Position Summary

The Executive Director provides operational and strategic program leadership for a high-visibility domestic violence shelter serving survivors and their families in the Columbus region. The Executive Director ensures the delivery of safe, trauma-informed, survivor-centered services while maintaining strong fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and community partnerships.

This role leads a complex program with multiple funding streams, significant public visibility, and strong partnerships with government agencies, funders, and community stakeholders. The Executive Director must be an experienced nonprofit leader who is equally comfortable managing large grant portfolios, overseeing operational risk and compliance, engaging with media and public officials, and building a strong organizational culture that supports staff and survivors.

The Executive Director serves as a strategic partner to executive leadership by translating organizational priorities into program-level strategies and ensuring effective operational implementation.

The Executive Director reports to the Vice President of Programs and works closely with executive leadership, finance, development, government affairs, and community partners.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

·       Serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership in advancing the organization’s mission and priorities related to domestic violence services.

·       Translate organizational strategy and system-level priorities into clear program-level goals, operational plans, and service delivery strategies.

·       Operationalize strategic initiatives by aligning staff, resources, policies, and program activities with broader organizational objectives.

·       Provide subject-matter expertise on domestic violence services to inform enterprise decision-making and strategic planning.

·       Identify operational improvements, service enhancements, and partnership opportunities that strengthen the program’s ability to achieve strategic outcomes.

·       Support the implementation of new initiatives, program changes, and system improvements by ensuring effective communication, staff alignment, and operational readiness.

·       Monitor program performance and outcomes to inform continuous improvement and provide leadership with insight into emerging needs, risks, and opportunities.

Program Operations & Service Delivery

·       Oversee all shelter and supportive services including crisis response, housing support, advocacy, and survivor stabilization services.

·       Ensure services are survivor-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and aligned with best practices in domestic violence service delivery.

·       Maintain high standards for safety, confidentiality, and ethical service delivery.

·       Monitor program performance using data, quality improvement processes, and outcome metrics.

·       Ensure the shelter maintains appropriate capacity management, service coordination, and operational procedures to meet community needs.

Fiscal Management & Grant Stewardship

·       Manage a multi-million-dollar program budget and ensure responsible stewardship of public and private funds.

·       Oversee complex grant portfolios including federal, state, and local funding streams.

·       Ensure accurate financial forecasting, expense monitoring, and alignment with grant requirements.

·       Partner with finance and mission advancement teams to support grant applications, reporting, and financial documentation.

·       Monitor funding risks and sustainability factors that could impact program operations.

Compliance & Risk Management

·       Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations related to domestic violence services, grant management, and survivor confidentiality.

·       Maintain strong internal controls and documentation practices that support audits, monitoring visits, and regulatory reviews.

·       Proactively identify operational, financial, and safety risks and implement mitigation strategies.

·       Lead the program’s response to incidents, safety concerns, or compliance matters in coordination with executive leadership.

Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture

·       Lead, mentor, and support a multidisciplinary leadership and management team.

·       Foster a culture grounded in compassion, accountability, professionalism, and trauma-informed practice.

·        Promote staff well-being and resilience in a high-intensity service environment.

·       Establish clear performance expectations and provide coaching, feedback, and professional development opportunities.

·       Support workforce stability, retention, and strong internal communication.

External Relations & Community Leadership

·       Serve as a visible and credible representative of the shelter program within the community.

·       Build strong partnerships with law enforcement, healthcare systems, social service agencies, housing providers, and advocacy organizations.

·       Collaborate with public agencies, funders, and community coalitions to strengthen the local response to domestic violence.

·       Support policy and advocacy initiatives that advance survivor safety and system improvements.

Media & Public Communication

·       Serve as a spokesperson for the program when appropriate.

·       Engage confidently with local media, public officials, and community stakeholders.

·       Communicate thoughtfully about sensitive issues while protecting survivor safety and confidentiality.

·       Partner with organizational communications staff to manage messaging during high-visibility or sensitive situations.

Key Competencies

Strategic Partnership & Execution

Ability to translate organizational strategy into operational plans and measurable program outcomes.

Grant & Fiscal Management

Strong understanding of nonprofit financial management, grant compliance, and multi-source funding structures.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

Demonstrated ability to maintain program compliance with federal and state requirements and successfully navigate audits and monitoring reviews.

Risk Management & Decision Making

Sound judgment in high-stakes situations involving survivor safety, operational risk, and public scrutiny.

Media & Public Communication

Comfort serving as a public spokesperson and engaging with media in a thoughtful and professional manner.

Systems Collaboration

Ability to build trust and coordinate with government agencies, funders, and community partners.

Staff Leadership & Culture Building

Proven ability to lead teams in emotionally demanding environments while maintaining morale, accountability, and professional standards.

Trauma-Informed Leadership

Deep understanding of trauma-informed care principles and their application in both service delivery and staff leadership.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in social work, public administration, nonprofit leadership, or related field preferred.

Experience:

·       Minimum 3-5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in human services, domestic violence services, or related fields.

·       Demonstrated experience managing complex grant portfolios and program budgets.

·       Experience leading teams in high-intensity service environments.

·       Strong knowledge of domestic violence services, victim advocacy, and trauma-informed practices preferred.

·       Experience working with public funding sources and regulatory compliance frameworks.

·       Strong communication, partnership-building, and public speaking skills.