Director of Strategic Initiatives

Position Summary

The Director of Strategic Initiatives is a senior leader responsible for advancing major cross-agency initiatives that strengthen Covenant House New Orleans’ (CHNO) mission, deepen community impact, and support the goals outlined in CHNO’s Strategic Plan. This role drives strategic partnerships, advocacy efforts, high-impact collaborations, and organizational priorities that promote safety, stability, and long-term success for youth.

The Director also serves as Director of the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force (GNOHTTF) in partnership with the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (OPDA). In this capacity, the Director leads collaborative regional response efforts, ensuring survivor-centered, trauma-informed coordination across law enforcement, service providers, and community partners.

This position plays a critical role in advancing CHNO’s strategic goals related to Youth Leadership, Community Engagement, Whole-Person, Trauma-informed Care, and Organizational Excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Initiatives

• Lead execution of strategic initiatives connected to CHNO’s Strategic Plan and organizational wellness goals.

• Identify emerging priorities and opportunities that strengthen CHNO’s impact on youth homelessness and human trafficking.

• Ensure alignment across departments—Programs, Development, Communications, and Executive Leadership—on major initiatives and community strategies.

• Track performance indicators tied to strategic plan priorities and prepare progress updates for leadership.

Advocacy & Government Relations

• Represent CHNO in local, state, and federal advocacy efforts aligned with the Strategic Plan’s community leadership and youth voice priorities.

• Build strong relationships with elected officials and public-sector partners to advance policy, secure resources, and amplify youth-centered care.

• Support development of policy briefs, testimony, and public statements on issues affecting youth experiencing homelessness, trafficking, and trauma.

• Participate in advocacy coalitions and networks to strengthen collective impact.

Human Trafficking Task Force Leadership

• Serve as Director of the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force in partnership with OPDA.

• Lead strategic planning, communications, data oversight, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

• Ensure task force operations are trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and aligned with federal requirements (including OVC funding).

• Supervise and support the Task Force Coordinator and provide leadership to partner agencies.

Community Engagement & Cross-Sector Collaboration

• Develop community engagement strategies that elevate CHNO’s presence and reinforce strategic plan pillars.

• Serve as a spokesperson at public events, media opportunities, and community forums.

• Lead public education initiatives focused on youth homelessness, trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault.

• Build collaborative partnerships with community-based organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and local businesses.

Trauma-Informed Practice Integration

• Promote trauma-informed, strengths-based practices across partnerships and community initiatives.

• Provide training to CHNO team members and partners on trauma-informed engagement and youth-centered advocacy.

• Support staff in applying trauma-informed approaches that align with CHNO’s Whole-Person Care model.

Documentation, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with grant requirements, including reporting, audits, and data tracking.

• Prepare reports on strategic initiatives, advocacy efforts, and task force operations for leadership and funders.

• Assist with strategic-aligned grant proposals and ensure expenditures are consistent with approved budgets.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Social Work, Human Services, Education, Psychology, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

• Five (5) years of experience in strategic partnerships, public policy, government relations, community engagement, or related work, particularly with at-risk or homeless youth, with two (2) years of supervisory experience required.

• The following equivalencies are acceptable in lieu of the abovementioned undergraduate or graduate degree and/or years of professional experience requirements:

• Three (3) years/ninety (90) credits of college completed AND eight (8) years of experience in Public Policy, Social Work, Human Services, Education, Psychology, or related field required, OR

• Associate's degree or two (2) years/sixty (60) hours of college completed AND ten (10) years of experience in Public Policy, Social Work, Human Services, Education, Psychology, or related field required, OR

• One (1) year/thirty (30) credits of college completed AND twelve (12) years of experience in Public Policy, Social Work, Human Services, Education, Psychology, or related field required, OR

• Fifteen (15) years of experience in Public Policy, Social Work, Human Services, Education, Psychology, or related field required

• Experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, trauma, or exploitation preferred.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and strength-based practices required.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and project management skills.

• Proven success in policy advocacy, coalition-building, and developing cross-sector partnerships.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable with public speaking.

• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and build trust with diverse partners.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Ability to travel locally and work some evenings/weekends.