Description

UP is seeking a values-driven, collaborative, and strategic Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization through its next stage of growth. The ED will provide overall leadership in strategy, operations, fundraising, community partnerships, branding, and team development—balancing internal management with external visibility and advocacy.
This is a unique opportunity to lead an established and respected organization with a strong foundation, a passionate team, and a clear vision for sustainable impact and innovation.

Requirements

Job Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Strategy: 

•      Provide clear vision and strategic direction aligned with UP’s mission, values, and trauma-informed philosophy.
•      Finalize and begin implementation of a new strategic plan in partnership with the board and staff.
•      Lead efforts to support population growth and development, ensuring programs evolve to meet the changing needs   of unhoused women, children, and marginalized genders. 
•      Foster a collaborative leadership culture that centers staff voice and shared ownership in shaping programs and internal processes, while providing clear direction and accountability.
•      Model authenticity, vulnerability, and transparency in leadership and decision-making.

Fundraising & Financial Stewardship

•      Focus efforts to increase unrestricted revenue growth through foundation relationships, donor cultivation, and innovative fundraising strategies.
•      Partner with the Development Director and Grant Administrator to ensure long-term sustainability and diverse funding streams.
•      Oversee budgets, financial planning, and resource allocation in collaboration with the Finance Consultant.
•      Ensure strong financial controls and reporting to the board and stakeholders. 

Operations & Program Oversight

•      Provide executive oversight of programming and operations, ensuring trauma-informed, values-aligned service delivery.
•      Prioritize operational efficiency and program innovation to support sustainability and population impact. 
•      Supervise senior staff including the Development Director, Operations Director, Grant Administrator, and Finance Consultant.
•      Ensure clear communication of roles, responsibilities, and expectations across the organization.

Staff Development & Culture Building

•      Champion a staff culture rooted in psychological safety, growth, and empowerment.
•      Implement individual development plans for all team members to support professional and personal growth.
•      Ensure UP continues to be a workplace where every team member is valued, heard, and invested in.

Community & External Relations

•      Represent UP in the community and deepen relationships with Metro Council members, state representatives, funders, provider partners, and leaders throughout the city, state, and nation as required. 
•      Serve as the public face of UP, promoting the mission with authenticity and humility. 

Mission-Aligned Branding & Storytelling

•      Partner with the board to strengthen governance, strategic oversight, and organizational effectiveness. 
•      Maintain regular communication with board leadership and committees to ensure alignment and transparency. 

Board Engagement

•      Partner with the board to strengthen governance and strategic oversight.
•      Maintain consistent communication with board leadership and committees.

Qualifications & Skills 

•     Proven Leadership: Significant experience leading organizations in the nonprofit, for profit, social impact, or related sectors, with a track record of driving growth, innovation, and mission-aligned results. 
•     Commitment to Values: Deep dedication to trauma-informed, inclusive, and collaborative approaches that prioritize equity, psychological safety, and empowerment for both staff and program participants. 
•     Operational & Financial Expertise: Demonstrated experience overseeing budgets, financial planning, staff management, and fundraising efforts, including cultivating donor relationships and managing grants. 
•     Relationship-Building: Strong ability to build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, philanthropic entities, and other key stakeholders. 
•     Communication & Emotional Intelligence: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, coupled with high emotional intelligence, enabling effective collaboration, conflict resolution, and team motivation. 
•     Leadership Style: A transparent, authentic, and collaborative approach that values collective wisdom, shared decision-making, and accountability. 
•     Branding & Communications: Understanding of organizational branding, public messaging, and mission-centered communications to effectively promote the organization’s work (experience in this area is a plus). 

Education/Certifications/Licenses

•        Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree in nonprofit management, business, social work, public administration, or a related field preferred. 
•        Relevant professional certifications (e.g., Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP), Project Management Professional (PMP), or similar) are a plus. 
•        Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for community engagement and site visits. 
•        Ability to pass background checks and maintain compliance with organizational policies regarding safety and child protection. 
•        Proficiency in office software (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) and familiarity with donor management, CRM, and/or fundraising platforms. 
•        Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed for events, community engagement, and board meetings. 
  Commitment to trauma-informed, inclusive, and ethical practices in all professional interactions