Executive Director

The International Women’s House (IWH) provides a safe haven and supportive services to victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. IWH is a domestic violence shelter with a mission to provide a safe haven and supportive services to women and children who are the victims of family violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking, with a focus on immigrant and refugee women and children, cultural sensitivity, and self-sufficiency.

Reports to: Board of Directors through the Board Chair

Status: Exempt

Position Overview:

The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive officer of IWH, responsible for leading and overseeing the organization's overall strategic, operational, and financial management. The ED will serve as the organization's public face, advocating for its mission and values, fostering community partnerships, and ensuring that the organization continues to provide high-quality, culturally sensitive services. The ideal candidate will have a deep commitment to social justice, particularly in areas affecting survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking, with a focus on immigrant and refugee populations.

• Lead the development and execution of IWH’s strategic plan in alignment with its mission, vision, and values.
• Foster an inclusive, empowering, and collaborative organizational culture that upholds the dignity and respect of staff, clients, and community partners.
• Serve as a thought leader on issues of domestic violence, sexual abuse, human trafficking, and the unique needs of immigrant and refugee survivors.
• Advocate on behalf of the organization and its clients at the local, state, and national levels, influencing policy and building public awareness.
• Provide guidance and support to the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance and long-term sustainability.
• Creates and implements systems to track and evaluate program progress and measure successes.
• Serves on the Board as a nonvoting, ex-officio member.

Program Management & Service Delivery:

• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of all programs and services to ensure they are effective, culturally sensitive, and meet the needs of clients.
• Ensure that the organization operates in compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory standards for domestic violence shelters and related services in accordance with applicable laws, regulatory agencies, funding sources, and best practices.
• Enhance support for survivors by building partnerships with community organizations, legal professionals, healthcare providers, and government agencies.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to diversify revenue streams, including grant writing, donor cultivation, events, and partnerships.
• Oversee the organization's financial health, ensuring sound financial practices and financial reporting to the Board of Directors.
• Directs the annual budget preparation process and recommends appropriate revision.
• Maintain strong relationships with current and potential funders to secure sustainable funding for the organization’s operations and growth.
• Creates and submits reports to the Board regarding programs, operations, and external factors.
• Oversees contract and grant compliance.

• Lead and mentor a diverse team of staff, volunteers, and contractors, ensuring high performance levels, professional development, and job satisfaction.
• Oversee the organization’s day-to-day operations, including staff hiring, human resources, facilities management, volunteer programs, marketing, and program delivery.
• Ensure that staff are trained in trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity, and best practices for supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking.
• Promote a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for clients, staff, and volunteers.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of leadership experience in a nonprofit organization, with a focus on services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, human trafficking, or related fields. Experience working with immigrant and refugee populations is highly desired.

Skills & Competencies:

• Proven ability to lead diverse teams and manage organizational growth.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, financial reporting, and grant management.
• Expertise in program development, implementation, and evaluation, particularly in trauma-informed care.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to advocate and build relationships with diverse stakeholders, decision-makers, and supporters in the community
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and securing grants.
• Ability to create a work environment where employees work as a team to achieve the organization's mission.
• Consistently and judiciously deal with difficult and, at times, stressful situations.
• Cultural competence and experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• A commitment to social justice and human rights, with a passion for supporting vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices.

Job Location:

This in-person position is based in Dekalb and serves families within the metro area.