Description
Refuge for Women is a non-profit, faith-based organization providing specialized care for women who have escaped human trafficking or sexual exploitation. With multiple locations across the U.S., Refuge for Women offers safe housing, at no charge to the resident, with around-the-clock care as clients progress through evidence-based, trauma-informed programming. The compassionate staff is trained to help residents work through the program to reclaim their identities and reach their goals to overcome addictions, heal from trauma and develop life skills leading to healthy, balanced living and financial independence. Refuge for Women strives to help each woman complete the program with a vision for her future, equipped to succeed and sustain a life marked with dignity and hope.
Refuge for Women is a faith-based organization and it is important for staff to share the same basic values and expectations held by Refuge for Women. We require that all staff are believers in Jesus Christ. Read our Statement of Faith.
Must be able to successfully pass a background check and drug test upon receiving an offer of employment.
To view Refuge for Women's benefits, click HERE.
THIS POSITION OVERSEES PROGRAMS LOCATED IN BOTH LEXINGTON AND LOUISVILLE KENTUCKY; CANDIDATE MUST LIVE IN ONE OF THESE MARKETS OR CLOSE PROXIMITY.
To apply, visit: https://refugeforwomen.bamboohr.com/careers/279
Position Overview:
The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the successful operation of the multiple Refuge for Women programs offered at an individual Refuge for Women affiliate location. This includes leadership in fundraising and development, program oversight, staff and advisory board development, and alignment with national policies and procedures. The ED ensures the financial sustainability, health, and mission alignment of the local program while serving as a key representative of Refuge for Women in the community.
Your team contribution:
The Executive Director provides visionary and operational leadership to staff, volunteers, and the Advisory Board while cultivating donor and community relationships that sustain and grow the mission. This role ensures program excellence, staff well-being, and strong governance while embodying Refuge for Women’s mission, vision, and values.
You’ll be successful if:
You are deeply committed to the mission and values of Refuge for Women and you thrive in relational fundraising and community engagement. This position requires that you lead with humility, clarity, and accountability while managing complex operations. In addition, you are able to respond with grace in crisis situations and effectively develop people, systems, and partnerships.
Development & Financial Leadership
Develop and oversee a comprehensive fundraising strategy and framework
Cultivate and manage relationships with major donors and prospective supporters
Provide oversight and leadership to the Development Director and Community Engagement Coordinator
Ensure implementation of communication strategies that support fundraising goals, including digital and direct mail campaigns
Oversee donor management systems, gift acknowledgment processes, and database integrity
Ensure sustainable operations (positive income to support capital, adequate cash balance)
Fully utilize therapeutic capabilities for both programs
Ensure revenue cycle contracting, credentials, compliance and efficiency for billable services.
Exercise prudent expense management focused on all programs
Program Oversight & Quality
Provide leadership to the Program Director(s) to ensure program health and excellence
Ensure residential program staffing, training, and professional development needs are met
Collaborate with Program Director to develop community partnerships and professional service relationships
Ensure consistency and measured compliance with Refuge for Women’s policies, procedures, and program standards
Support volunteer recruitment, training, and effective role hand-off processes
Develop and maintain intake/exit relationships to ensure high occupancy
Staff Development & Leadership
Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports
Oversee hiring and onboarding of all local staff positions
Lead staff meetings and promote a healthy, mission-aligned team culture
Monitor staff morale, well-being, and professional growth
Counsel and provide guidance to Program Director(s) on all staffing (hiring, discipline, terms, etc)
Advisory Board Development & Governance
Serve as the primary point of contact for the local Advisory Board
Provide timely financial, operational, and program updates to local and national boards
Recruit Advisory Board members in collaboration with national leadership
Facilitate Advisory Board meetings and annual retreats
Act as liaison between the local Advisory Board and national leadership
Requirements
Skills & Qualifications
5–10 years of executive, nonprofit, or ministry leadership experience
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
Demonstrated servant leadership, humility, and team-building skills
Strong program and project management capabilities
Ability to maintain confidentiality and build trust with influential stakeholders
Proficiency in Google Suite applications
Strong written and verbal communication skills across digital and in-person platforms
Familiarity with human trafficking and survivor care
Expectations
Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Refuge for Women
Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed
Ability to travel occasionally for organizational needs
Maintain emotional health, spiritual maturity, and appropriate relational boundaries
Represent Refuge for Women with professionalism, courtesy, and grace
