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Responsibilities

The Executive Director works in partnership with the Board of Directors and the staff to provide leadership, vision, and strategic direction for GSH.  The Executive Director implements policies approved by the Board, manages the organization’s programs and operations, and represents the organization in the community.

The Executive Director is an exempt salaried position and reports to the Board of Directors.  The Executive Director is ultimately responsible for implementing a strategy that enables the staff and board to pursue GSH’s mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self-sufficiency. That strategy also gives those GSH serves a fresh start toward stable housing.

Primary responsibilities of the Executive Director include:

Board Relations

• Develop and support the Board of Directors so it will work in close partnership with the Executive Director.
• Jointly develop a vision and strategic direction to guide GSH.
• Communicate progress toward achieving strategic direction.
• Identify, assess and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect GSH.

Program Planning and Implementation

• Implement an operational plan incorporating goals and objectives that support GSH’s strategic direction.
• Oversee the development, implementation and refinement of programs and services that support GSH’s mission and establish its identity as a leading homeless prevention organization.

Fundraising/Resource Development

• Ensure effective fundraising efforts, including supporting the Board’s involvement in fundraising, personally cultivating and soliciting donors, and ensuring the implementation of fundraising plans and policies approved by the Board.
• Oversee GSH’s resource development initiatives, including grants from foundations, government, corporations, and individuals; sponsorships; project-related funding such as tenant rental revenue; and in-kind support.

Financial Management

• Conduct long-range financial analysis, review trends, and engage the Board in discussions about financial stability and sustainability.
• Ensure an effective process for the staff and Board to develop a realistic annual budget, and make financial decisions consistent with the budget.
• Provide regular, timely internal financial reports to the Board of Directors that compare performance to budget and other important benchmarks.
• Ensure adequate cash flow to cover operational needs.
• Manage the relationship with and ensure the success of GSH's financial management firm.

Operational Management and Administration

• Develop a staffing structure supporting the efficient delivery of programs and services, accomplishment of major goals, and effective overall management.
• Manage the staff, including the implementation and ongoing revision of personnel policies and the management of the staff performance review process.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal legal requirements.
• Administer a program of internal control policies, procedures, and practices to ensure sound operations and to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. 

External Relations

• Educate the public as the key spokesperson for GSH, presenting and advocating for the issues of homelessness and GSH’s response to such issues in the media and other public forums.
• Represent GSH by participating in key associations and organizations, serving on committees and advisory groups, and speaking in public settings
• Build positive relationships with leaders at other key organizations in the business, public, and nonprofit sectors that are concerned with issues of housing and homelessness in the Greater Washington region.

Professional Experiences/Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of eight to ten years of leadership and management at the senior levels of an organization that works with underserved populations is preferred, as is knowledge of and experience working in the area of affordable housing.
• A capable administrator and problem solver, with demonstrated leadership experience, strong organizational skills, financial acumen and proven success in building, leading and managing a strong team.
• An understanding of and ability to maneuver within and collaborate with Fairfax County government and local housing agencies is a plus.
• The demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities.
• Excellent fundraising skills, with demonstrated success in the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of individual donors, foundations, corporations, government agencies and like-minded organizations.
• Proven ability to work effectively with the Board of Directors of a nonprofit organization.
• Strong management skills and the ability to motivate staff, clients, and partners.

Personal Characteristics

• A passion for and understanding of GSH's mission and a deep commitment to the housing first philosophy and the families GSH serves.
• An energetic, enthusiastic and visionary leader with an expectation of excellence.
• A smart, goal-oriented executive with common sense and sound judgment.
• An engaged manager, motivator, collaborator and team player.
• Excellent oral, written, listening and interpersonal communication skills; in particular, the ability to communicate with and relate to GSH's diverse constituencies, including families, government officials, staff, community leaders and funders.  
• Caring, respectful, with the right balance between head and heart.

Good Shepherd Housing is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We actively encourage applications from persons identified with groups who have historically been underrepresented within leadership roles. GSH cultivates a culture of inclusion for all employees, board members, and other stakeholders with the aim of respecting and valuing all individual strengths, views, and experiences.