Executive Director St. Jude House

Position Summary:

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief administrator of St. Jude House (SJH), with overall strategic and operational responsibility for SJH’s programming and staff. The ED drives initiatives for the prevention, education, and awareness of domestic violence, and works to generate awareness of SJH’s programs and services to expand the ministry’s connection with the community, donors, providers, and the people we serve.

Specific Tasks/Duties: Operational Responsibilities:

• Oversee all programs, services, and activities to ensure that program and ministry objectives are met.
• Establish and administer policies and procedures for day-to-day operations.
• Maintain a comprehensive calendar of programming and services that best meet the needs of northwestern Indiana communities.
• Prepare an annual budget for the SJH Board with the goal of being self-sustaining.
• Manage and control expenses in accordance with the annual budget.
• Directly oversee the work of the management staff.

Strategic Initiatives:

• Collaborate with the SJH Board to draft and implement a strategic plan with the goal of fostering a trauma-informed environment for survivors of domestic violence.
• Serve as the public face and voice of SJH to educate, seek support, and create awareness.
• Actively pursue collaboration with donors, community leaders, providers, and others who can help expand our outreach.
• In collaboration with the SJH Director of Development, create and implement a fundraising strategy aimed at building awareness and self-sufficiency.
• Monitor external issues such as pending legislation that may affect our care, funding, or organization.

Leadership Roles:

• Set an example for outstanding client advocacy where the needs of those we serve are paramount.
• Assure stability by creating a culture where staff and volunteers are respected, enriched, and supported.
• Work hand-in-hand with the SJH Board of Directors to advance the good works of SJH with regular and transparent reporting and engagement.
• Attend and participate in all meetings of the Board of Directors.

Mission/Values:

1. Support, uphold, and maintain the Mission and Philosophy of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago and promote it positively within and outside the community. Demonstrate loyalty and pride in St. Jude House, its associates, and departments.
2. Respect and safeguard the confidentiality of information regarding clients and co-workers. Ensure that clients' rights to fair and equitable treatment and privacy are maintained at all times.
3. Project a professional and caring demeanor in interactions with clients, family members, visitors, and co-workers.
4. Maintain a clean, neat, and orderly environment. Use equipment, supplies, and other materials with a focused effort to reduce waste.
5. Demonstrate teamwork when interacting with other associates within the team. Show respect for self and others in manner (body language, dress), word (spoken language), and action (behavior).
6. Account for job responsibilities by initiating prompt and appropriate action/follow-up to problems, ensuring appropriate resolution.
7. Anticipate clients' and co-workers’ needs proactively, seeking to meet those needs even before a formal request is made.
8. Welcome suggestions and new ideas as opportunities to learn, grow, and improve services.

Position Requirements:

• Five or more years of leadership experience in a similar community-based organization or nonprofit.
• Undergraduate degree in human services, public administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Ability to work independently, problem-solve, and take initiative.
• Excellent understanding of finance-related performance standards.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Essential Functions: General Working Conditions:

• Work in the office.
• Sit, stand, lift, bend, and move intermittently during working hours.
• Communicate with staff, vendors, and the community.
• Exhibit good administrative proficiency and customer service.
• Demonstrate outstanding organizational skills.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

Mental Acuity:

• Cope with the mental, emotional, and physical stress of the position.
• Maintain general good health and demonstrate emotional stability.
• Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate computer literacy (Excel, Access, Word, Internet, and PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of computer programs (dual platform on Mac/PC) including Adobe suites and Microsoft Word.

Sensory Requirements:

• Exhibit patience, tact, and a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm.
• Function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and work effectively with clients, personnel, and support agencies.
• Use close vision for computer work.
• Use distance vision for driving and meeting people.
• Use color vision to distinguish colors in preparing marketing materials.
• Communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with associates, vendors, and company contacts.
• Receive oral communication from associates, vendors, potential residents, and company contacts.

Technical/Motor Skills:

• Seek new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing practices.
• Operate office machines including copier, fax, and calculator.
• Use Mac/PC equipment and software.
• Use information systems such as iCIMS, UKG, and other related management software.
• Utilize office supplies including pens, staplers, pencils, and paper.