Executive Director Position Announcement

Executive Director Position Announcement
For over 25 years, Human Solutions has worked to help ensure that homeless and low‐income families have the tools and resources they need to build pathways out of poverty. Our mission: Help families and individuals gain self‐sufficiency by providing affordable housing, family support services, job readiness training, and economic development opportunities. Our vision is to Foster a prosperous and healthy community that is free of homelessness and of the devastating effects of homelessness and poverty. We believe that children are our hope for the future. When we are able to increase children’s excitement about learning and ensure that their parents have stable employment and housing, we strengthen the community in which we all live. We offer a comprehensive continuum of programs designed to break the cycle of poverty and help families become self‐sufficient. The programs and services we offer are designed to help families build pathways out of poverty through four interconnected approaches: 
Homelessness services – emergency shelters and housing options utilizing rent assistance 
Safety net services – rent and energy assistance 
Employment and economic development – job training and placement 
Housing – affordable housing development and resident services With offices in Portland and Gresham, Oregon, we reach families in a 245‐mile service area in outer‐east Portland and east Multnomah County, where some of the highest poverty neighborhoods in Multnomah County are located. We have a professional staff of 100 and an annual operating budget of over $10 million, and currently own and operate over 700 units of housing in East County. To fully represent the diversity of those we serve, at least 33 percent of Human Solutions’ Board of Directors are low‐income members of the community we serve. 516 SE Morrison Street #400 ● Portland, Oregon 97214 ● 503-249-0000 ● www.solidgroundconsulting.com
Human Solutions – Executive Director Position Announcement
March 2015
The Opportunity
Human Solutions seeks a seasoned executive leader who is passionate about eliminating poverty and homelessness, and their root causes. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this individual will provide overall leadership of the organization and be responsible for developing and implementing its strategic direction. The Executive Director will manage senior staff members who operate the organization’s many programs, oversee all fundraising activities, and serve as the public face of the organization. The Executive Director will be a savvy nonprofit manager, able to establish and improve internal systems and infrastructure, including appropriate technologies, internal communications, and a fully integrated marketing and development plan that positions the organization for greater visibility and impact. S/he will lead Human Solutions into its “ideal future,” in which the organization is a leader across the region on issues related to poverty, homelessness, and affordable housing and a driver of collaborative action around community–wide strategies to advance the cause of poverty alleviation. Candidate Profile and Experience Requirements
Skills and Prior Experience

Demonstrated executive leadership experience, preferably in delivery of anti‐poverty services and/ or development of affordable housing 
Understanding of the complexity and interconnectedness of the issues causing poverty 
Strong preference for knowledge and familiarity with the issues, the language, and the mechanics of federal, state, and local funding for affordable housing, community development, homeless and anti‐poverty services 
Experience leading and motivating staff, boards, and volunteers 
Strong public presence – articulate, optimistic and energetic – with the ability to motivate and inspire people at all levels 
Strong skills in communicating externally and internally 
Experience developing and implementing strategic plans 
Demonstrated experience in serving as an equity champion Core Competencies and Personal Characteristics

Integrity and Trust ‐ Is widely trusted; is seen as a direct, truthful individual; keeps confidences; admits mistakes; doesnʹt misrepresent him/herself for personal gain. 
Managing Vision and Purpose ‐ Communicates a compelling and inspired vision or sense of core purpose; talks beyond today; talks about possibilities; is optimistic; can inspire and motivate entire units or organizations; is future oriented. 
Political Savvy and Organizational Agility ‐ Can maneuver through complex political situations effectively; is sensitive to how people and organizations function; views politics Page 2
Human Solutions – Executive Director Position Announcement
March 2015
as a necessary part of organizational life and works to adjust to that reality; knows how to get things done both through formal channels and the informal network. 
Diversity ‐ Understands and embraces diversity in the community and the organization, and has a strong commitment to equity. 
Interpersonal Skills ‐ Relates well to all kinds of people ‐ up, down, and sideways, inside and outside the organization; builds appropriate rapport; builds constructive and effective relationships; creates a climate in which people want to do their best; can motivate many kinds of direct reports and team or project members; pushes tasks and decisions down; empowers others. 
Business Acumen ‐ Knows how businesses work; can utilize the information presented in financial statements, understands how to meet “bottom line” goals; is aware of how strategies and tactics work in the marketplace. Is results oriented. To Apply
Please submit a resume and letter of interest to: Jim Morris, Senior Consultant Solid Ground Consulting 516 SE Morrison, Suite 400 Portland, Oregon 97214 503‐249‐0000 jim@solidgroundconsulting.com Page 3