Executive Director/CEO

In partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is an ambassador and advocate for the mission of the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County. The Executive Director is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission through relevant programs, strategic planning and community outreach, as well as meeting financial objectives and oversight of the operations of the organization.

Reports to: Board of Directors

Direct Supervisory Responsibilities: Finance & HR Director, Director of Operations, Development Director, and Program Director.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with Board in execution of vision and strategies, including opportunistic and innovative measures in response to significant systemic changes
• Provide leadership in developing program, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff, and carry out plans and policies authorized by the Board
• Ensure that programs are aligned with overall Shelter strategies as approved by the Board
• Drive program outcomes reinforcing the community value provided by the Shelter Association and facilitating fundraising
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in homelessness, public health and funder preferences/requirements
  
  

Community Partnerships & Advocacy

• Collaborate with partners and community agencies to leverage the mission and adapt proactively to changes in policies and standards
• Exceptional relationship management with funders, partners and stakeholders
• In collaboration with the Washtenaw Housing Alliance, advocates and recommends actions on behalf of the community of individuals experiencing homelessness at the local, County and State level
• Cultivate and explore best practices in shelter operations, case management for individuals experiencing homelessness and recuperative care
  
  

Fundraising

• Oversee the Shelter Association case for support, and drive significant growth in fundraising success
• Ensure identification and execution of successful approach to grant applications
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, grantors and stakeholders
• Partner closely with the Development team to create an overarching strategy for contributed revenue and donor management
  
  

Internal And External Communications

• Represent the organization in various community forums and governing bodies to advocate not only for the Shelter Association, but for the population of individuals experiencing homelessness
• Communicate with the Board to ensure they are fully informed on all activities and matters of importance to the mission of the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County
• Report metrics against goals, with input from Board Members and Committees; alert Board Members to concerns about financial and other impacts
• Oversee the publication of the activities of the Shelter Association, its programs and goals, including representing the programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, clients, community groups and the general public
• Establish sound working relationships with outside entities
• Approve all relevant collateral and communication vehicles (Annual Report, website, social media)
  
  

Team Relations/Supervision

• Build and support a strong leadership team
• Nurture the organizational culture to reflect the mission, safety and respect for all individuals
• Ensure effective programs are executed by leadership team members for the recruitment, coaching, and performance management of all team members
• Instill a positive approach to navigating a wide array of personalities
  
  

Finance And Business Plans

• Manage a diversified business plan, including grants, private giving and government allocations
• Ensure fiscal accountability and sustainability
• Oversight of development and maintenance of sound financial practices, identifying and mitigating risk
• Oversight of annual financial audit
• Partner with the staff and the Board in preparing a budget; see that the organization operates within budget guidelines and the proper accounting practices are followed
• Oversee agreement with the County regarding building operations and facilities related needs
  
  

The Qualified Candidate

The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County seeks a collaboratively focused, proven executive. The successful candidate will have proven leadership experience with prior success in cultivating relationships with both donors/funders and community agency partners. The selected candidate will be goal oriented, collaborative, and a strategic thinker.

We recognize that great leaders come from all backgrounds, and we are committed to building an inclusive organization. If you are passionate about our mission and believe you can contribute to our work, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet every listed qualification. Your lived experience, perspective, and potential may be just as valuable as formal credentials. We look forward to learning more about your talents and experiences.

Specific Requirements Include

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or equivalent experience leading a complex, integrated organization
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience at a senior level with a proven track record of advancing strategic and growth initiatives along with building relationships with community partners, agency stakeholders, funders, donors and governmental agencies
• Experience working in a nonprofit, healthcare, governmental or public sector setting with proven experience in responding to shifting funder and regulatory requirements
• Experience working with a Board of Directors and providing strategic guidance
• Proven track record in fundraising, grant management, and donor relations
  
  

Competencies and Attributes

• Ability to exercise a high degree of judgment and diplomacy as well as maintaining the highest integrity and ethics
• Solid, persuasive verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to deliver inspiring and succinct presentations and conduct productive meetings
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as, a proven record of working collaboratively and diplomatically with others
• Demonstrated ability to build an effective leadership team; effectively manage, motivate, and mentor staff
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, including long-range planning for sustainability of the organization
• Strong business acumen; decision making skills; ability to set priorities; process and project management skills
• Interpersonal and relationship-building skills; comfort interacting with philanthropic funders, grant funders and major donors
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle
  
  

Desired/Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Business Administration, Social Work or related field
• A passion for working with homelessness and mental health issues
• Prior experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness
• Experience providing social services to older adults
• Managing an organization with one or more bargaining units or bargained for employees