Executive Director

Position Summary

The President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the organization, ensuring its mission to deliver shelter, affordable housing, and supportive services is effectively implemented. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for expanding housing initiatives, securing funding, strengthening partnerships, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving organizational growth.

As the face of the organization, the CEO plays a pivotal role in government relations, fundraising, and advocacy, advancing policies and partnerships that support sustainable solutions to homelessness, housing instability, and social service accessibility. Willingness to learn organization’s approach.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Develop and execute a long-term vision and strategic plan that advances the organization’s mission.
• Ensure the organization's growth and financial sustainability through strategic program expansion and resource development.
• Provide policy recommendations and performance updates to the Board of Directors, ensuring alignment with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Strengthen relationships with government agencies, funders, and community partners to enhance impact and influence housing and homelessness policies.
• Represent the organization in legislative and policy discussions to advocate for affordable housing, shelter funding, and social service integration.

Shelter & Affordable Housing Management

• Oversee the management and compliance of DHS-funded shelters, transitional housing, and affordable housing programs.
• Develop best practices for shelter operations, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and quality service delivery.
• Ensure the development and preservation of affordable housing, securing funding and managing property operations.
• Monitor emergency shelter capacity and response, ensuring effective coordination with DHS, HPD, and other agencies.
• Lead the implementation of housing-first strategies and evidence-based interventions to support long-term stability for clients.

Fundraising & Financial Management

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, securing revenue from government contracts, private grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donors.
• Oversee financial planning and budget management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability.
• Lead grant writing, RFP submissions, and funding proposals to expand housing and shelter services.
• Partner with public and private stakeholders to leverage funding for shelter operations, workforce development, and supportive services.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Serve as the primary spokesperson, representing the organization in media, public forums, and legislative hearings.
• Strengthen relationships with elected officials, community leaders, philanthropic organizations, and corporate partners.
• Advocate for policies that expand affordable housing, protect tenants, and enhance supportive services for vulnerable populations.
• Develop public awareness campaigns to destigmatize homelessness and highlight community-driven solutions.

Human Capital & Organizational Development

• Oversee staff recruitment, leadership development, and succession planning to build a high-performing team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.
• Ensure compliance with HR policies, labor laws, and union agreements (if applicable).
• Lead professional development initiatives to strengthen expertise in housing management, casework, and emergency shelter operations.

Key Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 10-15 years of executive leadership experience in nonprofit management, affordable housing, homeless services, or social services.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale shelter and housing programs, particularly DHS-funded shelters, transitional housing, and affordable housing developments.
• Track record of securing multimillion-dollar funding from government contracts, foundations, and private donors.
• Deep knowledge of NYC housing policies and regulatory compliance (DHS, HPD, HRA, HASA, HUD, and shelter regulations).
• Experience leading advocacy efforts and engaging with elected officials, policymakers, and funders.
• Strong public speaking, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
• Experience managing large teams and overseeing workforce development initiatives.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred to better serve NYC’s diverse communities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Business, Social Work, or a related field.
• Experience in large-scale housing development and real estate finance.
• Expertise in data-driven program evaluation to measure impact and improve service delivery.