Executive Director

Executive Director Saint Elizabeth Shelter and Supportive Housing

Founded in 1986, St. Elizabeth Shelter is dedicated to helping the homeless live more productive, stable, and satisfying lives. Our mission is to assist homeless individuals and families by providing emergency shelter, food, case management, and counseling as well as supportive housing and referrals to partner human service agencies. We work to provide transitional housing and transitional rent support to help the homeless obtain stable housing. Our client services continue after housing is attained to support the continuation of housing. St. Elizabeth's ultimate goal is to shelter homeless individuals and families while working to end the cycle of homelessness. Underlying St. E’s mission is the viewpoint that people who are experiencing homelessness and others who rely on St. E’s services are full human beings whose current circumstances leave them economically vulnerable and lacking necessary resources.

All services are provided to those in need without discrimination of any kind. St. Elizabeth’s is a non-sectarian organization that respects all beliefs.           

St. Elizabeth Shelter and Supportive Housing serves homeless individuals and families in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the surrounding rural counties. A drug and alcohol environment, the organization includes over 40 staff members, and most staff provide direct client care including case management, shift supervision, behavioral therapy, and housing support. Our properties include two emergency shelters (Men’s Shelter and Casa Familia Shelter for women and families) and two apartment complexes for temporary or long-term supportive housing (Sonrisa and Casa Cerrillos). We also provide on-site case management and other client services for residents at the Santa Fe Suites. 

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the management and administration of St. Elizabeth Shelter and Supportive Housing. The ED guides the creation of tangible results that reflect and sustain the organization's vision, values, and mission. To that end, the ED plans, directs, coordinates, and provides oversight of the organization, overseeing staff, multiple programs, and facilities within guidelines established by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director provides leadership that ensures organizational effectiveness, fiscal integrity, and, when appropriate, organizational change. The ED also works with community leaders and strategic partners on a city, county, and state level to further support our mission and for the benefit of our guests and clients. Please see the job description for specific duties.

The Executive Director leads the organization with integrity and emotional intelligence. The organizational culture that he/she/they nourishes is aware of the fact that while working in an often challenging environment, all staff members need to bring awareness and compassion to their work with guests and clients as well as their co-workers. Many staff members are in a position of power in every interaction with our guests, including but not limited to the quality of the services they receive, the nature of the assistance offered, and, ultimately, whether the guest has a place to sleep. This power differential means that all staff are held to a high standard such that guests may rely on being treated fairly, having a safe environment, and receiving the supportive services they need to progress toward their goals. This also means that the executive director is committed to St. E’s being a fair, safe, and equitable workplace for staff as well.

Job Responsibilities

• In conjunction with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director leads the development of the annual strategic plan.
• Directs the preparation of budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs.
• Oversees and directs, planning, and implementing policies, objectives, or activities of organization to ensure continuing operations.
• Communicates on a timely basis with the Board President and Board members regarding emerging issues and substantial issues within the organization.
• Provide oversight to the preparation and presentation of reports concerning activities, expenses, budgets, government statutes or rulings, and other items affecting businesses or program services.
• Implements effective corrective action plans to solve organizational or programmatic problems.
• Analyze program and other operations to evaluate performance in meeting strategic objectives.
• Direct human resources activities, including the approval of human resource plans or activities, the selection of managers or other high-level staff, and/or establishment or organization of major departments.
• Supports the Intern program to ensure its viability and sustainability over time.
• Hires and manages direct reports based on the approved organization staffing plans.
• Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, and laws to organizations, government or organization officials.
• Review reports submitted by staff members to recommend approval or to suggest changes.
• Negotiates and/or approve contracts or agreements with suppliers, distributors, federal and state agencies, and other organizational entities.
• Coordinates, along with the Deputy Director to establish programmatic responsibilities and coordinate necessary activities among programs and locations.
• Deliver speeches, write articles, or present information at meetings or conventions to promote services, exchange ideas, or accomplish objectives.
• Oversees and supports the Finance Director’s development and/or implementation of budgetary control systems, recordkeeping systems, and/or other administrative control processes.
• Preside over, and serve on, boards of directors, management committees, and other governing boards.
• Attend and participate in meetings of municipal councils and/or council committees as needed.
• Organize and approve promotional campaigns.
• Conduct and direct investigations and hearings to resolve complaints or violations of laws or testify at such hearings.
• Participates in the planning, execution and attendance at public fund raising and promotional events.
• Makes presentations to government and/or private entities regarding policies, programs, or budgets.
• Review and analyze legislation, laws, or public policy and recommend changes to promote and support interests of the general population or special groups based on the vision and mission.
• Direct and conduct studies or research on issues affecting areas of responsibility.
• Assesses the administration of programs for site selection and construction of buildings, and provision of equipment and supplies.
• Represent and promote St. Elizabeth’s mission and objectives at official functions, and/or delegate representatives to do so.

Requirements

Credentials and Qualifications

• Preferred Master's Degree in Public Administration, or related fields. Bachelor's degree required.
• Preferred ten years of experience required, with at least five years of experience in a management role for an organization providing human services to the community.
• Non-profit experience preferred. 

Experience and Skills

• Prefer bi-lingual/fluent in English/Spanish preferred.
• Prefer experience working with and on behalf of homeless individuals and/or families preferred.
• Leadership of an organization of similar size and scope.
• Able to work with diverse populations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to motivate others as individuals and groups.
• Prefer knowledge of the unique cultural heritage of northern New Mexico.
• Prefer local experience with service providers and city/county governance officials. 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Proven ability to see and grasp organizational challenges and ability to troubleshoot the potential issues/resolutions within their scope of responsibility. 
• Excellent problem solving and multitasking skills in a variety of projects including prioritizing crucial tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, and manage the activities of others
• Strong conflict resolution skills.