Position: Executive Director
Organization: Hope Initiatives
Location: Rochester, NY
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule: Monday-Friday- willing to be flexible with the needs of the business
Pay: $75,000-$85,000 / year
Summary:
The Executive Director plays a pivotal role in leading and advancing the organization. Our mission is dedicated to empowering individuals affected by incarceration, substance use, and poverty. This happens through teaching basic construction and carpentry skills that are needed to build essential furniture and perform other home support services. Our goal while developing these skills is to foster personal growth, rehabilitation, and a pathway to a brighter future. Hope Initiatives is not only a nonprofit, but also a social enterprise. What makes it most unique is that it is equal parts manufacturing, job training, and spiritual development. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization's operations, strategic planning, fundraising, and program development.
Key Responsibilities:

• Provide visionary leadership and direction to the organization, ensuring alignment with its mission, values, and strategic objectives

• Inspire and motivate staff, volunteers, and program participants, fostering a positive and inclusive culture

• Develop and implement a strategic plan to guide the organization's growth and impact

• Identify emerging opportunities and challenges in the field and adapt the organization's strategies accordingly

• Lead fundraising efforts, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and partnership development to secure financial support

• Manage and diversify funding sources to ensure the organization's sustainability

• Oversee budget development, financial management, and reporting to ensure responsible stewardship of resources

• Implement financial controls and best practices to maintain the financial health of the organization

• Expand and refine the shop skills training program, ensuring its effectiveness and alignment with the needs of program participants

• Establish program metrics and evaluation processes to measure impact and outcomes

• Collaborate with criminal justice and rehabilitation organizations to advocate for the importance of vocational training in reducing recidivism and promoting reintegration

• Foster partnerships with correctional facilities to expand the program's reach

• Work closely with the Board of Directors, providing regular updates, insights, and recommendations

• Support the Board in governance and committee activities

• Represent the organization to external stakeholders, including the media, donors, and the public

• Implement marketing and communication strategies to raise awareness of the organization's mission and impact

• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations governing nonprofit organizations and correctional facility partnerships

• Prepare and submit required reports to funding sources, government agencies, and the Board of Directors

• Recruit, train, and manage a team of dedicated staff and volunteers

• Foster a collaborative and empowering work environment

Education and Experience:

• Comfortable working and connecting with a faith-based environment

• Proven ability to foster spiritual growth and guidance in the workplace

• Entrepreneurial minded, and exposure to small business work environment

• Experience in leadership, strategic planning, and business development

• Passionate about the criminal justice system, rehabilitation, and workforce development

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Grant writing, fundraising, and non-profit experience is highly desirable

• Desire for social impact and criminal justice reform

• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with other organizations

• Demonstrated leadership skills and a commitment to the organization's mission

The Executive Director will be instrumental in advancing the organization's vision and creating a lasting impact on the lives of incarcerated individuals. This role requires a dynamic, forward-thinking leader who is committed to driving positive change and advocating for the rehabilitation and empowerment of program participants. The right fit for this position not only meets and exceeds the majority of the qualifications but feels a true sense of calling to this kind of work. The director must understand that they must wear many hats, and regularly assist in any workplace activities that need support.