The Organization
West End Residences Job Description: Executive Director – Chief Executive Officer (ED-CEO)
Reports To: Board of Directors
Organization Description:
Founded in 1989, West End Residences HDFC, Inc.’s mission is to provide safe and supportive transitional and permanent housing together with comprehensive services that assist and empower homeless and formerly homeless youth, families, and older adults to live full and productive lives. Currently, the Intergenerational Residence provides temporary housing and support services to homeless young mothers and their children and permanent supportive housing to formerly homeless and low-income older adults in New York City. Two True Colors Residences provide permanent, supportive housing for formerly homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in New York City, the first of their kind. West End Residences is a 501(c) 3 organization with 60 full-time staff and a budget of $3.7M. For more information, please visit our website at www.westendres.org.
Position Overview
Position Summary: The ED-CEO is responsible for the organization’s achievement of its mission. S/he will lead the organization after the retirement of its ED-CEO and into the next phase of growth to ensure effective delivery of high quality supportive housing in the New York City area.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Leadership
● Promote West End Residences’ vision and mission, and build support for programs and initiatives within the organization and broader community
● Provide strategic leadership for the organization by working with the Board of Directors and the senior leadership team to establish strategies, plans and policies, and long-term goals, keeping in mind the goals of organizational effectiveness and sustainability
● Lead, motivate and inspire West End Residences’ management and staff
● Foster a client-centered, community-oriented, and accountable environment at West End Residences
2. Management and Administration
● Provide direction to the senior leadership team in implementing organizational strategy and monitor progress against this strategy and corresponding organizational goals
● Align West End Residences’ resources with the organization’s vision and mission to maximize impact, maintain service quality, and promote the organization’s financial health
● Build West End Residences’ capacity, infrastructure, processes, systems and staff capability to support the objectives of the organization in collaboration with the Board
3. Real Estate Development and Program Management
● Lead the senior leadership team in the development of supportive housing for West End Residences’ target populations, including staying abreast of related real estate management policies and opportunities
● Ensure the quality of West End Residences’ programs and the organization’s ability to effectively respond to changing environments and clients’ needs
● Ensure that programs are in alignment with West End Residences’ values, vision, and mission
4. External Relations
● Represent West End Residences with clients, funders, organizational partners, the community, industry, media, government, and other partners
● Raise West End Residences’ visibility as a leader in our field of expertise, and promote the organization’s activities, programs and goals
● Cultivate relationships and more formal partnerships with community organizations and other service providers who complement the service offerings of West End Residences
● Respond to policy and political initiatives that impact West End Residences’ constituents and advocate to policymakers on their behalf
5. Fundraising and Development
● Oversee development and fundraising efforts with an eye towards planning and diversifying West End Residences’ funding streams
● Manage relationships with Government, Private and Family Foundations, Individual Donors and Corporate Sponsorships
● Oversee the compliance of all contract requirements
● Create and implement annual fundraising plan with Board and development staff
● Cultivate and maintain relationships with major donors and key funders
● Manage the organization’s brand and positioning strategies
6. Board of Directors
● Act as liaison to Board and facilitate staff support to the Board and its operations as needed
● Engage the Board in fiscal, program, and policy oversight, strategic planning, fundraising and public relations
● Lead Board development, including increasing Board size, diversity, and overall capacity
● Keep the Board abreast of relevant legislation, policies and protocols, client issues and needs, and emerging trends
7. Financial Management
● Develop and maintain sound financial practices
● Work with the senior team and Board to prepare West End Residences’ annual budget and ensure that the organization operates within budget guidelines
● Monitor the financial health of the organization and its programs and develop plans to ensure that adequate funds are available for the organization to carry out its work
8. Human Resources
● Attract, retain and develop a high-quality, high performing staff
● Ensure that West End Residences’ compensation, benefits, and career opportunities are comparable with peer organizations
● Provide managers and supervisors with guidance, mentoring and training in effective management practices
● Ensure that sound human resource practices and systems are in place, such as performance management processes, career planning and succession planning for key roles throughout the organization
Experience and Background:
● Direct experience in the social sector or in a related field preferred
● Exceptional nonprofit governance expertise and deep knowledge of fiscal management, including fund accounting and budgeting
● Minimum of 8 years of experience in a management or leadership role, including supervising staff and working with a board of directors
● A successful track record in public and private fundraising
● Familiarity, interest and commitment to supportive housing in New York City and related real estate development
● Demonstrated capability in leading the development and implementation of strategic planning initiatives Experience with transition planning and managing change desired
● Politically aware and savvy to respond to federal, state and city initiatives/issues that affect West End Residences and its constituents
● Excellent public speaking, written and oral communication and interpersonal relational skills required
● Cultural competency and experience working with diverse populations, including LGBTQIA and people of color communities
● Master’s degree is strongly preferred, however demonstrated evidence of equivalent experience and training may be considered
How To Apply
The cover letter should be submitted together with a current resume, to werceo@crenyc.org. West End Residences is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a workplace that is inclusive, and respects and values diversity of cultural, ethnic and experiential backgrounds. We strongly encourage candidates who are representative of the communities
Application Process:
West End Residences is working in partnership with Community Resource Exchange (CRE – www.crenyc.org) to fill this position. Please submit a substantive and thoughtful cover letter describing your interest in the position and the work of West End Residences, making the case for the relevance of your experience to the key responsibility areas.