What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at Rise House Arkansas?
About Rise House
Rise House provides shelter, advocacy, and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. With a 20-bed shelter, a strong reputation throughout Central Arkansas, and an evolving volunteer base, the organization is entering an exciting period of renovation and expansion. Guided by an active Board of Directors with working committees, Rise House is focused on increasing its impact while ensuring every survivor has access to safety, hope, and healing.
The Opportunity
Rise House is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven Executive Director to lead the organization through its next phase of growth. As the chief executive officer, the Executive Director will partner closely with the Board of Directors, dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, funders, and community partners to strengthen services, ensure long-term financial stability, successfully guide the organization's upcoming renovation and expansion, and advance the organization's mission. This role requires a collaborative leader who is equally comfortable building relationships, raising funds, leading people, and managing a growing nonprofit. The Executive Director will serve as the public face of Rise House, champion its mission throughout the community, and foster a trauma-informed culture while positioning the organization for continued growth and lasting impact.
What You’ll Do
Leadership & Strategy
• Provide visionary leadership that advances the mission, values, and long-term sustainability of Rise House.
• Lead the development and implementation of the Board-approved strategic plan, and work with the Board to identify priorities, evaluate progress, and position the organization for future growth.
• Guide the organization through renovation, expansion, and other strategic initiatives while maintaining uninterrupted, trauma-informed services for survivors.
• Foster a culture of compassion, accountability, transparency, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement among staff and volunteers.
• Provide executive leadership in organizational change management, ensuring staff, volunteers, and stakeholders remain informed, engaged, and aligned throughout periods of growth.
Fundraising, Grants, & Community Relations
• Lead a comprehensive fundraising program that includes grants, major gifts, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, annual giving, fundraising events, and donor stewardship.
• Provide executive leadership for the annual Masquerade Ball and other fundraising
initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, foundations, businesses, civic organizations, elected officials, and community partners.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for Rise House through public speaking, media opportunities, advocacy, and community engagement.
• Lead grant strategy and compliance, proposal development, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements, accreditation standards, confidentiality obligations, and funding requirements.
• Use organizational outcomes and data to demonstrate impact and drive continuous improvement.
Board Partnership
• Work in close partnership with an engaged Board of Directors and its committees to achieve strategic and organizational goals.
• Keep the Board informed through regular reports on finances, forecasts, fundraising, operations, compliance, and organizational performance.
• Support board recruitment, orientation, committee work, and long-term governance planning while maintaining appropriate governance boundaries.
People, Operations & Finance
• Lead, develop, and support a high-performing staff through coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Develop and oversee the annual operating budget, ensure responsible stewardship of resources, and maintain strong internal controls and financial compliance.
• Develop succession plans and leadership development opportunities.
• Ensure effective HR practices, payroll oversight, benefits administration, and policy compliance.
• Lead long-range financial planning and revenue diversification.
• Provide executive oversight for facility renovations and capital improvement projects in partnership with the Board, architects, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Support volunteer recruitment, engagement, and recognition.
Community Impact
• Strengthen partnerships with law enforcement, healthcare providers, schools, courts, social service organizations, and other agencies serving survivors.
• Increase community awareness of Rise House and advocate for policies and programs that enhance safety and support for survivors.
• Use organizational data and outcomes to evaluate effectiveness, communicate impact, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
What We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, public
administration, social work, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including
senior management responsibilities, preferably in a nonprofit, government, or human
services organization.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant management, donor cultivation, strategic
partnerships, and financial oversight.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations and community stakeholders.
• Experience working collaboratively with a Board of Directors and leading cross-functional teams.
• Excellent leadership, staff oversight, communication, relationship-building, public
speaking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, donor databases, and financial management systems.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience leading or supporting capital campaigns, facility renovation or expansion projects, or other major organizational growth initiatives.
• Knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault, trauma-informed care, or related human services.
• Experience administering VOCA, FVPSA, HUD, or similar grant funding.
Compensation & Benefits
Rise House offers a competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include paid time off, retirement benefits match, health insurance reimbursement, professional development opportunities, mileage reimbursement, and other benefits available to employees.
Why Join Rise House?
This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected organization at a pivotal moment in its history. The next Executive Director will help shape the future of Rise House through facility expansion, stronger community partnerships, sustainable fundraising, and innovative services that will positively impact survivors and families throughout Central Arkansas for years to come.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter to careers@risehousearkansas.org
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check