leader who will develop and grow collaborative and responsive strategies and partnerships to improve outcomes for foster and adoptive families while maintaining an organization that nurtures and tends to its work force.
The Position
The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the overall leadership, operation, and management of the organization. Specific areas of focus include strategic leadership, financial and program oversight, resource development, and human resource management. This position is located in our downtown Seattle office and requires approximately 4-6 out of state travel opportunities a year.
Essential Functions:
Strategic Leadership:
- Works closely with the Board of Directors and agency staff to assure that the organization has a long-range strategy which achieves its mission, and toward which it makes consistent and timely progress.
- Supports the Board of Directors by informing, assessing, and addressing issues that affect the organization.
- Leads with a shared vision that aligns multiple programs while honoring the differences among the unique stakeholders and populations served.
Financial and Program Oversight:
- Annually works with the CFO and Program Directors to compile and submit the organization’s budget for Board approval.
- Meets regularly with Program Directors to review project activities, future planning, grant or contract compliance, personnel and supervisory issues, and other project needs or issues.
- Provides leadership by ensuring that individual programs align with organizational goals.
- Represent the organization in the federally funded AdoptUSKids project, serving as a strategic advisor and liaising with five additional organizations in this national collaboration.
Resource Development:
- Identify and capitalize on new programming, grant writing and fundraising opportunities.
- Strengthen and diversify funding sources while sustaining positive relationships with current funders.
- Develop the necessary public relationships, communications and marketing strategies to assure the organization and its programs are consistently presented in a strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders.
- Serve as a spokesperson for the organization.
Human Resource Management:
- Establish and implement organizational policies and procedures, with the advice and approval of the Board of Directors.
- Oversee the administration of employee benefit and assistance programs.
- Responsible for the recruitment, hiring, evaluation and management of all Program Directors and the CFO.
- Sustain a climate that attracts, retains, and motivates a staff of top quality people.
Requirements
- Master’s degree and at least five years experience in a leadership capacity in the non-profit or public sector, ideally in child welfare.
- Demonstrated abilities in financial management, supervision, community relations, and project development and implementation.
- Track record of building and sustaining effective partnerships.
- Thorough knowledge of federal, state, regional, and local agencies and foundations.
- Proven experience integrating evidence-based practice or industry best practice into programming, fundraising, and grant writing opportunities.
- Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to travel locally, regionally and nationally.
Process
The position is open until filled with a priority application deadline of February 28th. Candidate materials are reviewed on an on-going basis and initial interviews will begin in March. To be considered, please submit a resume and a two-page (or less) cover letter.
Northwest Resource Associates believes in a diverse workplace. We are an organization that is passionate about inclusive and affirming policy and practice and has received the All Children – All Families Solid Foundation for Inclusion seal from the Human Rights Campaign. We welcome and encourage applications from alumni of care and qualified individuals of every race, national origin, religion, age, disability or ability status, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $110,000.00 to $130,000.00 /year
To end the cycle of violence for low-income families and individuals at risk of homelessness and domestic violence by connecting them to safe, permanent housing and services.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Do you have a strong commitment to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and transforming the lives of families seeking a new destiny?
Are you an organization leader with superior business development skills who thinks big and can get big things done?
Are you willing to lead a sustained effort to reverse the growing trend of pervasive poverty and racial injustice that all too often strip vulnerable families of the basic human right to safe and affordable housing?
Forty percent of all homeless families in New York City cite domestic violence as the cause of their homelessness. Most identify affordable permanent housing as their main unmet need. New Destiny is New York City’s only permanent housing provider which addresses the often-overlooked intersection between homelessness and domestic violence.
New Destiny is an innovative, highly respected New York City-wide nonprofit poised for significant growth. For over 25 years, New Destiny has provided long-term stability and safety for low-income families and individuals at risk of domestic violence and homelessness. The organization: (1) develops and operates permanent affordable housing for domestic violence survivors with critical on-site services; (2) offers innovative programs and services that empower survivors to find and retain permanent housing; and (3) advocates to increase the permanent housing options available to low-income families, lifting their voice to demand the equitable access they deserve.
New Destiny’s mission is unique and complex. It involves accessing funding for both services and housing development using low-income housing tax credits, public capital funding sources, government/foundation/corporation grants, and individual donations. Funding sources come with a specialized set of development, property management, and reporting and compliance activities.
