ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
You are invited to explore an exciting new opportunity at LifeWay Network. The selected candidate will be appointed as Executive Director and will win this assignment because they are an experienced, caring, and energetic professional who seeks to advance and enhance an already established and successful model in aiding both domestic and foreign-born women impacted by human trafficking.

The Executive Director (ED) is the Chief Executive Officer of LifeWay Network and reports directly to the Board of Directors. They are responsible for advancing the organization’s mission and financial objectives. They oversee all functions of the Leadership Team which include the safe housing and educational program, development, finance, human resources, and strategy functions. The Executive Director is a full-time position.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Organizational Leadership

• Maintains a clear vision for achievement of the LifeWay Network mission.
• Maintains a strong understanding of significant developments and trends related to the mission to bring an end to human trafficking; works to ensure self and team remain up to date on best practices in trauma-informed care for those directly impacted by trafficking.
• In collaboration with the Board of Directors, assures that LifeWay Network has a long-range strategic plan in alignment with its mission.
• In consultation with the Board of Directors, oversees the development of operational plans (program, development/fundraising, marketing/communications, and finance).
• Oversees all organizational systems essential to sustaining the vision and mission, including: programmatic, financial, personnel, and infrastructure.
• Presents written reports of each organizational function to the Board of Directors at the quarterly Board meetings.
• Speaks publicly to promote the activities of LifeWay Network, its programs, and goals; this includes serving as an energetic public advocate in the anti-trafficking movement – including opportunities for speaking and engagement.
• Creates new and strengthens ongoing partnerships with all relevant stakeholders (partner and referring agencies, others in the anti-trafficking movement, likeminded organizations and influencers, law enforcement entities, health systems, etc.).
• Jointly with the Board Chair, promotes active participation of the Board of Directors in all areas of LifeWay Network’s work.
• Sustains and nurtures best practices in upholding the integrity of established core values.

Program and Personnel

• Oversees teams dedicated to providing trauma-informed care, particularly in settings relevant to the context of LifeWay Network’s safe housing program and the women it serves.
• Oversees the recruitment, employment, and release of all staff and volunteers.
• Oversees the development and sustainability of staff and volunteer resources essential to the pursuit of LifeWay Network’s mission and programs.
• Supervises leadership team staff directly.
• Ensures that Human Resource practices are developed and implemented (talent acquisition, compensation/benefits, performance evaluations, staff development).
• Connects the work of staff and volunteers to the overall mission.
• Promotes and shapes a learning, team-oriented culture.
• Promotes and actively engages in diversity, equity and inclusion trainings and practices; works to foster a culture of belonging and advance tenets of inclusive leadership.

Financial and Development

• Increases the understanding of, and support for, LifeWay Network’s mission and programs among community residents, public- and private-sector leaders, potential donors and potential guests.
• Ensures maintenance of organizational tax-exempt status, and compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
• Develops a business plan to ensure continuously available and suitable safe housing.
• Develops and maintains high-level donor relationships with religious congregations, foundations, and major donors to support the financial sustainability of LifeWay Network.
• Prepares annual budget and develops and maintains sound fiscal practices with the Finance Committee.
• Assures that LifeWay Network operates within budget guidelines, and that adequate funds are available to carry out the organization’s day-to-day operations.
• Conducts official correspondence of the organization and executes legal documents.
• Ensures the annual financial audit is performed, for approval by the Board of Directors.

ABOUT THE SUCCESFUL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will be:

• A person of integrity who is committed to the mission and values of LifeWay Network, and possesses a passion for and knowledge of the field of human trafficking.
• Culturally sensitive, trauma-informed and experienced in working with vulnerable populations.
• A strategic thinker with the demonstrated capability to develop and implement strategic planning initiatives.
• A collaborative relationship builder experienced in working across a multi-stakeholder environment.
• An effective communicator with excellent writing and public speaking skills.
• Successful in development and fundraising with a demonstrated proficiency in public and private sectors.
• A professional leader able to motivate and develop all staff, creating a supportive, trust-based, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment.
• Experienced in non-profit governance with deep knowledge of fiscal management and sound business sense.
• Proficient in the use of technology for organizational management.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

• Demonstrated experience leading a non-profit organization is strongly preferred.
• Master’s degree is strongly preferred, however demonstrated evidence of equivalent experience and training may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in a management or leadership role, including supervising senior staff and working with a board of directors (4-8 years).

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
LifeWay Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is directly involved in the global movement against human trafficking by providing safe housing for its victims, and education to the general public.

LifeWay Network was started in 2007 by Sister Joan S. Dawber, lauded for her work to abolish human trafficking and support women who have been trafficked. LifeWay Network has an annual operating budget of approximately $1 million, and a staff of eight full-time and 5 part-time employees.

LifeWay Network envisions a world in which human trafficking is abolished and every survivor is strong, free, and connected. It is one of two organizations in the New York City Metro area specifically providing safe housing for women survivors of human trafficking, for both labor and sex trafficking, domestic or foreign-born.

LifeWay Network’s community living model is at the center of its Safe Housing Program and offers a safe home by welcoming each woman into a supportive, caring community of permanent residents. This host community helps each individual recover from trauma, regain a sense of self-worth, and enables them to move from isolation towards reclaiming lost independence.

Location and Expectations: This role is hybrid with the expectation to spend up to three days in office; likely one day in Tarrytown and two days at Safe House offices located in Queens and the Bronx. The ED will also actively participate in events, services, and other sponsored activities, including some evenings and weekends. Valid driver’s license required.

Compensation: The salary range for this role is $130,000 – $140,000 per year.

To Apply: Please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter using this link: HERE.

LifeWay Network is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Individuals of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.