Executive Director
Position Available
Hope and a Home, a non-profit organization that supports low-income families with children in
Washington, D.C., is seeking an outstanding individual for the role of Executive Director. The
organization's mission is to help create stable homes for, and foster hope within, families who are
currently at risk of becoming homeless so that lasting changes are made in their lives. The
Executive Director, under the supervision of the Board of Directors and working in close
cooperation with the Board Chair, will provide day-to-day leadership and direction to the staff to
enable achievement of the organization’s mission.
Background
Originally a program of the organization “For Love of Children,” Hope and a Home’s vision for
more than 25 years has been a “city in which all families are housed, growing stronger, and
contributing to the life of their community.” Early in its history, Hope and a Home rehabilitated
eight vacant properties in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington to a number of
affordable apartments for families at risk. Later, a program of comprehensive support was
developed that has enabled hundreds of parents and children to achieve permanent housing,
family stability and educational success.
The activities and efforts of Hope and a Home are guided by four specific goals:
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Quality affordable housing for all,
Higher education for each student,
Rewarding work for teens and adults that builds financial independence, and
Family and neighborhood connectedness.
Currently, Hope and a Home accomplishes these goals primarily through two programs:
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The Hope and a Home Transitional Housing Program rents 18 apartments for up to
three years to homeless and low-income families and mentors parents and children in
their journey from homelessness to permanent housing, from educational failure to
success in school, and from instability to strong and nurturing family life.
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The Stay and Thrive Program organizes the neighborhood of 14th and U Streets and
residents living in 164 Section 8 apartments in support of the tenants’ desire to stay in
their homes and thrive in an increasingly diverse and vibrant community.
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Overall Responsibility
The Executive Director is responsible for the successful accomplishment of Hope and a Home’s
overall organization goals and implementation of strategic initiatives devised in consultation
with the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is the public face of Home and a Home to
government agencies, other charitable institutions, donors, and the community at large. Working
closely with the Development Director, the Executive Director oversees, monitors, and directly
participates in innovative fund raising activities to ensure the financial health of the organization.
The Executive Director independently plans, manages, and directs the work activity of the staff
consistent with objectives established by and or discussed with the Board.
Primary Duties and Accountabilities
1. Program Development: Oversees design, delivery and quality of programs and services.
Ensures that program goals are congruent with the organizational mission, and goals, and that
program efforts are evaluated in a sufficient manner using appropriate metrics. Promotes
inclusive planning processes and program activities to involve Hope and a Home families,
volunteers, staff and other community members. Negotiates the variety of contracts and lease
agreements necessary to operate the organization’s programs. Participates in relevant
community meetings and coalitions to inform the work of Hope and a Home and to improve
opportunities for low-income parents and children in our city.
2. Financial and Facilities Management: Assumes responsibility for the organization’s
consistent achievement of financial objectives. Recommends annual budget for Board approval
and prudently manages organization's resources, including Hope and a Home’s housing units,
within those budget guidelines and according to current laws and regulations.
3. Human Resource Management: Effectively manages the human resources of the
organization according to authorized personnel policies and procedures that fully conform to
current laws and regulations. Hires, supervises, and evaluates personnel, including both
consultants and staff. Implements appropriate personnel training and development that ensures
human resources necessary for the achievement of the organization’s mission and goals.
Maintains a climate that attracts, retains and motivates top quality people – both paid and
volunteer.
4. Fund Raising and Public Relations: Oversees fundraising planning and implementation,
including identifying resource requirements, researching funding sources, establishing strategies
to approach donors, submitting proposals and administrating fundraising records and
documentation. Consistently presents the organization and its mission, programs and services in
a strong, positive image to potential donors and relevant stakeholders.
5. Board Administration and Support: Supports operations and administration of Board of
Directors. With the Chair of the Board, develops meeting agendas to ensure the opportunity for
the Board to fulfill all responsibilities effectively. Keeps the Board members regularly informed
of the condition of the organization and all important factors. Provides regular financial reports
to the Board of Directors. Facilitates appropriate communication and connections between the
Board and the Hope and a Home staff.
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Qualifications, Skills and Experience
The next Executive Director of Hope and a Home is expected to be a hands-on self-starter with
strong managerial skills and the ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
A passion for the mission of Hope and a Home, coupled with a demonstrated ability to lead
others, is of paramount importance. Experience in, or knowledge of, basic family, work, and
youth development practices and programs is also expected. A background in housing
development, housing regulations, or housing management practices will be a plus. Excellent
problem solving, analytical, organizational, and communication skills are required. Ability to
prioritize work according to organizational demands and established timeframes is critical.
The successful candidate for the Executive Director position must also possess the following
capabilities:
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LEADING CHANGE: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about
strategic change both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals.
Inherent to this capability is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to
implement it in a continuously changing environment.
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LEADING PEOPLE: This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward
meeting the organization's vision, mission and goals. The ability to provide an inclusive
workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork,
and supports constructive resolution of conflicts is required.
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RESULTS DRIVEN: This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational
goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this is the ability to make decisions that
produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems and
calculating risks.
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BUSINESS ACUMEN: This core qualification involves the ability to manage human,
financial and information resources strategically.
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BUILDING COALITIONS: This core qualification involves the ability to build
coalitions internally and with other housing agencies, local government, nonprofit and
private sector organizations, donors and other organizations to achieve Hope and a
Home’s goals.
The position requires a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years of work experience with
evidence of increasing responsibility and success in a leadership role.
The position provides a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, plus a
comprehensive benefits package including health and dental insurance, and retirement plan.
To apply for this position, please send a cover letter and a resume to:
Julia Howell Barros
juliahowellbarros@yahoo.com
4218 7th St., NW, Washington, DC 20011
Postmarked no later than December 21, 2007