Executive Director

About the Role

The Executive Director (ED) of My Sister’s Place (MSP) plays a central role in guiding the organization’s vision, programs, and day-to-day operations. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED leads a dedicated team of staff and partners to provide compassionate, high-quality support to survivors of domestic violence.

This is a dynamic, hands-on leadership role that blends strategy and storytelling, partnership-building and program oversight, advocacy and accountability. The ED helps shape the future of MSP by strengthening its financial health, deepening community relationships, and fostering a supportive, inclusive culture for staff and clients alike.

The ED will serve as the public face of MSP, working with the Board, funders, government agencies, and community partners to ensure that our mission and values are visible, impactful, and sustained for years to come. Just as importantly, the ED will help nurture a culture of accountability, inclusion, and growth, while ensuring compliance, operational excellence, and staff well-being.

This is a hybrid position and expected to be in the office at least 1-2 days a week.

About My Sister’s Place 

My Sister's Place is a community of staff, volunteers, and advocates committed to eradicating domestic violence. As DC's oldest domestic violence shelter, we have served as a cornerstone of the District's response to this pressing public health issue since 1979. MSP uniquely offers a continuum of care from emergency shelter through transitional to permanent housing. Our experienced team of case managers and residential counselors provide clinical counseling, case management, and comprehensive services to empower survivors to recover and thrive. MSP also provides training, case consultation, and advocacy to engage communities to prevent violence and abuse.

What You’ll Be Doing 

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the vision, strategy, and day-to-day operations of MSP in alignment with its mission and values.
• Shape long-term goals and oversee strategic planning in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Ensure MSP remains a trusted, responsive, and innovative leader in domestic violence services.
• Serve as a thought leader and advocate for policies that improve the lives of survivors and address root causes of violence.

Board Engagement & Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, supporting effective governance and communication.
• Partner with the Board Co-Chairs to set meeting agendas, prepare materials, and ensure timely follow-up.
• Keep the Board informed of key developments, opportunities, and challenges affecting the organization.
• Collaborate with the Board to ensure strong fiduciary oversight, mission alignment, and long-term sustainability.
• Support board recruitment, onboarding, and development efforts to ensure a diverse and engaged governing body.

Team Management & Culture

• Supervise and support a team of directors overseeing programs, finance, operations, and development.
• Foster a healthy, inclusive organizational culture rooted in equity, accountability, and trauma-informed values.
• Support professional development and staff engagement across all levels of the organization.

Fundraising and Communication

• Partner with the development team to grow and diversify funding, with an emphasis on individual giving.
• Cultivate strong relationships with donors, government agencies, foundations, and community partners.
• Serve as MSP’s primary spokesperson, helping to elevate our work and raise public awareness.

Programs & Partnerships

• Ensure MSP’s programs remain high-quality, survivor-centered, and grounded in best practices.
• Collaborate with key partners across DC to meet client needs and strengthen service delivery.
• Monitor program outcomes and adapt strategies in response to community and survivor feedback.
• Champion innovation and evaluation across programs to better serve survivors and anticipate community needs.

Finance & Operations

• Oversee the financial health of the organization, including budgeting, compliance, and fiscal planning.
• Ensure operational systems are efficient, legally compliant, and aligned with MSP’s mission.
• Work with HR and Operations leadership to support staff well-being, safety, and performance.

Required Qualifications 

• Degree in management, social services, or a related field — or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of increasing management responsibility, including at least 3 years in senior leadership at a direct service organization.
• Proven strategic leadership, including organizational oversight, program development, and long-term planning.
• 5+ years of nonprofit financial management experience, including oversight of grant- and donation-funded budgets.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor engagement, and sustaining funder relationships.
• Experience working with or under a nonprofit Board of Directors.
• 3+ years of experience with cultivating government, community, and partner relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and support a diverse team.
• Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Effective at building networks, partnerships, and visibility for an organization.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Commitment to mission and values of MSP.
• Ability to work independently and proactively.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across teams and departments.
• Experience working with or alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds, including across lines of race, gender, and lived experience.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, survivor-centered services, or domestic violence issues.

Background Check & Drug Testing Requirements: 

Employment at My Sister’s Place is contingent upon the successful completion of background checks, including FBI and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) background checks, TB testing, and drug testing. Additionally, due to grant requirements, employees must maintain updated background checks and screenings as required for their position throughout their employment.

What We're Looking For 

At MSP, we are committed to our core values, which guide our every action and decision. We’re hiring someone who shares our dedication to these values and embodies them in their work:

• Demonstrate Professionalism, Integrity, and Excellence: You approach your role with the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct. You should consistently uphold integrity, demonstrate excellence in your work, and adhere to the highest standards of professionalism.
• Support Wellness and Self-care: You understand the importance of self-care and wellness, both for yourself and for the clients we serve. You should promote and model self-care practices and encourage clients to prioritize their well-being.
• Provide Person-centered and Trauma-informed Services: We value a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to service delivery. The right candidate should be skilled in empathetic and client-focused interactions, recognizing the unique needs and experiences of each individual.
• Foster an Environment of Trust, Transparency, and Respect: Building trust and maintaining transparency and respect in all interactions is paramount to our organization. We are looking for someone who can create a safe and respectful environment for clients and colleagues alike.
• Deliver Services Intentionally and Passionately: We seek someone who is passionate about helping others and who approaches their role with intentionality. You should be dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of our clients.

My Sister's Place is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based upon race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.