JOB DESCRIPTION
GERMANTOWN AVENUE CRISIS MINISTRY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
OVERVIEW
For more than 25 years, the Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry has providedsupport to Northwest Philadelphia residents on their path toward self-sufficiency, helping them safely remain in their homes, maintain essential utilities through every season, and have reliable access to the food they need to thrive.
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader who will guide GACM into its next chapter, building on our strong foundation while leading growth and innovation.
Our highest priority is to provide service in a capable and compassionate manner that upholds the client’s dignity and affirms their strengths. GACM aims to meet clients’ immediate needs and in doing so, we strive to kindle in each client a spirit of purpose, hope, and control over their lives.
Given our targeted geographic service area, we have developed a deep knowledge of, and relationship with, the Germantown community and nearby neighborhoods. We routinely collaborate with other organizations in Northwest Philadelphia (such as Face to Face Germantown, UUH Outreach, Jefferson Health, and URDC) to empower residents through education about issues of health, homeownership, safety and how to best access available resources.
GACM is led by a committed, talented team of four full and part-time staff and more than twenty regular volunteers who support our programs and activities. Our staff has strong expertise in case management; volunteers independently implement programs (ex. Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program) and lead all Food Cupboard activities.
POSITION SUMMARY
GACM is seeking an experienced leader who is passionate about our mission and able to lead the organization with excellence. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, GACM’s Executive Director is responsible for setting and implementing the organization’s short and long-term strategic goals while successfully managing day-to-day operations. The Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership for all functions, including program development and operations, fundraising, financial oversight, staff and volunteer oversight and engagement, and external relationships. Finally, the Executive Director plays a key role in community engagement ,fostering strong relationships with donors, partners, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
LEADERSHIP AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS RELATIONS
In collaboration with the Board, develop and implement strategic plans that align with GACM’s vision and short/long-term goals
Develop and execute a strategic growth plan to expand GACM’s reach, services, and community impact
Provide the Board with timely and accurate information, including financial matters, program development and operations, staff/volunteer oversight, and external relationships
In concert with the Board, ensure compliance with GACM’s bylaws and all laws and legal obligations regarding the organization
OPERATIONS
Develop and oversee the planning, implementation and improvement of GACM’s programs and services
Lead the efficient and effective day-to-day operations of the organization
Identify opportunities to scale existing programs and introduce greater levels of support to our communities
Strengthen organizational infrastructure (staffing, systems, technology) to support sustainable growth
Establish and enforce confidentiality protocols across staff and volunteers
FUNDRAISING
Expand, build upon, and lead fundraising and development efforts to secure sufficient funds for GACM’s operations
Pursue grants, awards, individual and corporate donors, and other new revenue opportunities to increase and diversify funding
Develop and maintain strong lasting relationships with existing and new donors
HUMAN RESOURCES – STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
Foster a collaborative, professional and inclusive work environment for staff and volunteers
Determine staffing and volunteer needs for organizational management and program delivery
Recruit, hire, and manage a strong leadership team and staff
Recruit and manage volunteers to support GACM’s mission and goals
Support staff and volunteer development and empower both to take on leadership roles as appropriate
Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices including the development of job descriptions for staff and volunteers
Ensure staff and volunteers are appropriately trained to carry out their organizational responsibilities
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
Prepare, recommend and manage the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Treasurer and Board
Ensure accurate accounting, financial reporting and compliance with audit or financial review requirements
With the Treasurer, oversee the collection and disbursement of all funds in accordance with the budget and established financial policies
Ensure that GACM complies with all finance laws, including taxation and withholding.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & COMMUNICATIONS
Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with donors, community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization.
Communicate effectively and routinely with donors, volunteers, staff, and community stakeholders
Serve as GACM’s primary spokesperson
Develop and implement consistent, effective messaging across the organization’s website, client interactions, donor relations, and various communication platforms
Build alliances and partnerships with external organizations and community leaders
QUALIFICATIONS
Passion for, and commitment to, GACM’s mission to support at-risk residents of Northwest Philadelphia
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree (e.g., nonprofit management, public administration, business) preferred
Minimum of 7-10 years’ experience in non-profit community services – preferably with a focus on housing, utilities and food insecurity – with at least five years of supervisory experience
Proven history of maintaining and developing revenue streams needed to support an organization’s programs and activities
Strong history of successful non-profit fundraising
Program development and organizational growth experience
Demonstrated ability to hire, retain, oversee, motivate, and collaborate with staff and volunteers
Experience working with a Board of Directors
Demonstrated working knowledge of public and private supportive services and other resources, including housing, utility and food assistance in the Philadelphia area
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively and caringly with a variety of people
This job requires full-time, on-site presence due to the nature of the role and responsibilities, with no remote or hybrid work schedule options.
SALARY & BENEFITS
Salary commensurate with experience
Health Insurance
403(b) (3% employer contribution after 12 months of continuous service)
20 days PTO
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
We require a cover letter. The cover letter must briefly highlight your reasons for applying for this position, any achievements that make you particularly qualified for this position, and your salary expectations,
We will not consider candidates whose cover letters and/or resumes have been generated using AI. Cover letters and resumes should reflect your experience and voice.
