Executive Director

The Executive Director reports directly to the Board President and is accountable to The Beacon’s Board of Directors.

Competitive base salary ($85,000 - $105,000), benefits, and flexible PTO offered for this full-time, exempt position.

I. Job Summary

The Beacon’s Executive Director (ED) will be a visionary leader who will continue to expand its mission and ensure the fulfillment of the mission by leading efforts in the areas of strategic planning and growth, organizational administration, and development of fundraising and grant opportunities. The ED will oversee day-to-day operations, build, develop, and manage a high-performing team, and work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to reimagine and guide the evolution and growth of the organization.

II. Primary Responsibilities

Board Governance

• Responsible for leading in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all necessary information for optimum Board effectiveness and informed decision making.
• Provide guidance to the Board and its committees in determining policies for the organization.
• Work with the Board in establishing and maintaining programs for the Beacon.
• Prepare monthly reports for the Board in a format approved by the Board President and create the agenda for the monthly Board meeting.

Organization Strategy

• Assure that the organization has long-term strategic planning that achieves its mission and makes consistent and timely progress with an eye toward organizational best practices and innovative ventures.
• Identify and assess potential opportunities for strategic partnerships with other organizations to advance the mission and reach of The Beacon in providing services to women in crisis.
• Synthesize data collected through client programming and create focus on key priorities related to organizational objectives and The Beacon’s mission.

Staff Recruitment, Supervision, and Performance Management

• Build and provide strong leadership for an effective team by providing direction, guidance, and performance feedback. Responsible for hiring and termination decisions, as necessary.
• Plan and oversee ongoing education and development plans for the staff.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff. Inspire the team to accomplish and exceed outlined goals and provide outstanding services to The Beacon’s clients and community.
• Ensure sound human resources practices, including developing and maintaining accurate job descriptions, clear communication of performance goals, and review processes.
• Challenge the status quo within nonprofit work to elevate benefits, pay, and structures to be competitive with local organizations and businesses.

Programming and Advocacy

• In partnership with the Board and staff, update the current programming model to center on trauma-informed programming, with equitable and inclusive practices to ensure programs and services reflect and meet the needs of the women being served.
• Set specific organizational and programmatic goals and identify the required resources to develop assessment frameworks and measure outcomes. Create objectives and evaluation benchmarks and report findings to the Board.
• Work with the Board to produce and distribute a regular advocacy update. Enable and develop staff’s ability to collect data and stories from clients to share through articles, FAQs, success stories, etc to share with donors, the public and other organizations in the judicial system to help further the Beacon’s goals and mission.
• Assist and work with case manager to ensure that residents’ counseling and referral needs are met.

Operational Accountability

• In collaboration with the Board, direct resources to ensure budgetary compliance and fiscal integrity. Responsible for oversight of revenue and budget development and monitoring of expenses.
• Maintain fiscal solvency of The Beacon.
• Ensure successful completion of The Beacon’s annual audit as determined necessary by the Board.
• Responsible for the effective administration of The Beacon’s operations, including facilities management, prioritizing resident and staff safety.

Fundraising and Community Engagement

• Plan, lead, and help execute fundraising and development efforts in collaboration with the Board and staff. The ED meets and networks with funders and prospective donors and has responsibility for successful fundraising activities.
• Set and meet fundraising goals through personal involvement, implementation of systematic best practices, leadership and development of team, and board/committee engagement.
• Ensure robust external communications that effectively convey organizational highlights and program activities to corporate partners, donors, and the general public.
• Develop and maintain relationships with members of the Iowa media to identify opportunities for community exposure to The Beacon, its programming and mission, and to raise awareness within the community.
• Develop long-term relationships for The Beacon with the community and other prospective donors who have the financial capacity and desire to make major and/or planned gifts.
• Represent The Beacon to the Central Iowa public (and expanded areas) through media, events, promotions, conferences, and other appropriate avenues. Serve as a compelling spokesperson in media, large and small groups, and in one-on-one situations.
• Research, study, and seek additional funding for women’s programs appropriate to The Beacon’s clients, including government and non-governmental agencies and local and national businesses and organizations.
• Participate in various community planning activities, network and maintain cooperative relationships with referral sources and with other homeless agencies in the community.
• Performs other related tasks or special projects as requested by the President and/or Board of Directors.

III. Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, public administration or a related field, from an accredited university. Equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.
• A minimum of five years of experience in providing social services to homeless persons or related populations or five years of experience in agency management.
• Budget management experience, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting.
• A deep understanding and demonstrated record of success in fundraising and proven experience in writing and management of grant funding for private and public grants.
• Strong strategic planning and visioning skill and experience.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a broad range of individuals and organizations, including Board members, donors, colleagues, and the general public.
• Proven track record in managing, developing and retaining talent with a focus on leading by example and building a positive culture in stressful situations.
• Demonstrated experience in event planning and execution.
• Availability to work outside standard business hours when necessary.

The Beacon is an equal opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply.

Ability to Relocate:

• Des Moines, IA 50309: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person