Executive Director

Overview

The board of directors of Shalom House, Inc., a nonprofit organization in Portland, Maine, has launched the search for a new executive director to succeed the organization’s longstanding and highly respected leader, who will retire later this year. Shalom House offers hope for adults living with severe mental illness by providing an array of community-based mental health services and a choice of quality housing that helps people lead stable and fulfilling lives in the community.

With 27 residential properties and annual revenue exceeding $23 million, Shalom House is operating in an increasingly complex landscape, requiring visionary leadership and exceptional management. The new executive director will build on the organization’s firm foundation, drawing on its distinctive culture of caring and deep well of talent, to advance its critical mission and drive sustainable growth.

The executive director is the chief executive officer of Shalom House, providing visionary leadership, sound fiscal stewardship, and strategic direction; ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of all programs, housing services, and fiscal operations; and serving as the public face, primary voice, and principal advocate of the organization. This position reports to the board of directors and directly oversees a leadership team including the clinical director, housing and development director, finance director, and human resources director.

Major areas of responsibility include:

Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison between the board of directors and agency operations, ensuring alignment and fidelity to Shalom House’s mission and strategic goals
• Keep the board informed about emerging trends, policy developments, and best practices at the local, state, and national levels
• Provide strategic recommendations and new initiatives as appropriate to strengthen agency impact and sustainability
• Partner with the board on strategic planning efforts and lead execution
• Attend all board and required committee meetings and meet regularly with the board president and other members as needed
• Support board recruitment, orientation, and ongoing engagement
• Support coordination of the agency’s annual meeting and related events.

Operations

• Provide leadership and direct supervision to all agency directors, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth
• Facilitate regular leadership team meetings to ensure coordination and effective communication across programs
• Lead all-staff meetings and participate in program-specific meetings to monitor performance, staff engagement, and client satisfaction
• Ensure that all programs and services operate efficiently, effectively, and in compliance with organizational policies and applicable regulations
• Address staff and client concerns at the executive level, resolving issues in a timely and professional manner
• Oversee the maintenance and safety of agency facilities to support a positive environment for staff and residents
• Promote a mission-driven, inclusive, and supportive organizational culture
• Provide for appropriate systems, physical spaces, and technology to ensure accessibility and to promote efficiency and effectiveness

Financial Management and Resource Development

• Maintain healthy cash flow and adequate reserves to mitigate risk and ensure sustainability
• Oversee preparation, presentation, and approval of the annual budget and other financial documents
• Cultivate relationships with key funders, primarily HUD and DHHS, policymakers, and decision-shapers, staying abreast of funding opportunities, regulatory changes, and legislative developments that impact mental health and housing services at the local, state, and federal levels
• Drive the development and execution of a robust and diversified fundraising strategy including initiatives to engage individuals, businesses, private foundations, and public entities

Community Relations

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the agency, managing media relations and public communications
• Actively participate in local and state mental health and housing initiatives
• Maintain memberships and engagement in civic and professional…