Executive Director

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.

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

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 Microsoft Office and 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