Executive Director

Organization: The Shepherd Place

Location: 1362 S. Governors Avenue, Dover, Delaware 19904 

Position Type: Full-Time Executive Director 

Reports To: Board of Directors

Position Overview

The Shepherd Place is seeking a dynamic, compassionate, and visionary Executive Director to lead our organization in fulfilling its mission of providing safe shelter, transitional housing, supportive services, and pathways to permanent housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, financial management, fundraising, strategic planning, and community engagement of the organization. The Executive Director will oversee the daily operations of our emergency shelter, which includes a residential shelter and two transitional housing homes designed to help residents achieve long-term stability and independence.

This position requires an experienced leader who combines strong business acumen with a deep commitment to serving vulnerable populations through trauma-informed, person-centered practices.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership that advances the organization's mission, vision, and long-term goals.

• Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and implement strategic priorities.

• Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, collaboration, compassion, and excellence.

• Ensure organizational sustainability through innovation and continuous improvement.

• Prepare and present monthly reports to the Board of Directors on shelter operations, transitional housing activities, program outcomes, financial performance, and organizational initiatives.

Shelter & Transitional Housing Operations

• Provide executive oversight of the organization's emergency shelter and two transitional housing homes.

• Ensure all shelter and housing programs operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable regulations a and funding requirements.

• Oversee housing stability initiatives that assist residents in obtaining permanent housing and long-term self-sufficiency.

• Support the implementation of trauma-informed, client-centered services that promote dignity, safety, and personal growth.

• Monitor program outcomes and utilize data to improve services and demonstrate organizational impact.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the organization's annual operating budget.

• Ensure sound financial stewardship and accountability.

• Oversee financial reporting, audits, internal controls, and compliance with nonprofit accounting standards.

• Collaborate with the Board to maintain long-term financial sustainability.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Lead all fundraising initiatives, including major gifts, annual campaigns, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, planned giving, and special events.

• Identify and pursue government, state, federal, and private grant opportunities.

• Cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, civic organizations, faith communities, and business leaders.

• Diversify revenue streams to strengthen organizational capacity and long-term sustainability.

Community Partnerships & Advocacy

• Serve as the primary ambassador and spokesperson for the organization.

• Build collaborative partnerships with local governments, housing agencies, healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, schools, employers, veterans' services, and other nonprofit organizations.

• Advocate for policies and programs that reduce homelessness and increase access to affordable housing and supportive services.

• Represent the organization at community meetings, public forums, and fundraising events.

Human Resources & Organizational Development

• Recruit, develop, supervise, and evaluate leadership staff.

• Promote a positive workplace culture focused on teamwork, respect, accountability, and professional growth.

• Ensure compliance with all employment laws, policies, and organizational procedures.

• Support staff wellness and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field.

• Minimum of five years of progressive executive or senior leadership experience in nonprofit management, housing, human services, or community development.

• Demonstrated success managing organizational budgets and financial operations.

• Proven experience leading fundraising efforts and securing grants.

• Strong understanding of homelessness, housing instability, and supportive housing models.

• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and organizational leadership skills.

Preferred

• Master's degree in a related field.

• Experience overseeing emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, or affordable housing programs.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, case management, and housing stabilization strategies.

• Experience with Community Management Information System (CMIS) or other client information systems.

• Experience administering federal, state, or local grants, including housing and community development funding.

• Experience working with diverse populations and community stakeholders.

Core Competencies

• Visionary leadership

• Strategic planning

• Financial stewardship

• Fundraising and grant development

• Community collaboration

• Housing and homelessness systems

• Program evaluation and data-informed decision-making

• Organizational development

• Public relations and advocacy

• Team leadership and staff development

• Cultural competence and emotional intelligence

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Why Join Our Team?

This is an opportunity to lead a respected organization dedicated to transforming lives through shelter, housing, and hope. The Executive Director will play a critical role in

strengthening services, expanding partnerships, increasing community impact, and helping individuals and families move from crisis to stability.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Shepherd Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• Cover letter

• Resume

• Three professional references

• Salary requirements

Applications should be submitted to: shepherdplace.info@gmail.com

Application Deadline: July 15, 2026