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HomeFirst

Chief Executive Officer

HomeFirst, California, Missouri, United States, 65018


The Role

Reports To:

Board of DirectorsDirect Reports:

Six (6) direct reports including the Chief Operating Officer, ChiefProgram Officer, Chief Development Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, and Senior Executive AssistantLocation:

San Francisco Bay Area

Position Summary

HomeFirst is seeking a visionary and collaborative Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our 44-year-old organization through the next growth phase in its mission to end homelessness inSanta Clara County and beyond.

Responsible for the overall strategic, operational, and financial management of HomeFirst, the CEO is a passionate advocate for the homeless and committed to a Housing First philosophy and approach to ending homelessness. The CEO will ensure renewal and expansion of effective contracts with HomeFirst as a trusted partner, expand funding streams, strengthen community relationships, and continue to elevate HomeFirst’s image and mission while ensuring the continued success and expansion of programs and services.

The CEO’s critical function as brand ambassador is to build and strengthen relationships based on trust with all stakeholders: internal employees, donors and funders, city, county, and state government officials, business, community and advocates, and unhoused population. The CEO will expand HomeFirst’s impact by leading collaborative efforts with other partners in the community and staying abreast of studies, trends, research, and best program practices in addressing homelessness.

Importantly, the next CEO will possess strong communication and networking skills for the purpose of expanding and diversifying HomeFirst’s funding sources. The CEO will have demonstrated skills in cultivating a wide variety of donor bases.

Critical to the success of the role and delivering on the HomeFirst mission, the CEO will:

Build upon the solid foundation of HomeFirst that has experienced rapid growth in terms of size and scope of the organization; develop and implement strategic plans that align with mission, vision, and values and maintain organizational stability during a timeof transition while pursuing manageable, sustained growth.

Ensure that HomeFirst remains fiscally sound, operates effectively within existing contracts, renewals, and expansion, and continues to seek out new alternative sources of revenue.

Maintain HomeFirst’s reputation as a leader in ending homelessness through aligning PR, branding and communication strategies with strategic goals.

Serve as a proactive spokesperson, communicating the HomeFirst story and work with the media, community, homelessness advocates, and all relevant stakeholders.

Anticipate and effectively manage conflicts/issues that can arise related to political and community relations associated with homelessness.

Promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment that empowers all staff to achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Board Relations

Define, inspire, and deliver the agency’s mission and vision and continue to refine and communicate the strategic direction and goals to all stakeholders internally and externally.

Own the process and deliverables of creating, updating, and executing the 3-year strategic plan through collaboration with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and Executive and Advisory Board Members.

Lead discussions related to new technologies, innovations and investment; horizontal and vertical program growth and expansion; and evolution and adaptation of the HomeFirst business model.

Provide leadership in all aspects of strategic planning, revenue generation, government relationships, fund development, operational execution, and financial management.

Collaborate with the Board of Directors and ensure they are integral partners in fundraising and implementing the strategic plan to guide growth and community impact

Cultivate a strong and transparent working relationship with the Board of Directors andensure open communication regarding financial, development, programmatic, and impact performance milestones and goals.

Prepare to help HomeFirst navigate the potential criminalization of our unhoused neighbors considering the recent Supreme Court decision.

Fundraising & Revenue Generation

Ensure annual and long-term financial viability of HomeFirst by spearheading effectivefundraising efforts, securing diverse and sustainable revenue, and engaging the nextgeneration of donors.

Continue to maintain and grow government and private contracts and find new waysto bring in working capital and cash reserves to fund operations.

Grow philanthropic partnerships, including major gifts, leadership and legacy gifts.

Develop strong relationships with corporate donors.

External Relations and Community Leadership

Serve as the chief spokesperson, representing HomeFirst locally, across the state and nationally; leverage public speaking and partnership opportunities; communicate with participants, financial partners, key revenue contract decision-makers, corporations, community leaders, funders, legislators, government agencies and all partners involved in HomeFirst programs and initiatives.

Convene, listen to and seek to understand the perspectives of a variety of constituents to build trust, inspire new ideas, and build effective relationships.

Lead discussions related to new technologies, innovations and investment, and horizontal and vertical program growth and expansion.

Work alongside HomeFirst colleagues in maintaining regular contact and open dialogue with city, state and federal executives.

Promote ongoing dialogue with homeless advocates and other key groups to seek input on HomeFirst’s role in addressing homelessness, creating innovative housing solutions, and improving the quality of life for all participants.

As a thought leader, personally seek out opportunities for HomeFirst to advocate and gather support for homelessness legislative initiatives through civic and other nonprofit partnerships.

Maintain strong relationships with the Lived Experience Council; attend and participate in meetings and other community/participant events.

Stay aware of best practices, current and emerging trends, and innovations occurring in the homeless services sphere.

Financial Management and Internal Leadership

Provide collaborative, hands-on, and inspirational leadership to a diverse and high performing team; create continuous opportunities for growth and development acrossthe organization.

Ensure the organizational structure, systems and business processes support the strategic imperatives and growth of HomeFirst and enable staff to do their best work.

Maintain a strong understanding of the organization’s finances as a foundation for strategic decisions to maximize impact and reduce risk

In collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer, oversee the development of the annual operating budget and ensure the organization is in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations and obligations and operates within approved budget guidelines.

In collaboration with the Chief Program Officer, ensure the delivery of high-quality programs and services that effectively meet the needs of our clients. Innovate and expand program offerings based on community needs and best practices. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Champion an inclusive and racially equitable workplace that values employee development and contribution, facilitates cross-functional cooperation and teamwork, supports constructive resolution of conflicts, and is dedicated to serving participants and the community broadly.

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