What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at Thrift on Purpose?
OVERVIEW:
The Executive Director serves as the chief administrative and operational leader of Thrift on Purpose, providing strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight to ensure the organization fulfills its mission effectively, sustainably, and in alignment with its values. The Executive Director is responsible for organizational leadership, board engagement, financial stewardship, human resources oversight, volunteer coordination, retail operations support, community relationships, and staff supervision.
The Executive Director works collaboratively with the Board of Directors to implement strategic priorities, maintain organizational compliance, strengthen community partnerships, and cultivate a healthy organizational culture for employees and volunteers.
MISSION:
Thrift On Purpose is a Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) partner nonprofit organization, committed to Christian faith in action, through supporting the primary goals of MCC by operating as a thrift store. MCC Thrift Shop Mission Statement—As a network of not-for-profit thrift shops, we support the local and global relief, development and peace projects of MCC. The mission of MCC is to share God’s love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. MCC envisions communities worldwide in right relationship with God, one another and creation. MCC’s priorities in its mission are disaster relief, sustainable community development and justice and peace-building.
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FUNCTIONS BELOW, IN ADDITION TO OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED:
1. Organizational Leadership & Strategy
● Provide visionary and operational leadership consistent with the mission, values, and strategic goals of Thrift on Purpose.
● Translate board-approved strategic priorities into actionable operational plans.
● Ensure organizational policies, procedures, and practices support effective nonprofit operations and legal compliance.
● Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and mission alignment.
● Identify opportunities for organizational growth, sustainability, and community impact.
2. Board Engagement & Governance
● Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors.
● Support the Board in governance responsibilities, strategic planning, and policy development.
● Prepare board meeting reports, and supporting materials in collaboration with board leadership.
● Attend and participate in all board meetings and relevant committee meetings.
● Provide regular updates regarding organizational performance, financial condition, operational risks, staffing matters, and strategic initiatives.
● Support board recruitment, onboarding, and engagement efforts.
● Ensure organizational compliance with bylaws, nonprofit governance standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.
3. Financial Administration & Oversight
● Oversee the financial operations of the organization in partnership with the Treasurer, finance committee, bookkeeper, and/or accounting professionals.
● Accurately record financial transactions in bookkeeping software.
● Develop and monitor annual operating budgets in collaboration with the finance committee.
● Review financial statements, cash flow, revenue performance, and expenditures regularly.
● Ensure appropriate internal controls, financial accountability, and stewardship of organizational resources.
● Support annual audits, tax filings, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance requirements.
● Monitor operational efficiency and recommend financial improvements where needed.
● Assist with fundraising initiatives, donor stewardship, and revenue development activities as assigned by the Board.
4. Human Resources & Staff Supervision
● Oversee the organization’s human resources functions, including hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, discipline, and employee relations.
● Ensure compliance with employment laws, workplace safety standards, and all organizational policies.
● Supervise and support staff members directly and indirectly.
● Conduct regular staff meetings and performance evaluations.
● Foster a positive, healthy, and mission-driven workplace culture.
● Maintain personnel records and ensure confidentiality of employee information.
● Recommend staffing structure improvements and workforce development initiatives.
5. Volunteer Coordination & Engagement
● Oversee volunteer recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, training, supervision, and retention efforts.
● Ensure volunteers are properly supported, informed, and integrated into organizational operations.
● Develop systems and processes that promote volunteer accountability, safety, and positive engagement.
● Coordinate with staff and ministry/community partners regarding volunteer opportunities and needs.
● Promote a welcoming and mission-centered volunteer environment.
6. Operational & Retail Oversight
● Oversee day-to-day operational functions of the thrift store and related nonprofit activities.
● Ensure efficient store operations, customer service standards, safety procedures, and operational consistency.
● Monitor operational workflows, inventory systems, donation processes, and facility needs.
● Support the implementation and enforcement of organizational policies and procedures.
● Address operational issues proactively and develop practical solutions.
7. Community & Public Relations
● Represent Thrift on Purpose professionally within the community.
● Build and maintain positive relationships with donors, churches, community partners, vendors, and stakeholders.
● Support marketing, outreach, and community engagement initiatives.
● Serve as a spokesperson for the organization when appropriate.
DIRECT REPORTS: Retail Manager and Processing Manager
REPORTS TO: Chair of the Board
Required Qualifications
● Demonstrated leadership experience in nonprofit management, retail management, ministry leadership, business administration, or related fields.
● Experience supervising staff and coordinating volunteers.
● Knowledge of nonprofit financial management and budgeting principles.
● Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
● Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize effectively.
● Proficiency with standard office technology and operational systems.
● Commitment to the mission and values of Thrift on Purpose.
Preferred Qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, human services, ministry, or a related field.
● Prior experience working with nonprofit boards.
● Experience with Quickbooks Online or other bookkeeping software.
● Experience in thrift retail, social enterprise, ministry, or community outreach environments.
● Familiarity with Pennsylvania nonprofit operational requirements and employment practices.
Employment Classification
● Full-time
● Exempt position
Core Competencies
● Leadership and accountability
● Financial stewardship
● Strategic thinking
● Team development
● Volunteer engagement
● Communication and relationship-building
● Operational management
● Problem-solving and decision-making
● Mission alignment and integrity
Thrift on Purpose is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Thrift on Purpose will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of actual or perceived age, sex, sexual orientation, race, color, creed, religion, familial status, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Applicants with a disability may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ways things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Thrift on Purpose. another and creation. MCC’s priorities in its mission are disaster relief, sustainable community development and justice and peace-building.