What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at Casa Esperanza?
Lead with Heart. Empower with Hope. Do you have the vision, compassion, and enthusiasm to make a lasting impact on those we serve? Casa Esperanza is searching for a servant leader to guide our mission.
About Us
Casa Esperanza is Albuquerque’s home away from home for patients and families facing serious medical challenges. Since 1992, our nonprofit has provided safe, supportive lodging and compassionate care for those traveling to Albuquerque for medical treatment.
Since opening our doors in 1992, our 28-guestroom facility, located near major hospitals, offers more than a place to stay - it provides hope, comfort, and community. Give Hope a Ride, our local vehicle donation program, auctions donated cars and reinvests 100% of the proceeds to support Casa Esperanza and partner charities across New Mexico.
At Casa Esperanza, we believe healing happens best when no one faces illness alone. Every stay is made possible through the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners who help us foster dignity, strength, and hope.
Job Description
Casa Esperanza seeks a compassionate, hands-on Executive Director to lead its mission of providing comfort, care, and hope to families facing medical crises. Overseeing a $1.2 million budget and a small, dedicated team, the Executive Director guides operations, partnerships, and long-term vision.
This role is ideal for a people-centered, adaptable leader who thrives in a collaborative, small-agency setting. With fewer than 10 staff, the Executive Director is deeply involved in daily operations - from on-call support and front desk coverage to guiding fundraising, grant writing, and donor engagement.
Casa Esperanza is in a period of renewal, calling for a leader ready to strengthen financial systems, modernize policies, and inspire staff and board alike. For a heart-led leader who values teamwork and hands-on impact, this is a rare opportunity to make a lasting difference.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
· Leads Casa Esperanza in alignment with its mission, partnering with the Board on strategy, policy, and fundraising to enhance visibility and impact
· Collaborates with the Board and committees to address challenges, plan strategically, develop policies, and recruit new members with needed expertise
· Partners with the Board Chair and committee leads to plan meetings and retreats that foster strategic alignment and progress
· Ensures timely, accurate communication to support informed and transparent governance
· Oversees the development and execution of the annual budget, ensuring financial sustainability, accountability, and resource optimization
· Expands diverse revenue streams, including grants, events, corporate partnerships, and individual donations, to support ambitious fundraising goals
· Ensures fiscal integrity through comprehensive and timely financial reporting, including annual budget proposal and quarterly financial statements to the Board
· Develops and implements business plans with measurable goals that align with the organization’s mission and vision
· Serves as the primary spokesperson for Casa Esperanza and Give Hope a Ride, elevating visibility through statewide events, partnerships, donor relations, and media engagement
· Guides fundraising efforts and diversifies revenue through grants, donor growth, events, and hospital/government partnerships to strengthen programs and maximize occupancy, and enhance resources
· Builds and maintains strategic relationships with civic, professional, and private partners across the state to expand awareness and support
· Oversees marketing, communications, and digital strategies to ensure consistent, impactful outreach
· Engages in advocacy with government agencies on issues relevant to Casa Esperanza’s mission
· Oversees volunteer engagement, ensuring effective recruitment, training, and recognition
· Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local employment and operational regulations, maintaining a safe and accountable workplace
· Updates and implements policies and procedures that enhance organizational performance and program success
· Builds and leads a high-performing, mission-driven team through effective hiring, retention, training, and professional development
· Fosters a respectful, inclusive culture rooted in empathy, collaboration, and belonging
· Oversees payroll, employee benefits, service contracts, and performance evaluations to ensure operational efficiency and staff well-being
· Manages risk management and emergency preparedness plans to protect staff, guests, and facilities
· Oversees 24/7 operations of Family Care, ensuring compassionate, high-quality service and guest satisfaction
· Leads Family Care, Facilities, and Housekeeping teams to maintain a safe, welcoming, and well-functioning environment
· Coordinates guest placements, extended stays, and fee adjustments in compliance with Medicaid, Medicare, and billing regulations
· Provides empathetic, confidential support to guest families navigating medical crises
· Partners with Facilities Coordinator to ensure OSHA and fire safety compliance and facility readiness
· Supervises maintenance staff and manages upkeep of buildings, grounds, furnishings, and equipment
· Solicits and evaluates vendor bids, negotiates contracts, and oversees project performance
· Serves as an on-call contact for after-hours facility or guest emergencies
Additional Job Functions:
· Promotes an inclusive, compassionate, and transparent team culture rooted in Casa Esperanza’s values
· Upholds guest privacy and confidentiality at all times
· Demonstrates flexibility and team-first attitude by supporting any function as needed (on-call, front desk, facilities, etc.)
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
· A passion and commitment to Casa Esperanza’s mission and those we serve
· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, business, or related field
· Minimum five years of senior nonprofit leadership and board experience
· Proven success in fundraising, community engagement, and nonprofit organizational leadership
· Demonstrated financial acumen, including budgeting, financial analysis, forecasting, and the ability to interpret and communicate financial information to guide strategic decision-making
· Ability to develop and diversify revenue streams, cultivate donors, and achieve fundraising goals
· High emotional intelligence and visible leadership that fosters trust, respect, and accountability
· Skilled in strategic planning, decision-making, and organizational visioning
· Excellent communication, public speaking, and media relations skills
· Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and related compliance requirements
· Effective collaboration with diverse staff, stakeholders, funders, partners, and volunteers
· Strong organizational, program development, and team management abilities
· Discretion and sensitivity in working with guests and families
· Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events as needed
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and QuickBooks
· Must pass a criminal and financial background check
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
· Experience working with databases and software systems; familiarity with DonorPerfect preferred
· Certified Fund-Raising Executive Certification (CFRE)
· Conversational Spanish a plus
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The Executive Director role requires the ability to perform essential functions in a dynamic work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Responsibilities include extended periods of desk and computer work, operating standard office equipment, occasional light lifting (up to 30 lbs.), setting up for events, and performing small facility-related tasks. Work occurs in an active environment with diverse staff and guest interactions, often with varying deadlines and challenges.
Benefits:
At Casa Esperanza, we value our team and support their well-being. Our generous benefits help employees thrive while making a meaningful impact, including:
· 401(k) with up to 3.5% salary contribution and dollar-for-dollar employer match, fully vested after five years
· 80% paid medical, dental, vision, and mental health coverage for employee
· 100% paid Life and AD&D insurance, plus Flexible Spending and Dependent Care options
· Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) plus 12 paid holidays
· Opportunities for training, conferences, memberships, and self-directed learning
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities:
Casa Esperanza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, including New Mexico Human Rights Act protections. We strive to create an inclusive environment that honors individuality and mirrors the richness of the communities we serve.
If you’re ready to lead with heart and help us write the next chapter of hope, this is your moment. Learn more and apply today - please submit your cover letter and resume to careers@casanm.org
Pay: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Bachelor's (Preferred)
Experience:
- Senior leadership: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $95,000 - $115,000