The new Executive Director will take charge of an organization with an impeccable reputation and an extraordinary record of achievement. New Destiny seeks an entrepreneurial, mission-driven, politically savvy strategic leader with boundless energy who can aggressively attract investors and significantly increase the organization’s portfolio over the next five years. The new Executive Director will raise New Destiny’s visibility and advocate to improve conditions for families at risk of homelessness. Motivated by a belief in the dignity of all people, the next leader will be driven to produce demonstrable results.
ABOUT NEW DESTINY
New Destiny increases permanent housing options for domestic violence survivors and other homeless families by building affordable housing and improving their access to existing housing resources through its three main lines of business: 1) Housing Development and Property Management funded through the generation of developer fees; 2) The Direct Service Programs (HousingLink and the Family Support Program) funded through a combination of government, foundation, and corporate grants and individual fundraising; and 3) Education and Advocacy funded through unrestricted funding.
New Destiny has developed 17 residential projects since 1994. It currently owns and manages eight rental projects, containing 230 units and housing over 500 adults and children, along with two shelters. Three additional service-enriched affordable rental projects are under development, a solo project and two joint ventures with for-profit developers, that will result in 208 new units of housing. A fourth joint venture, containing 77 supportive units, is in the pipeline. In the course of a year, New Destiny serves almost 500 survivors and advocates through HousingLink, a citywide rapid rehousing program, and hosts 160,000 unique visitors through its Online Housing Resource Center. Trauma-informed on-site services are fully integrated into New Destiny’s permanent housing.
Headquartered in Manhattan, New Destiny currently has 35 employees and an operating budget of over $3 million. It controls or participates in 24 corporate affiliates. New Destiny and its affiliates have combined assets of more than $88 million.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND PRIORITIES
The Executive Director, who reports directly to a volunteer Board, is responsible for the overall productivity, efficiency, and goal-oriented management of the organization’s day-to-day operations and programs. The Executive Director ensures that the agency and its programs and services achieve the highest level of excellence, meet the changing needs of clients, and support New Destiny’s mission and values.
- Leadership and Strategic Vision
Lead with an inspirational strategic vision, while keeping a finger on the pulse internally of day-to-day operations, services, and activities.Lead a highly motivated, competent, and committed team with a common vision and sense of purpose. Inspire the Board, staff, and external stakeholders to support and advance the organization’s mission. Increase New Destiny’s visibility as a city and state partner, thought leader, and one of the important go-to resources on housing for domestic violence survivors. Stay ahead of the curve in anticipation of significant developments and trends in the field. Support, manage, and execute the strategic plan developed by the Board and staff.
- Resource Development/Revenue Generation/Business Development
In partnership with the Board, grow and broaden a robust funding base. Create an environment where business development and revenue generation are integrated into the goals and activities of the Board and staff. Seek out opportunities to publicize New Destiny’s mission and programs to shape potential funding opportunities. Evaluate and strengthen the existing revenue-generating model and explore new models.
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- External Communications, Relationship Building, and Advocacy
Engage stakeholders citywide (and nationally) around New Destiny’s activities. Build upon existing partnerships and seek new strategic alliances and joint ventures to promote New Destiny’s mission. As the principal spokesperson, build relationships with other nonprofit organizations, the real estate community, the City Council, other city, state, and federal decision makers, and the media. Strengthen the organization’s capacity to spread best practices and influence public policy aimed at solutions. Promote New Destiny’s solutions and approaches by collaborating with other nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and private developers to publicize relevant problems, service gaps, and solutions.
- Board Relations
Establish a strong working partnership with the Board of Directors, eliciting their best ideas and efforts in support of New Destiny’s programs and fundraising activities. Continue to strengthen the Board through the effective recruitment of diverse candidates, orientation of new members, and the training and evaluation of existing members. Inform the Board regularly about the health of the organization, including its financial position, housing development pipeline, and program activities and outcomes.
- Work Environment and Talent Development
Create a workplace culture that is mission driven, collegial, collaborative, transparent, flexible, creative, client focused, and respectful. Ensure interdepartmental collaboration and an environment that encourages professional development.
