Posted on February 27, 2013

print

Executive Director

The Executive Director is a full-time staff member responsible for the overall direction and day-to­-day operational and fiscal function of LifeHouse. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for executing the mission, strategic goals, and objectives set by the Board of Directors. This person will collaborate with and provide leadership to the Board in order to grow an effective fundraising and awareness tactical plan.

The Executive Director will oversee the organization’s staff, currently comprised of six full-time employees, and will be accountable to the Board of Directors with a direct report to the President of the Board.

Executive Leadership Responsibilities

• Works with the Board of Directors to establish LifeHouse’s Vision.
• Maintains LifeHouse’s vision and culture.
• Directs financial activities. Recommends annual budget for board approval and prudently manages LifeHouse’s resources within those budget guidelines, providing regular financial reports to the Board.
• Ensures rigorous accountability standards for budget and grant tracking.
• Recruits and manages staff, volunteers, and vendors to perform respective duties in support of LifeHouse. Conducts regular staff reviews and serves as a leader and mentor to the entire staff.
• Serves as the spokesperson of LifeHouse to internal and external audiences, including donors and program partners.
• Serves as the primary Board liaison, managing and communicating with the Board. In collaboration with the Board president, oversees board development (e.g., orientation) and expansion and development of the advisory board. Oversees the administrative assistant in managing the logistics of board and advisory board meetings.
• Directly manages any capital projects, reporting regularly to the Board.
• Ensures that the organization’s operation complies with all state standards. LifeHouse is licensed to take care of minors (in one of our homes) through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and must comply with the Minimum Standards for Independent Foster Homes. Our home for girls 18-24 requires no licensing from the state.

Development and Marketing Responsibilities

• Responsible for the design and execution of the development plan as approved by the Board, including fundraising activities, donor cultivation/relations, grant applications, corporate relations, stewardship, etc. Manages the development program, including annual fund/direct mail, major gifts (churches and individuals), grants, and events.
• Manages the donor database software, including queries and reporting. Oversees administrative assistant regarding gift entry, pledge reminders, and stewardship/ acknowledgement letters.
• Responsible for public relations and publicity, including general marketing materials (newsletters, brochures, annual reports, etc.). Represents LifeHouse at public and private events as necessary.
• Develops community strategies and vehicles (annual report, website, Facebook, etc.) to increase awareness of LifeHouse’s mission and results in the community.
• Builds and maintains relationships with churches and program/referral partners to build strong pipelines of supporters, volunteers, and residents.
• Coordinates volunteers and volunteer projects, collaborating with Operations/Clinical to identify volunteer needs.
• Builds and manages alumni program and helps develop an evaluation and tracking effort to measure program outcomes, particularly for use in support of grant requests.

Program, Clinical, and Operations Responsibilities

Prior to the addition of any contract or permanent program and operation staff which is anticipated once the Executive Director position is filled, the Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing all elements of LifeHouse’s program and clinical activities and operations of the organization’s two houses (with the support of the house parent staff).

The Executive Director should be experienced and equipped to lead a feasibility study for new programs, most immediately the one being considered that would allow us to provide counseling to young women who do not live at LifeHouse. Should the feasibility study conclude that this program should be launched, the Executive Director will be the leader in developing plans and ensuring that the new program is marketed, implemented, and funded with excellence.

On a long-term basis, the Executive Director:

• Ensures a healthy spiritual life for all of the LifeHouse family.
• Leads house staff, including the development of a recruitment plan, exit plan, retention plan, and training program.

The Person

LifeHouse is seeking an Executive Director who is spiritually grounded and mission-driven. This person should be a visionary leader with good communication and development skills, who has a track record of leading organizations in a not-for-profit management or ministry setting. Moreover, we are seeking a servant leader who is eager to develop and mentor others. Specifically, a successful candidate will have the following skills, experience, and personal characteristics:

• Demonstrated record of effective leadership. Professional-level experience in team building and supervision of staff. Can serve as a “leader of leaders.” Has a demonstrated team management style with the ability and preference to delegate tasks.
• A visionary who is able to keep staff engaged and informed while cooperatively moving the ministry forward.

• Strong operations and finance abilities, with experience in managing the finances of an organization.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in building relationships with community partners to maintain and raise visibility in the Houston area.
• A demonstrated ability to develop support and funding from churches, foundations, individuals, and businesses using a variety of techniques.
• The ability to work closely and effectively with board members, donors, volunteers, and the general public.
• Possess a strong ability to serve as a self-starter. Focused on achieving objectives, rather than task-oriented.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present clearly and effectively.
• Ability to maintain multiple tasks and respond to immediate issues that need attention.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, email, and the Internet. The ability to quickly become proficient in a donor database or CRM. Experience with QuickBooks and a donor database programs is preferred.
• Able to support through word and action the Christ-centered mission statement and the mission’s core values, including, love, grace, accountability, and stewardship.
• 5 years or more of work experience in the above areas.

* Those with an Associate’s degree must have at least six years of experience in management, supervision, or administration. One of those years must have been in human services

* Candidates with a high school diploma/GED certificate must have at least seven years of experience in management, supervision, or administration. One of those years must have been in human services

Work Environment

• Frequent trips to visit program sites, community partners, and prospects will be required.
• Must actively interact with employees, donors, and volunteers. Regular client and family interaction will occur in both in the program facilities and in the community.
• Work schedule may be subject to change to meet the business needs of the organization.

Application Instructions

Send applicaton to cathy.hale1@gmail.com