Executive Director, Community Hope Center

Executive Director, Community Hope Center

Posted:
January 8, 2025
•

Location:

Gaithersburg, MD
• Job Type: Full-time
• Salary Range: $75,000–$85,000 annually

The Community Hope Center is a ministry of Seneca Creek Community Church, serving neighbors in Gaithersburg and surrounding areas. Through partnerships with public and private organizations—including faith communities, civic groups, public schools, and government agencies—the Center provides essential resources, educational opportunities, and relationship-centered support that promote human flourishing.

The Center’s core programs include a choice food pantry and an ESOL program, along with other community-based resources and partnerships that meet immediate needs while fostering long-term stability and empowerment.

The Center seeks a dynamic, compassionate, and strategic Executive Director to lead the organization in advancing its mission. This role provides strategic leadership for the Center’s programs and operations, ensuring alignment with its vision and values. The Executive Director oversees staff, ensures compliance with grant requirements, cultivates community partnerships, and leads fundraising efforts to deliver impactful services that meet the needs of vulnerable and underserved residents.

• Community Engagement & Partnerships
  • Develop, nurture, and manage partnerships with businesses, civic organizations, social service agencies, faith communities, and government entities.
  • Collaborate with partners and staff to assess community needs and develop responsive programs and services.
  • Represent the Center at community meetings and coalitions, including county-wide and regional collaborations.
• Staff & Volunteer Leadership
  • Supervise and develop a team of direct-report staff members.
  • Lead the development and implementation of a robust volunteer engagement strategy, including recruitment, training, screening, and retention.
  • Collaborate with church staff to engage volunteers from the church community.
  • Ensure volunteers are supported, appreciated, and well-prepared for their roles.
• Fundraising & Resource Development
  • Manage the Center’s operational budget and ensure fiscal accountability.
  • Assist with the development and execution of annual fundraising plans.
  • Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, businesses, and foundations.
  • Plan and coordinate fundraising events, annual giving efforts, and donor appreciation activities.
• Program Management & Compliance
  • Ensure programs meet grant objectives, compliance requirements, and reporting standards.
  • Oversee food program compliance with state and local regulations and FDA Food Code standards.
  • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures to ensure continuity of operations.
  • Ensure programs disseminate information about other available community resources (e.g., SNAP, rental assistance, healthcare, employment services).
• Administration, Reporting & Representation
  • Ensure accurate data collection and reporting on program outcomes, volunteer engagement, and service metrics.
  • Support and coordinate special events such as holiday distributions and community celebrations.
  • Work with staff to maintain outreach materials and develop communications to promote Center programs and needs.
  • Pursue ongoing professional development and represent the organization at community events.

• Bachelor’s degree required (preferred fields include management, social work, community development, business administration, public health, or related disciplines).
• Experience managing employees and volunteers.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with budgeting, grant management, and fundraising.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish (strongly preferred).

• Physical activity including lifting up to 40 lbs and extended periods of standing or walking required.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends for community events.

• Competitive salary.
• Health and dental benefits.
• 401(k) with employer contribution.
• Paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities.

Qualified candidates who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of others are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to Careers
.

Seniority level: Executive

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Other