Executive Director

Mission

In a city where houses of worship are vanishing, Sacred Spaces Conservancy works with congregations to find collaborative solutions to preserve these vital spaces of neighborhood life for generations to come.

For more information, please visit www.sacredspacesdc.org

Position

The Executive Director of Sacred Spaces Conservancy (SSC) is responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of the work of SSC as well as the promotion of the organization to key stakeholders. Additionally, the SSC Executive Director, in conjunction with Board members, is responsible for the fiscal integrity of SSC, including the development of financial resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization. This includes, but is not limited to:

Programming

• Serving as “the face” of the organization for all programmatic contacts, including religious congregations, government leaders, nonprofits, real estate professionals and volunteers
• Developing and managing all relationships between SSC, established religious congregations and volunteers
• Further developing and refining curricula for program participants, particularly established congregations interested in the long-term good stewardship of their property
• Recruiting real estate and nonprofit professionals to serve as valued volunteers for SSC’s programmatic needs
• Coordinating the production of all programmatic documentation, including handbooks, matrices and presentations
• Managing all programmatic consultants
• Oversight and guidance of program materials; leadership of all programmatic meetings, unless otherwise fulfilled by programmatic consultant(s)

Fundraising & Financial Performance

• In conversation with the Board, developing an annual budget, including fundraising and spending targets
• Finalizing the SSC “Case for Support”; streamlining all fundraising messaging
• Managing all fundraising activities, including annual and monthly giving, as well as grant proposals
• Regularly cultivating relationships with grant-making organizations, individuals and institutions
• Providing oversight for and management of all fee-for-service programs; ensuring timely payment of fees
• Processing the payment of all contractors and staff
• Filing all required tax documents to the appropriate authorities
• Processing all donations, including cash, checks, PayPal and other forms of online giving

Media and Communications

• Updating and regularly-reviewing SSC web presence (website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter)
• Developing a streamlined communications plan, coordinating all talking points for SSC staff and Board members
• Answering all media inquiries; actively pursuing placement of stories in print, web, television and audio
• Hosting, leading and advertising outreach events, including lectures on the significance of sacred spaces in Washington, DC
• Updating and managing all SSC branding and marketing materials

Leadership, Governance and Oversight

• Working with the Board of Directors to fulfill SSC’s mission, leading the organization in a manner that supports the accomplishment of said mission
• Recruiting and hiring of additional staff and consultants, as is needed and possible given budget restrictions
• Managing all staff and consultants
• With the Board Chair and Board Members, identifying and recruiting additional Board Members
• Filing all required District paperwork in a timely manner

Qualifications

The SSC Executive Director works to secure the longterm presence of places of worship in Washington, DC. The Executive Director will have an established, proven track record of commitment to a thriving spiritual life for the city of Washington, DC. The Executive Director will have a working knowledge of real estate processes and markets, as well as a working knowledge of the religious landscape of the city.

An ideal Executive Director will have:

• A personal religious commitment to the flourishing of DC’s sacred spaces
• 5-10 years experience in the real estate, nonprofit or religious sector
• 3-5 years of program or organizational management experience
• A proven track record in fundraising and/or securing of fee for service business relationships
• Professional experience with significant leadership accomplishments
• A commitment to and understanding of SSC’s beneficiaries (religious congregations)
• Savvy communications and diplomacy skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for seeing the thriving of Washington, DC and its inhabitants