Executive Director

GENERAL STATEMENT OF FUNCTION:

The Executive Director (ED) provides visionary leadership and strategic direction to advance and fulfill the mission of First Step. Working in close partnership with the Board of Directors, the ED ensures the agency operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability, and that its programs, services, and policies reflect the organization’s mission, vision, and values. This collaborative relationship guides strategic planning, sound governance, fiscal stewardship, and mission advancement.

The ED oversees the effective management of all programs and services, the ethical stewardship of financial and employee relations, and the cultivation of strong partnerships across public, private, and community sectors. The ED leads organizational planning and advocacy efforts that promote safety, healing, and empowerment for survivors, ensuring that all services are culturally responsive, and trauma informed.

Grounded in a deep commitment to survivor-centered practices, the ED fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, and respect. Through strong leadership, community engagement, and a shared vision with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director advances First Step’s visibility, sustainability, and impact to continue creating pathways to safety, healing, and empowerment for survivors and families affected by domestic and sexual violence.

LOCATION:     All First Step sites, with the ability to travel to and attend external meetings and events.

REPORTING:    Reports to the Board of Directors

TYPICAL DUTIES:

Strategic Leadership, & Governance

• Lead the development and implementation of the organization’s long-range strategic goals in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Provide leadership to ensure the agency remains mission driven, community informed and fiscally responsible.
• Ensure all programs, polices and initiatives align with the agency’s mission and values.
• Manage all activities and serve as the principal liaison to the Board of Directors, advising on policy, strategy and organizational success and effectiveness. Maintain ex-officio membership on all Board committees.
• Responsible for keeping the Board of Directors informed of agency operations to ensure adequate and accurate information for carrying out their policy-making responsibilities and guidance.
• Support the Board governance work including recruitment, onboarding, training, and evaluation.
• Provide regular, transparent communication and reporting to the Board of Directors, Leadership and agency staff regarding agency performance, finances, and emerging issues.

Organizational Management and Agency Culture:

• Provide direct supervision, evaluations, and support the Director’s team to promote professional growth and accountability.
• Ensure clear and appropriate delegation of responsibilities across the entire leadership team.
• Oversee and support Director of Employee Relations with ensuring compliance with employment law, internal policies, best practices, and equitable personnel policies.
• Create and maintain culture of accountability, continuous improvement and development of staff and programs.
• Develop and maintain succession and contingency plans for leadership and other key agency roles.
• Promote and maintain a trauma informed and survivor centered organizational culture that supports staff well-being.
• Foster a collaborative workplace and promote staff retention, satisfaction, and leadership development.

Financial Management:

• Ensure administration and operations of all agency programs are within budget provisions, ensuring sound financial practices and sustainability.
• Oversee and support the Finance department with the development of the annual budget in collaboration with agency programs and the Director of Grants and Compliance.
• Ensure sounds financial practice and compliance with financial/internal controls, audits, funding requirements and any legal obligations.
• Monitor cash flow, financial forecasting, and risk management processes in partnership with the Finance department.
• Oversee financial sustainability through effective resource allocation, cost management and diversification of revenue streams.

Fund Development and Community Engagement:

• In partnership with Director of Philanthropy and Advancement, lead the agency fundraising strategy including individual giving, major donors, events, planned giving and capital campaigns.
• Supervise all funder relationships and reporting processes.
• Assist in identifying new funding opportunities and provide evaluation and modification of agency programs to meet community and clients’ needs with funder opportunities.
• Represent the agency in the community as its primary spokesperson, participating in public speaking engagements, media appearances, coalition and partnership meetings to strengthen community relationships and partnerships.
• Engage actively with governmental agencies, lobbyists, coalitions, funders, and the media to advance policy and advocacy goals related to domestic violence and sexual assault.
• Promote community education and awareness of the agency’s mission by delivering engaging educational programs and participating in workshops.
• Seek out, build, and maintain collaborative relationships with funders, government agencies, community organizations and policy leaders.

Programming and Evaluation:

• Ensure all agency programs and services are responsive of community needs and align with best practices and are trauma-informed and survivor-centered.
• In partnership with Director of Programs, implement and oversee data collection, evaluation, and performance metrics to track program impact to drive improvement and expansion.
• Ensure continuous review, modification and innovation in programs based on data, community input, funding landscape and program vision.

Communications and Publications:

• In partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Advancement, oversee the creation and publications of all agency brochures, reports, educational materials, and agency communications highlighting the explanation and education of victim assistance and program services.
• Lead internal and external communication to ensure clarity, consistently and alignment with First Step’s mission, vision, and values.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree in a social work, public administration, nonprofit management, or related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 – 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, ideally in non-profit and human services management, preferably in DV/SA or related field.
• Proven experience in financial management, strategic planning, succession planning, and program oversight.
• Demonstrated success in grant and proposal writing, donor relations and fund development.
• Strategic thinker with proven ability to manage change, build consensus and foster innovation.
• Proficiency in nonprofit financial management, compliance, and reporting.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and advocacy skills.
• Knowledge in crisis intervention, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and anti-oppression practices.
• Demonstrated experience and success in effective supervision of leadership, staff, and volunteers.
• Ability to effectively handle crisis situations and lead through change.
• A commitment to cultural humility with experience integrating this approach into strategy and communications is expected.
• Demonstrate compliance with funder requirements and deadlines, skill in setting and analyzing key performance metrics, and high levels of organization, reliability, and flexibility.
• Excellent verbal/written/interpersonal communication skills with the ability to inspire diverse stakeholders and staff. Public speaking and media experience preferred.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings/weekends, and proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) are required.
• A valid Michigan driver’s license, current insurance, background clearances, and reliable transportation are required. Bilingual ability and the capacity to lift up to 30 pounds are a plus.

CLASSIFICATION: For purposes of employment standards, this classification is “exempt” from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. This is a full-time, salary position.

SALARY AND COMPENSATION: Base salary, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, 401k match, life and LTD insurance, PTO, floating holidays, agency closure days, sick time, and flex time.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to applications@firststep-mi.org