Chief Executive Officer

Scion Executive Search has been exclusively engaged to conduct an immediate search for a highly relational and experienced CEO for our client, Volunteers of America Southwest, a $28 M faith-based human services nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through housing, health services, employment programs, and supportive services across the United States. This is a full-time position based in the San Diego area, with regular regional travel required.

ABOUT VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA :
Volunteers of America is a national, faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. For more than a century, the organization has delivered critical services including affordable housing, healthcare, employment assistance, veteran support, and programs for seniors and at-risk youth. Guided by a strong commitment to compassion, dignity, and social justice, Volunteers of America partners with communities across the country to create long-term solutions to homelessness, poverty, and hardship.

ABOUT VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA SOUTHWEST : VOA Southwest offers programs in housing, health, education, food, treatment, and support throughout San Diego, San Bernardino, and Imperial County. With a team of over 300 staff and the support of dedicated volunteers, the organization works to close gaps in access to essential services, fostering resilience and well-being for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The VOA Southwest organization is led by a CEO who reports to an independent local board of directors and has an operating budget of approximately $28M.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
Reporting to the Volunteers of America Southwest Board, the CEO will be a forward-facing, highly relational leader who will provide strategic and operational leadership for the VOA Southwest Affiliate organization. The VOA Southwest CEO will lead organizational growth, strengthen community impact, and advance the mission of serving individuals and families through integrated health, children and family services, and supportive housing services.

The CEO of a VOA affiliate leads with a high degree of autonomy while benefiting from the strength of a national organization that provides resources, strategic guidance, and valuable connections to support and expand local impact

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Visionary & Mission-Driven Leadership

• Sets and advances a compelling organizational vision aligned with mission, values, and long-term impact.
• Leads with adaptability, transparency, and sound judgment in complex, rapidly evolving environments.
• Maintains focus on both immediate priorities and future growth.
• Drives growth and innovation through program expansion, new service models, and strategic partnerships that increase regional impact.

Program Strategy & Service Excellence

• Ensures delivery of high-quality, mission-aligned human services responsive to community needs.
• Integrates faith-based values into strategic and operational decision-making.
• Oversee program outcomes and performance metrics to ensure services are effective, measurable, and aligned with community needs.
• Experience in behavioral health programs is highly desirable.

Financial Stewardship & Revenue Growth

• Provides executive oversight for budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal stewardship to ensure strong financial health and transparency.
• Demonstrates strong nonprofit financial acumen and governance.
• Leads fundraising and development efforts, including major gifts, grants, and public-private partnerships.
• Strengthens revenue through strategic partnerships with government entities, foundations, corporations, and major individual donors.

Organizational Leadership & Culture Building

• Builds, inspires, and leads a diverse, high-performing executive team and workforce.
• Fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization and program delivery.

Faith Commitment

• The VOA Southwest CEO is required to become a Volunteers of America commissioned minister within 3 years of employment. Ministerial credentialing is a unique opportunity to embody VOA's faith-based mission, leading with compassion and service to uplift the most vulnerable in our communities.

External Relations, Brand & Advocacy

• Serves as the organization's chief ambassador and public representative.
• Strengthens relationships with government agencies, donors, community partners, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.
• Strengthens brand identity and public trust through transparent communication, consistent storytelling, and proactive community engagement.

Innovation, Technology & Strategic Growth

• Champions innovation and data-driven decision-making to enhance operational effectiveness, service quality, and scalability.
• Technology to support organizational growth, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
• Strengthens organizational infrastructure,…