Executive Director

Position Summary

The Executive Director plays a pivotal role in the success and sustainability of The Sophia Way, serving as the organization’s primary leader and champion. This role is not only vital to the day‑to‑day operations of the organization but also instrumental in shaping and implementing strategic initiatives that directly impact the lives of the individuals and communities served by The Sophia Way.

With significant independent judgment and discretion, the Executive Director establishes policies and procedures that ensure the seamless and efficient operation of the organization. This position has overarching responsibility for ensuring that all services provided by The Sophia Way meet the highest standards of quality and alignment with the organization’s mission.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director oversees a diverse and dynamic team of approximately 40, fostering collaboration and innovation across departments to achieve organizational goals and sustain long‑term impact.

The Executive Director is entrusted with upholding the mission of The Sophia Way with unwavering integrity and dedication. They serve as a steadfast advocate for the organization’s vision, ensuring its continued growth, relevance, and ability to address the evolving needs of the community. By embodying The Sophia Way’s values and leading with purpose, the Executive Director ensures that the organization remains a trusted and indispensable resource, advancing its mission to provide pathways toward stability, self‑sufficiency, and dignity for those experiencing homelessness.

Ensure a consistent vision and mission by implementing agreed upon strategies to achieve them.

• Work with the Board and staff to lead with an agreed upon shared vision for the future of the organization.
• Build understanding and support of the mission.
• Develop appropriate policies, programs, goals, and long‑range strategies to advance that mission.
• Oversee the development and implementation of yearly work plans that are aligned with the organization’s strategic plan and priorities.
• Implement and manage board‑approved policies and procedures to ensure organizational alignment and compliance.

Increase visibility in the community for the organization and its vision and mission.

• Represent The Sophia Way in the community to build awareness of its mission. Be visible in all conversations to ensure the organization has a voice in all human services conversations.
• Act as a positive and energetic ambassador and spokesperson on behalf of the organization.
• Work collaboratively with key community and regional governments and organizations.

Provide leadership to fundraising and marketing efforts and initiatives.

• Bring a passion and commitment to fundraising efforts; act as “Chief Fundraiser” for the organization.
• Identify new government, foundation, corporate, individual, and other organizational donors and steward The Sophia Way’s current supporters.
• Partner with the Director of Development in implementation of fund development efforts.
• Be the organization’s chief storyteller and brand steward. Actively participate to shape the messaging strategy, campaigns and donor communication.
• Oversee the grant application process and management teams, ensuring all submissions align with The Sophia Way’s mission and strategic goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with grant‑making organizations to secure and sustain funding.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development to integrate grant seeking into the overall fundraising strategy.

Provide fiscal oversight.

• Implement the strategic plan goal of achieving financial resiliency.
• Develop the annual budget in partnership with the leadership team and the Board’s Finance Committee. Ensure that budgets reflect the organization’s priorities and that the organization has adequate funds to meet its short‑term and long‑term goals.
• Oversee the financial performance of the organization in partnership with the Board, including ensuring an annual financial audit in compliance with policy and contracts.
• Ensure compliance with organization contracts, as well as relevant federal and state law.
• Ensure the proper…