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- General Management, Administration, Finance, and Planning
Supervise the development of New Destiny’s budgets, ensuring that sound financial controls are in place and that funds are spent wisely. Work with senior staff, the finance committee, and the Board to prepare an annual budget and ensure that the organization operates within budget guidelines. Understand the complex finances of the organization, including the partnerships and real estate projects funded in part through federal low-income housing tax credits. Ensure that the organization maintains sufficient reserves to cover the predevelopment expenses and guarantees required by real estate projects as well as operating expenses for three to six months. Ensure that the organization has the appropriate technology to carry out day-to-day operations, as well as to collect the data required to report to government agencies and funders in order to evaluate the programs’ compliance with contractual and statutory requirements.
- Programming and Real Estate Development
Identify new opportunities, partners, and funding sources for housing development. Attract, review, and approve acquisition offers or joint venture partnerships. Review and approve financing structures for projects as well as contracts with development team partners. Assess and minimize risk to the organization. Promote the use of data and consumer feedback to inform and shape programs and encourage independent evaluation to strengthen programs. Encourage staff to develop innovative models and programs that respond to client needs. Ensure that New Destiny-owned buildings are well maintained, operate efficiently, and achieve maximum safety, security, and occupancy without risk to the organization.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Unwavering commitment to New Destiny’s mission and a deep empathy with its clients.
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- At least 10 years of proven managerial experience and commensurate fiscal responsibilities in a complex organization during a period of large-scale growth. A senior executive with a nonprofit organization or a government agency and/or a business entity provided there has been meaningful exposure to the nonprofit and public sectors. Multisector experience is welcomed.
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- Knowledge of affordable and/or supportive housing, including funding sources such as low-income housing tax credits, and the ability to understand complex financials required.
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- Demonstrated ability to balance long-term strategic vision with daily operational issues. A collaborative manager with the ability to attract and nurture high-performing talent.
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- Proven track record of success in fundraising and business development. Ability to generate significant funding from government, corporations, foundations, and individuals. A gifted and talented fundraiser who unequivocally enjoys and relishes the opportunity to secure resources from private and public funders.
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- Demonstrated ability to capitalize on public-relations opportunities as they arise to build the visibility of the organization and its mission.
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- Demonstrable success as a social entrepreneur able to advance the interests of the organization and a steward of responsible growth in scaling an organization.
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- Experience working effectively with a board of directors.
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- Experience working successfully with leaders in city and state agencies, preferably in New York, that provide funding for affordable and supportive housing.
- Ability to promote and sustain a positive work culture among a diverse staff, to encourage teamwork and collaboration, to manage conflict, and to inspire and motivate. A consensus builder with an inclusive style.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills. An inspiring public speaker able to speak about the organization’s work with passion and conviction and enhance visibility. Adept at addressing a variety of diverse audiences. Experience with public forums working with press, providing public testimony, and representing an organization in public forums.
- The community-organizing skills to inspire effective movement building.
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- Experience developing, operating, and evaluating programs. Commitment to using best practices and data feedback to shape innovative program models.
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- A self-reflective nature with the ability to listen effectively.
- BA degree required. Graduate degree preferred.
THE BASICS
Headquarters: Boston, MA
Annual Earned Revenue: $1.1 MM
Number of Direct Reports: 3
Total Employees: 9
Supervisor: Board of Directors
We seek a passionate, highly experienced non-profit leader as Discovering Justice expands to empower a rising generation of leaders through an innovative civics curriculum. Discovering Justice utilizes courtrooms as classrooms and classrooms as civic spaces, encouraging agency, empathy, and voice in K-8 students across Massachusetts.
Each year, Discovering Justice works with K-8 students and teachers in more than 19 districts across the state. Discovering Justice provides teachers with civics curriculum, training, and professional development, and also offers experiential field trips and after school programs all designed to provide young people with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to participate in democracy and extend civic learning into their own neighborhoods and communities.
Since its founding in 1998, thanks to the efforts of hundreds of supporters and volunteers — judges, lawyers, teachers, business leaders, vendors, students, and parents — more than 140,000 children and adults have taken part in Discovering Justice’s interactive civic education programs. We are proud and privileged to work with these individuals to help strengthen democracy by educating and inspiring the next generation.
