Executive Director

Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall management and accomplishments of the organization. The ED serves as the top executive manager and supervises a group of directors in the areas of operations, programs, education (both the Shelter School & Hope Academy Charter School), development, marketing, finance, human resources and technology. Ensures strong relationships are developed and nurtured with key constituent groups including: AR Department Children and Family Services, Employees, Donors, the Shelter’s Board of Directors (Board), and Volunteers. In conjunction with the Board of Directors, the ED develops and executes the Board approved strategy / long range plan and annual goals.


PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

General Responsibilities

• Serves as the General Manager and provides leadership, coaching and management for the team of Directors and indirectly, the rest of the organization’s staff (approx. 100 employees). Acts as the organization’s Passion/Brand leader to ensure that the Mission of the organization is effectively communicated and fulfilled.
• Develops and executes the Board-approved strategic plan and annual goals while providing quarterly updates on the performance and critical metrics to the Board of Directors. Acts as the staff liaison for the Board’s Long Range Planning Committee and provides assistance to the other Committees as requested or needed. Ensures that Shelter Directors are appropriately and fully leveraging other committees of the board.
• Promotes statewide, the unique value of services the organization provides to the children.
• Ensures the effective use of the organization’s resources and ensures the quality of services provided.
• In conjunction with the Development Director, ensures that the Shelter has an effective fundraising plan including large corporate and individual donors as well as an Endowment Plan/Fund. Serves as the primary ‘face’ of the organization with key large potential and existing donors, with the assistance of the Development Director.
• In conjunction with the Director of Finance and the Shelter Board’s Finance Committee, maintains oversight and integrity of the organization’s financial condition and funding portfolio.
• Interviews, hires, supervises, coach’s trains and disciplines (including termination as necessary), all management staff.
• Creates development plans for all staff leadership team members, including identifying potential successors for the Executive Director role and fosters in-house succession for other key roles at the Shelter.
• Maintains productive relationships with the Board of Directors, staff, funding, referral and regulatory agencies.
• In conjunction with the departmental staff leaders, develops and recommends for approval procedure changes and related policies for Board review and approval as needed.
• In conjunction with the Board HR Committee, facilitates the selection and development of the Board to ensure balanced membership and optimal contribution to the organization’s success.
• Promotes a diverse and inclusive environment for all staff, residents and students.
• Performs all other related duties as required or assigned.

Professionalism

• Maintains confidentiality and privacy regarding all residents' and students’ information in accordance to organizational policy and all applicable federal and state laws/regulations.
• Carries out work tasks in a way that conforms to and supports the mission, vision, and values of the organization as well as professional and ethical standards.
• Establish effective professional relationships with peers, support staff, volunteers, supervisors, and other professionals.
• Attends and participates in mandatory trainings, staff meetings, and all other events, as required.
• Sets, maintains, and communicates appropriate personal and professional boundaries.
• Completes all required documentation in a timely manner per agency procedures and requirements.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• A strong passion for the mission of NWACS and Hope Academy.
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field, education administration field or in administration, business, or a related field, and at least eight years of work experience in a leadership role and at least two years associated with a human services agency or organization.
• Ability to raise operating and endowment funds.
• Must pass all criminal history and child maltreatment background checks.
• Must submit to pre-employment drug screen as well as random drug screens when directed.
• Valid driver's license, proof of personal automobile insurance, and acceptable driving record required to drive organization vehicle and/or for organization business.
• Must meet DCFS required qualifications and be approved by governing regulatory body.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Strong leadership skills and ability to build and cultivate strong sense of teamwork across a large and diverse employee base and active / involved board, donor and volunteer constituents.
• Management skills, and strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong public relations skills.
• Ability to deal with uncertainty and stressful situations.
• Good understanding of financial viability and management.
• Basic proficiency in use of computers and software.
• Flexibility, reliability, and self-motivation.


WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The demands described are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Work performed indoors and outdoors.
• Tasks may involve walking, standing, climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and lifting for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Potential exposure to communicable disease/contagions.


This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it. Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter and Hope Academy of NWA reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field, education administration field or in administration, business, or a related field.
• At least eight years of work experience in a leadership role and at least two years associated with a human services agency or organization.
• Ability to raise operating and endowment funds.
• Must pass all criminal history and child maltreatment background checks.
• Must submit to pre-employment drug screen as well as random drug screens when directed.
• Valid driver's license, proof of personal automobile insurance, and acceptable driving record required to drive organization vehicle and/or for organization business.
• Must meet DCFS required qualifications and be approved by governing regulatory body.