Executive Director

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – JOB DESCRIPTION

Samaritan House, Inc.

Kalispell, Montana

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of Samaritan House, responsible for strategic leadership, operational management, financial stability, fundraising, donor relations, staff oversight, and delivery of high‑quality programs serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

The ED also leads the organization’s capital campaigns, provides construction oversight as the Owner’s Representative for development projects, and ensures organizational accountability, compliance, and alignment with the Board’s direction.

The Executive Director performs all duties assigned by the Board of Directors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP & STRATEGY

• Provide mission‑focused leadership to advance organizational goals.
• Implement policies and directives established by the Board.
• Maintain a strong, collaborative, transparent relationship with the Board.
• Lead strategic planning efforts and organizational growth initiatives.
• Ensure all operations reflect values of compassion, dignity, and accountability.

1. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & COMPLIANCE

• Oversee all financial activities including budgeting, reporting, forecasting, and internal controls.
• Ensure accurate documentation and GAAP‑compliant accounting.
• Oversee annual audits, tax filings, grant reporting, and compliance.
• Safeguard restricted funds, ensuring proper tracking and reporting.
• Approve expenditures and ensure transparent fiscal management.
• Work closely with the Treasurer, accountant, and Finance Committee.

• Budget Preparation & Annual Planning

– Lead development of the annual operating and program budgets.

– Coordinate staff input, forecasting, and capital requirements.

– Ensure budgets are accurate, well‑documented, and aligned with organizational priorities.

– Monitor budget performance and provide timely variance updates.

• *Present the proposed annual budget to the Board of Directors for approval at the December Board meeting each year.**

1. FUNDRAISING, DONOR RELATIONS & CAPITAL CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, and sponsors.
• Lead all aspects of the capital campaign, including volunteer coordination and donor engagement.
• Ensure timely communication with the Capital Campaign Committee.
• Oversee donor stewardship programs and ensure adherence to donor intent.

1. CONSTRUCTION OVERSIGHT & DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

• Serve as Owner’s Representative for construction and renovation projects.
• Coordinate with architects, contractors, engineers, and project managers.
• Review project budgets, change orders, and timelines.
• Provide regular updates to the Board and ensure compliance with funding/regulatory requirements.

1. PROGRAM OVERSIGHT & SERVICE DELIVERY

• Ensure high‑quality shelter, housing, and supportive services.
• Develop program policies, procedures, and data collection systems.
• Ensure compliance with program regulations and funding requirements.

1. STAFF LEADERSHIP & ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

• Recruit, supervise, and evaluate staff.
• Foster a positive, ethical, accountable organizational culture.
• Ensure adequate training, professional development, and HR compliance.

1. COMMUNITY RELATIONS & ADVOCACY

• Serve as public representative of Samaritan House.
• Build relationships with agencies, partners, funders, and community stakeholders.
• Advocate for policies that support people experiencing homelessness.

1. BOARD SUPPORT & GOVERNANCE

• Provide accurate and timely information to the Board.
• Support Board development and committee structures.
• Implement Board policies and directives.
• Attend Board meetings and ensure governance compliance.

1. OTHER DUTIES

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Board of Directors.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, social services, public administration, or related field.
• 5–7 years nonprofit leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and major donor development.
• Experience overseeing capital campaigns or large‑scale fundraising initiatives.
• Experience managing construction or development projects.
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience in shelter/housing or homelessness services.
• Familiarity with HUD, CoC, and state/federal regulations.

Health insurance coverage is available for this position. As the organization grows, the Executive Director will play a key role in evaluating and developing future employee benefit offerings to support staff well-being and long-term organizational sustainability.

English proficiency is required, with strong written and verbal communication skills essential for interacting with staff, partners, donors, community members, and clients.

Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is preferred, but not required. Candidates who speak additional languages may be given special consideration based on organizational needs.