The Position
Effective civic education also has long-term benefits. Research shows that students who take civics classes are 23% more likely to believe they are responsible for improving society and 14% more likely to vote than those who did not. As we prepare to expand our work programmatically and geographically in the coming years, we seek an Executive Director with exceptional team and organizational leadership skills and a collaborative and strengths-based approach.
You will be successful in this role if you can cultivate new opportunities, plan and support implementation of our overall growth and fundraising strategy, build and lead a healthy and high performing team, and predict and problem-solve gaps to position the organization for growth. An ideal candidate is a results-driven leader with demonstrated competence for guiding and managing an organization at a similar stage of development, size, complexity and trajectory.
As Executive Director, you will be responsible for overall strategic and operational leadership of the organization, including managing Discovering Justice staff, its Board of Directors, and legal partners. You will envision a path for programmatic and operational growth while working to build alignment and high quality program implementation in the shorter term.
This role reports to Discovering Justice’s Board of Directors and works in close partnership with our community, school and legal partners. The Executive Director will manage the staff team, including a Chief Operating Officer, Chief Program Officer, and Development Director. They, along with the Education Director comprise the leadership team.
Major functions & Responsibilities
As the Executive Director, you will be responsible for the following threads of work:
Organizational Leadership and Program Stewardship
- Lead the development and execution of a Strategic Plan, which will guide the organization’s work over the next 3-5 years, and monitor progress towards goals
- Serve as a respected public voice for civics education and law-related education for younger students and help develop and strengthen Discovering Justice’s distinctive approach
- Ensure ongoing local programmatic excellence, rigorous program evaluation, and consistent quality of finance and administration, fundraising, communications, and systems; recommend timelines and resources needed to achieve the strategic goals
- Develop, maintain, and support a strong Board of Directors; serve as ex-officio of each committee; seek and build board involvement with strategic direction for both ongoing local operations as well as for broader expansion
- Ensure effective systems to track scaling progress, and regularly evaluate program components, so as to measure successes that can be effectively communicated to the board, funders, and other constituents
- In collaboration with the Chief Program Officer, support partnerships with school districts, peer organizations, and other external stakeholders, positioning Discovering Justice as a leader in the civics education field
- In collaboration with the Chief Operating Officer and the Board Finance Committee, drive the organization’s economic model and sustainability strategies
- Support and foster a culture that embraces teamwork, transparency, seamless communication and mentorship for staff
Fundraising and Partnership Development
- Cultivate and steward critical relationships, such as legal partners, funders, and schools, to reach organizational scale and sustainability goals
- Execute ambitious but achievable annual and long-term plans for revenue generation and partnership creation
- Effectively engage the Board of Directors to provide ongoing support and engagement in the areas of community partnerships and resource development
- Work with the Development Director to refine all aspects of communications (from web presence to external relations) with the goal of creating a stronger brand
- Provide funders and partners with data, reports, and information to feel confident that their contributions are being deployed in a cost-effective and results-driven manner
- Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends and build Discovering Justice as a sought-after resource in the field of civic education
Qualifications & Experience
There are innumerable ways to learn, grow and excel professionally. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below:
The Executive Director will be a strategic and dedicated champion of Discovering Justice. Energetic and enterprising, successful candidates will demonstrate deeply held respect and understanding of the power of civic education, even if their primary professional background is in another field. Demonstrated commitment to working with underserved populations in a direct service capacity preferred.
- Track record of effectively leading and scaling a performance- and outcomes-based organization and staff; ability to point to specific examples of having developed and operationalized strategies that have taken an organization to the next stage of growth
- Strong analytical skills and use of data to drive fundraising and partnership decisions and forecasting
- A proven track record and passion for nonprofit fundraising that is demonstrated in a commitment to maintaining current funders, a zest for cultivating new donors, an ability to generate new revenue streams, and a history of successfully taking organizations to the next level of sustained philanthropic support
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills
- Ability to compel others to action as a key storyteller of our path to impact, priorities for growth and ongoing contributions to the communities and young people we serve
- Ability to build sustainable and productive partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, academic institutions, and city and state government agencies
- Self-motivated and inspirational problem solver with demonstrated ability to coach, manage, and develop high performing, diverse teams to achieve strategic objectives
- Experience in civics, education, or youth development. Bachelor’s Degree required, with an advanced degree preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
Discovering Justice offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package. Our salary range is $140,000+, commensurate with experience.