RISING OUT OF THE SHADOWS (ROOTS)

Executive Director

Job Description

About ROOTS:

Rising Out of the Shadows (ROOTS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, delivers critical services to homeless young adults and other low income persons, advocates for policies that foster dignity and long-term solutions, and works toward building community partnerships.  Located in Seattle, ROOTS is committed to social justice that fosters change and empowers human potential by providing critical services to street-involved, homeless young adults and other low-income persons.  ROOTS has an annual budget of approximately $500,000. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

ROOTS seeks an Executive Director to provide vision, leadership and management for the organization and to ensure strong, sustainable programs.  The Executive Director will support the Board of Directors and will work collaboratively with staff, guests, volunteers, stakeholders, and community members.

The Executive Director will be resourceful, highly organized, a team builder, a critical and analytical thinker, a strong communicator, and open to change.  The Executive Director must be able to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

The Executive Director is responsible for leadership and management of all areas of the organization including strategic planning, programs, finances, fundraising, community outreach, advocacy, administration, and personnel.  The Executive Director reports to a Board of Directors and provides direct supervision for the Program Director and Director of Operations.  The Executive Director is ultimately responsible for up to 20 staff members and hundreds of volunteers.  The position requires flexible hours including evenings/weekends.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and Board Support

§ Exhibit a passion for ROOTS’ vision, mission and values.

§ Build and maintain effective working relationship with the Board of Directors.

§ Lead and support strategic planning activities.

§ Lead and support board recruitment and training.

§ Provide reports to the Board and committees.

Fundraising

§  Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan in order to ensure a strong, sustainable organization, working with the board and staff.

§  Provide leadership in securing financial support from public and corporate/foundation sources, faith-based groups, and individual contributors.

§  Build organizational capacity in support of fundraising outcomes.

Finance and Administration

§ Work with the board and staff to develop the annual budget.

§ Ensure proper systems of accounting, financial management and oversight.

§ Ensure all proper financial reporting to tax and funding agencies.

§ Manage audit and other appropriate financial evaluations.

Program

§  Work with board and staff to ensure appropriate program planning, budgeting, development, implementation, and evaluation. 

§  Work with board and staff to develop and maintain acceptable standards of conduct for program staff and volunteers.

§  Ensure that all program activities are done in accordance with relevant federal, state, and local guidelines and regulations.

§  Work with board and staff to develop new programs and services as needed.

Outreach and Advocacy

§  Demonstrate understanding of issues related to homelessness, housing, young adults, low income issues and other relevant areas. 

§  Work with board and staff to develop and implement an advocacy and communications plan

§  Serve as primary spokesperson and advocate for ROOTS’ vision, mission, programs and advocacy priorities.

§  Build and maintain partnerships with public agencies, foundations, nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, businesses and others in the community.

§  Develop ROOTS advocacy efforts through training and support of board, staff, volunteers and others.

Personnel

§  Maintain an environment that fosters collaboration, support, and learning among all staff and volunteers.

§  Provide direct supervision for Program Director and Director of Operations.

§  Ensure sound personnel policies and practices.

§  Ensure that ROOTS is in compliance with all applicable laws.

QUALIFICATIONS

§  Minimum BA or BS Degree required; Master Degree in nonprofit management, social work or related field preferred.

§  Five to seven years of relevant work experience.

§  Excellent managerial skills; demonstrated ability to recruit and maintain quality staff and volunteers.

§  Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to work collaboratively with board, staff, volunteers, guests, public agencies, funders, and faith-based communities.

§  Excellent organizational skills, ability to meet deadlines, take initiative, work under pressure with many priorities.

§  Experience in strategic planning and collaborative (external and internal) problem solving.

§  Knowledge of marketing and fundraising strategies and techniques; ability to write and present effectively.

REPORTS TO:  Board of Directors.

DIRECT SUPERVISOR:  Board President.

COMPENSATION:  This is a full time position with a competitive compensation package.

To apply, please submit a letter of inquiry, resume, salary requirements and at least three professional references to Executive Director Search Committee at edsearch@rootsinfo.org.  Application deadline is Friday, April 2.  No phone calls please.

ROOTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All candidates including LGBTQ, persons of color, and bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.  For more information on ROOTS visit www.rootsinfo.org.