Executive Director

Position: Executive Director

Position Type: Volunteer

Location: Remote (Northern Virginia area preferred)

Reports To: Board of Directors

Time Commitment: 20-30 hours a week / 2 year commitment

Be a part of a growing non-profit and help us empower refugee students!

About Safe Haven Space:

Safe Haven Space is committed to offering mental health and well-being services to refugee students and their families. Mental health has a harmful stigma prevalent in many communities around the world, especially among the refugee population. After being forced out of their original communities, it becomes harder for refugee students to function in both school and life settings without healing from the trauma they encounter before, during, and after their transition to the United States of America. We want to help them succeed in American life and make their adjustment to cultural changes easier through school programs and community engagement. The concept behind this organization stems from personal experience.

As a refugee herself, our Founder is no stranger to the stigmatization of mental health in the community. Learn more about Safe Haven Space through our website.

Position Overview: The Executive Director (ED) will be responsible for overall leadership, strategy implementation, and management. The ED will oversee program development, fundraising, community partnerships, and day-to-day operations while working closely with the Board of Directors to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission, values, and goals. This role requires a visionary leader with strong operational acumen and a passion for supporting refugee mental health.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement SHS’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission.
• Provide visionary leadership to inspire, empower, and lead SHS’s staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for SHS, promoting its mission, values, and impact to the public and key stakeholders.
• Lead SHS’s fundraising strategy in collaboration with the Director of Development, securing grants, sponsorships, and donations to support program growth.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors to expand SHS’s funding base.
• Ensure the successful implementation of annual fundraising events, grant writing, and
• donor stewardship initiatives.
• Oversee the development, execution, and evaluation of all SHS programs to ensure they meet the needs of the refugee community and align with SHS’s mission.
• Work closely with the Director of Programming to assess program impact, refine service offerings, and explore new opportunities for growth.
• Develop and manage the organization’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.
• Oversee financial reporting, expense management, and resource allocation in alignment with SHS’s financial goals.
• Work with the Director of Operations to ensure efficient day-to-day operations, including volunteer management and organizational policies.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance, provide regular updates, and seek guidance on strategic initiatives.
• Prepare reports and proposals to keep the Board informed of SHS’s progress, opportunities, and challenges.
• Support the recruitment and onboarding of new board members, fostering a collaborative relationship with the Board to strengthen SHS’s governance.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, schools, government agencies, and mental health providers. Engage with refugee communities to understand their needs and identify ways SHS can support their well-being and integration.
• Advocate for mental health awareness and support for refugee populations, representing SHS in public forums and community meetings.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Nonprofit Management, Social Work, Public Administration, or related discipline); Master’s degree preferred.
• Proven experience in an executive or senior leadership role, ideally within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, and organizational management.
• Strong knowledge of mental health issues affecting refugee communities or comparable populations is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven financial and operational management experience, including budgeting, expense control, and resource allocation.
• Cultural sensitivity, empathy, and a commitment to SHS’s mission of supporting refugee youth.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should apply here.