Executive Director

About Daya

Daya’s mission is to empower South Asian survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the Greater Houston area with culturally specific services and educate the community to end the cycle of abuse and violence. Guided by our three core values of Compassion, Commitment, and Collaboration, we provide free and confidential direct services such as phone helpline, individual counseling, victim advocacy, legal advocacy, rental assistance, long term case management, support groups, translation and interpretation, career and educational assistance, assistance with accessing public benefits, and referrals.

In 2023, we served over 600 survivors, hosted over 100 community education events, and provided more than 50 clients with safe housing.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.dayahouston.org/

Position Summary

At this pivotal point in its growth, Daya seeks a deeply compassionate and strategic leader with a genuine interest in addressing abuse and violence in the South Asian community. We are seeking a hands-on, results-driven, and collaborative Executive Director to decisively grow our impact in the Greater Houston area over the years to come. The Executive Director will be accountable for the growth, sustainability, and impact of the organization and serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization with community stakeholders, partners, and funders. 

The Executive Director is responsible for the achievement of all operational and strategic goals, including donor development, fiscal management, board relations, staff oversight, compliance to legal standards, community relations and engagement, and all other administrative matters. Most importantly, the ideal candidate will have an entrepreneurial spirit to evaluate, design, and implement strategies and programs that address the mission and emerging needs in the field. Reporting directly to the Board, the Executive Director will oversee the annual operating budget of ~$1.7M+, a recent $2M grant from Mackenzie Scott, and a team of 12+ passionate employees.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Agency Oversight

• In partnership with the Board of Directors, set and uphold strategic goals, vision, and values of the organization and establish, implement, and evaluate programs, initiatives, and strategies to best meet the needs of Daya’s clients and stakeholders.
• Assess and enhance the organization's internal capacity and financial healthiness to conduct Daya's programs and administration.
• Develop Board meeting schedules, meeting agendas, and Board reports (12 meetings per year); facilitate opportunities for Board education and engagement.

Development and Financial Expertise

• Serve as the organization’s lead fundraiser; identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with current and prospective donors to achieve annual revenue goals; lead annual fundraising events.
• Oversee grants management and forge relationships with a broad spectrum of funding sources including corporations, public and private grant funders, and individual contributors.
• Guide the annual budget process and goals, monitor cash flow and financial reporting, verify program expenditures against funding sources, support the annual audit process, and advise the Board on short- and long-term fiscal health and sustainability.

Team Management

• Cultivate a culture that is supportive, trusting, challenging, energetic, diverse, and accountable to each other and the communities we serve.
• Ensure alignment of staff, duties, and resources to fulfill agency objectives.
• Manage personnel matters including hiring, performance evaluations, staff professional development opportunities, disciplinary actions, grievances, and the development of agency policies and procedures.

Communication & Partnerships:

• Serve as the “face” of Daya throughout the community to identify, cultivate and maintain relationships and investment from community members, funding agencies, government officials, and other stakeholders.
• Represent Daya and be its primary spokesperson through public speaking, media appearances, written newsletters and statements, and host events.
• Advocate on behalf of Daya's clients and enhance the agency's image and exposure in the community.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnership with domestic violence and sexual assault service agencies, South Asian advocacy groups, local/state/national coalitions, legal and law enforcement entities, and other groups to advance the agency's mission and values.

Desired Qualifications

The Executive Director will be a strong communicator and will bring a demonstrated track record of leading an emerging organization through a period of growth. The successful candidate will employ high emotional intelligence to shepherd the organization by setting priorities decisively, delegating responsibilities, assuring accountability, and working hands on with the board and staff.

While it’s understood that no single candidate will bring every single competency, strong candidates will offer the following skills, characteristics, and experiences:

• Passion, empathy, and commitment to ending gender-based violence.
• Minimum bachelor’s degree; preferably in a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership and supervisory experience as an Executive Director, CEO, or equivalent/relevant experience
• Knowledge and/or prior experience working with an organization that works on domestic violence, trauma, abuse, direct services, and/or women serving organization.
• Experience in leading an organization to newer heights through vision, strategic planning, and informed decision-making with strong organizational and multi-disciplinary project management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to appropriately interact with board, staff, volunteers, funders, policy makers and other stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key information both verbally and in writing to CEO, Board, peers, and direct reports in a timely manner.
• Disciplined and organized with good time management skills to coordinate and prioritize activities, evaluate progress, provide feedback, and reallocate resources.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse communities in the Greater Houston region, including immigrant and refugee communities, faith-based groups, and other mainstream and ethnic groups.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of South Asian culture and migration history
• Ability to speak any South Asian languages is a plus (ie Hindi, Urdu, etc).

Location 

This role is based in Houston, TX, and is open to candidates willing to relocate. Due to the confidential nature of the services provided, exact office location will be shared further in the interview process. Our team is offered a flexible hybrid schedule which allows them to work 2 days from the office and 3 days remotely. The entire team is in the office on Tuesdays when the weekly staff meeting is held.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is based on a variety of factors including but not limited to skill set, level, and years of previous/applicable experience. Salary range for this role is between $120,000- $150,000, with a generous benefits package, which includes 100% employer paid health insurance, vision, 403b retirement plan with employer contributions, life insurance, short term disability, ADD plan, and competitive PTO policy. Relocation assistance available.

How to Apply

Maneva Group, a woman and minority owned national executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven searches, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. To express interest in this role, please submit your resume and cover letter to this APPLICATION LINK - All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential. This position is available immediately; we will accept and review new applications until the position is filled.

A generous benefits package includes 100% employer paid health insurance, vision, 403b retirement plan with employer contributions, life insurance, short term disability, ADD plan, and competitive PTO policy. Relocation assistance available.