Position Description
Position Title: Executive Director Status: Exempt
Reports To: President, Board of Directors FTE: 1.00
Mission
To feed, clothe, and offer shelter and aid to those in need.
Position Summary
In partnership with the board of directors, the executive director (ED) leads the organization in effectively fulfilling the organization’s mission, inspiring staff, board members, volunteers, donors, and partners to contribute to the organization’s success and growth. Under the supervision of the President of the Board of Directors, the ED oversees all aspects of agency management and provides direct supervision to approximately four staff members.
The ED focuses on fundraising, community relations, building partnerships, strategic planning and implementation, and staff support and supervision. The ED ensures that Blanchet House maintains its positive reputation for efficiently and graciously providing food, shelter, and transitional housing to Blanchet House residents and meal guests.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Fundraising and Communications
§ Leads the organization’s development work in concert with development staff and the board of directors. Oversees the development and implementation of annual and long-term fundraising plans to increase resources and grow the organization.
§ Develops and maintains relationships with key individual donors and business partners in collaboration with development staff and board members.
§ Maintains and develops relationships with public and private funding sources to position the organization well for mission-aligned resources.
§ Ensures the development and implementation of communications and marketing plans that reinforce the organization’s fundraising, service programs, and advocacy efforts.
§ Provides back-up to development staff as needed.
Community Relations / Partnership Development / Advocacy
§ Serves as the lead ambassador for the organization, communicating about Blanchet House and its programs in a way that is compelling and in compliance with Blanchet House policies, procedures, strategic goals, and current messaging.
§ Maintains and develops a broad spectrum of individual, private sector, and government relationships that lead to increased awareness of Blanchet House and increased partnerships and resources for Blanchet House.
§ Speaks publicly to large and small audiences in a compelling way.
§ Participates in local community groups, representing Blanchet House programs, positions, and constituents.
§ Seeks opportunities for Blanchet House to partner with other organizations to improve the reach, quality, and efficiency of its services.
§ Keeps the board, staff, and key stakeholders apprised of current legislation and industry developments that affect Blanchet House’s ability to raise and allocate essential resources.
Strategic Planning and Implementation
§ Collaborates with the board of directors to regularly evaluate and revise as necessary the organization’s mission and vision.
§ In conjunction with the board of directors and staff, leads the development, implementation, evaluation, and maintenance of a strategic plan.
§ In conjunction with staff, ensures that annual work plans are developed and implemented to meet the goals set forth in the strategic plan.
Organizational Culture / Staff Leadership / Diversity and Inclusion
§ Provides direct supervision to and timely performance reviews of staff, maximizing staff morale and productivity and creating opportunities for employee development and advancement.
§ Works with staff to create an organizational culture that embodies the organization’s values, promotes diversity, is welcoming and inclusive to all, and ensures culturally appropriate services.
§ Serves as a role model for how to create a positive and engaging work environment.
§ Creates, maintains, and complies with the Blanchet House personnel policies and procedures manual; ensures that all employees are oriented to, and in compliance with, the manual.
Board of Directors
§ Provides support to board members to enable them to fulfill their responsibilities and successfully govern the organization.
§ Participates in board meetings and on board committees as requested.
§ Works with the board of directors to recruit and maintain an active and committed group of board members.
§ Collaborates with the board of directors to regularly evaluate and revise as necessary the organization’s policies.
§ Clearly communicates the needs of the organization to the board—verbally and through written reports and data.
Financial and Administrative Management
§ Ensures that the organization has a diversified funding base.
§ Ensures sound financial management based on board-approved financial policies.
§ Ensures that the organization produces sound budgets and timely financial statements to the board of directors for its review and approval.
§ Reviews banking activity monthly.
§ Monitors the organization’s compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local rules and regulations governing the operation of nonprofit agencies.
§ Ensures there are clear, up-to-date crisis management polies and procedures in place, and that the appropriate people are trained to comply.
Program Management
§ Ensures the provision of quality, mission-driven, results-oriented programming that maximizes resources.
§ Delegates and has the ability to be hands on when needed.
§ Provides back-up to program staff as needed.
Other Responsibilities
§ Fulfills other duties as assigned by the President of the Board of Directors.
Required Education and Experience
§ BA or BS in Social Services, Public Health, Management or related field or equivalent experience.
§ Minimum seven years of relevant, paid experience as a director or manager of a nonprofit organization, or as a manager in the private sector.
§ Commitment to Catholic values.
§ Track record in fundraising, including major donor development, appeals, and campaigns.
§ Financial management experience, including developing and managing budgets in excess of $500,000.
§ General understanding of employment laws, rules, and regulations.
§ Ability to use the most common technologies and software applications of the day, such as Microsoft Office. Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge a plus.
Other Requirements
§ Must have access to personal transportation allowing for travel within the Portland Metropolitan Area and to and from Carlton, Oregon (where the Blanchet Farm is located).
§ Must maintain a valid driver license for the state of residency, personal auto liability insurance coverage, and a driving record permitting coverage under the organization’s auto liability policy.
§ Must pass a criminal background check.
Work Environment
§ Setting: Office environment, men’s shelter environment, and occasionally other environments such as for meetings in the community and at the Blanchet Farm (all male residents).
§ Schedule: Occasional early morning, weekend, and evening work.
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Blanchet House Executive Director Position Description • Final • 2-17-2014