Executive Director (2632)

YouthCare is seeking a strategic, operationally strong Executive Director to lead the organization through a critical period of restructuring, stabilization, and renewed focus in service of young people experiencing homelessness.

For over five decades, YouthCare has worked to end youth homelessness and support young people ages 12-24 with shelter, housing, education, employment, and wraparound services. The next Executive Director will join a mission-driven team, committed Board, and dedicated partners who believe that all young people deserve safety, dignity, opportunity, and the chance to thrive.

This role is designed for an experienced leader who excels at executing strategic objectives, and who will deliver on the agency's mission with discipline, empathy, and transparency.

The Opportunity

YouthCare is in the midst of significant organizational realignment. The Executive Director will be charged with:

• Executing the Board-approved turnaround and stabilization plan.
• Strengthening core operations, systems, and financial discipline.
• Building trust by engaging and aligning staff through consistent, transparent communication and visible, values-based leadership.
• Rebuilding donor and partner confidence, broadening YouthCare's network of support, and helping secure sustainable revenue.
• Advancing YouthCare's commitment to racial equity, inclusion, and justice in everyday decision-making and culture.

This is a role for a leader who is energized by "righting the ship," stewarding a complex organization through change, and leaving it stronger, more focused, and more effective.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for overall organizational performance, culture, and impact.

The Executive Director:

• Leads and supports the senior leadership team and staff to deliver high-quality programs and services aligned with YouthCare's mission.
• Communicates effectively by providing timely and transparent information to youth, staff, donors, and the community.
• Ensures strong finance, HR, operations, compliance, and risk management practices.
• Serves as a primary representative of YouthCare with donors, community partners, public officials, and other stakeholders.
• Works in close partnership with the Board to implement strategy, monitor progress, and ensure accountability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Execute the Turnaround & Strengthen Operations

• Implement the Board-approved turnaround and alignment plan with clarity, urgency, and transparency.
• Build reliable systems, processes, and metrics to support sound decision-making.
• Align programs and operations with strategic priorities and financial realities.

2. Financial Stewardship & Sustainability

• Partner with the finance team and the Board to manage budgets, cash flow, and debt reduction.
• Ensure disciplined financial controls and clear reporting on financial status with clear plans to address unforeseen changes in resources.
• Support long-term sustainability and responsible growth.

3. Staff Leadership, Culture & Retention

• Foster a culture of trust, inclusion, accountability, and care.
• Build and retain a strong leadership team and staff.
• Communicate consistently and candidly to build confidence and ensure staff understands priorities, constraints, and progress.

4. Development, Partnership & Community Relations

• Strengthen relationships with public and private funders; support a strong development and marketing team.
• Serve as a visible, credible, compelling ambassador for YouthCare's mission.
• Build collaborative relationships with government, nonprofit, philanthropic, and community partners.

5. Equity, Inclusion & Lived Experience

• Champion YouthCare's commitment to racial equity and social justice.
• Ensure that policies, practices, and leadership approaches reflect and honor the identities and experiences of the young people served.

6. Board Partnership & Governance

• Maintain a transparent, solutions-focused partnership with the Board.
• Provide timely information, risk escalation, and seek guidance when needed.
• Support strong governance practices and clear roles

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are seeking an Executive Director who brings many of the following:

• Proven Turnaround & Change LeadershipDemonstrated experience with successfully leading an organization through stabilization, restructuring, or significant change.

• Operational & Financial AcumenAt least 7-10 years of senior leadership in nonprofit, public sector, or closely aligned organizations; strong track record in managing complex operations, budgets, and risk.

• Mission Alignment & Sector InsightDeep commitment to ending youth homelessness and supporting young people facing housing instability, and other systemic barriers. Experience in youth services, homelessness, housing, behavioral health, or adjacent fields is strongly preferred.

• Exceptional Communication & Trust-BuildingA clear, candid communicator who can earn the trust of staff, youth, funders, partners, and Board; able to engage others in difficult realities while inspiring shared purpose.

• Equity-Driven LeadershipDemonstrated commitment to equity, anti-racism, and inclusion; experience leading diverse teams and addressing organizational culture and barriers.

• Fundraising & External RelationsExperience partnering with development staff and Board to cultivate relationships and secure philanthropic and public funding; comfort representing the organization publicly.

• People-Centered Management StyleA relational leader who listens, sets clear expectations, holds themselves and others accountable, and celebrates the work of staff.

A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is required; an advanced degree is a plus but not required.