Executive Director

Position Summary:

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for delivering the mission of Shepherd Home on behalf of the community we serve, ensuring that residents receive coordinated, end-of-life support with dignity and compassion. This executive role requires strategic leadership, relationship management and hands-on operational involvement. Key accountabilities include resident care, family support, clinical oversight, fundraising, financial stewardship, community engagement, operational oversight and compliance with all laws and regulations governing not-for-profits in New York State. 

Key leadership attributes required for this role include:

• Transparent and collaborative leadership, nurturing a culture of excellence, innovation, and empathy
• Commitment to providing compassionate end-of-life care, ensuring residents’ dignity and quality of life
• Genuine understanding of and passion for the vision, mission, and values of Shepherd Home

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Governance

• Manage day-to-day operations of Shepherd Home
• Execute the strategic plan and organizational goals ensuring long-term organizational health.
• Serve as primary liaison to the Board, providing them with regular operational and financial reports.
• Ensure alignment with mission, values, and regulatory requirements.
• Support governance best practices and policy.

Staff & Volunteer Leadership

• Oversee the recruitment, employment, and management of employee separations.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations of staff including providing feedback. 
• Work with the Board of Directors to ensure sound people management practices are in place.
• Ensure training in end-of-life support and boundaries of care.
• Foster a compassionate, mission-driven workplace culture.

Resident Care Oversight & Clinical Coordination

• Ensure residents are admitted appropriately and supported in partnership with hospice agencies.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with nursing staff, hospice agencies and volunteers.
• Oversee adherence to comfort care plans and ensure timely communication regarding symptom changes.
• Promote high standards of clinical quality, safety, and resident dignity and well-being.
• Support staff in managing end-of-life transitions and family communication.

Community Relations & Fundraising

• Lead fundraising efforts including donor cultivation, event planning/execution, and grant opportunities with staff support from the Director of Operations, Fundraising Coordinator, and volunteers.
• Build relationships with hospice agencies and healthcare partners.
• Educate the community about the role of comfort care homes.
• Participate in outreach, speaking engagements, and awareness initiatives.

Operations & Compliance

• Provide oversight of daily operations run by Director of Operations and 24/7 resident support coverage.
• Ensure financial sustainability and responsible stewardship, including participation in annual budget development.  
• Maintain compliance with all laws and regulations governing not-for-profits in New York State. 
• Assist in implementing policies related to continuity of care, safety, emergency preparedness, and risk management.

Education and Preferred Experience:

• NYS licensed RN or NP preferred.
• In lieu of licensed RN, other clinical licenses and certifications may be considered.
• 3-5 years of experience in hospice care, acute care, oncology, home care, case management, or palliative care with a strong focus on symptom and pain management for terminally ill patients preferred.
• 3 years of supervisory experience, preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills – the ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, physicians, other healthcare professionals, volunteers, donors, and the Board of Directors.
• Excellent decision-making, problem-solving, delegation, and time management skills.  
• Excellent critical thinking skills, adaptability, and flexibility to handle unpredictable situations and sudden changes in residents' medical status.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors to support and execute strategic goals.
• Proven ability to work in a team environment.
• Proficient with Google Workspace tools (Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, etc.)

Work Environment Considerations

• On-site presence required.
• Emotionally demanding environment supporting end-of-life care.
• May require availability outside traditional business hours for urgent resident or family matters.

Measurements of Success

• Satisfaction of residents and families served by Shepherd Home.
• Reaching financial goals through community partnerships, fundraising efforts, and donor engagement.
• Fostering positive relationships with volunteers and staff.
• Creating an atmosphere that supports Shepherd Home’s mission.

Pay: $63,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year