Executive Director

For over 30 years, Beacon House has been a beacon of hope and opportunity in the heart of Washington, DC's Edgewood neighborhood. Our goal is clear: to provide children with a safe haven where they can not only learn and grow academically and also discover their unique talents and become empowered leaders of tomorrow. Through our out-of-school time education, athletic, mentoring, and youth development programs, Beacon House serves over 300 youth annually. We're more than just an organization; we're a tight-knit community dedicated to bridging the education gap and empowering our youth to reach their greatest potential despite any challenges they may face.  

Beacon House is recognized by Spur Local (formerly the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington) as “One of the Best” nonprofit organizations in the DC region. Beacon House’s students and programs have also been highlighted in recent years by national organizations including the Afterschool Alliance, National Afterschool Association, and Digital Promise.

POSITION SUMMARY  

We're on the lookout for an exceptional Executive Director who shares our passion for transforming lives and communities. Beacon House is at an inflection point and ready for its next committed, results-oriented, and strategic change agent to develop and lead the organization. The Executive Director will be instrumental in leading implementation of Beacon House’s strategic plan and stewarding and supporting its organizational culture. This role isn't just about leading an organization; it's about driving real change, shaping our strategic direction, and ensuring that every child who walks through our doors has the opportunity to thrive.

The next leader of Beacon House will:

• Lead with vision and purpose, guiding our team in fulfilling our mission and vision.
• Champion innovation and excellence in our programs, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of our youth.
• Take ownership of our financial health, overseeing budgeting, expenses, and audits with precision.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, partners, and community leaders to secure vital resources and support.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous learning among our staff and volunteers.
• Serve as the face of Beacon House, sharing our story and impact with the world through compelling communications and public engagements.

The ideal candidate is an inclusive leader who is eager to build on the strong foundation of an organization with deep roots and history in the Edgewood, Ward 5, and DC communities, and has a vision to propel Beacon House into its next phase and stage as a leader in youth development. The Executive Director will be instrumental in growing and securing the resources needed to accomplish new strategic goals for the future. The new Executive Director relishes the opportunity to deepen connections with existing donors and to build bridges with new ones; create and execute a development plan; and manage staff, consultants and volunteers while also working side-by-side with them.  

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the organization with a clear vision and strategic direction, collaborating with the Board and staff to ensure alignment with our mission and values. Drive innovation and continuous improvement in our programs and initiatives, staying ahead of emerging trends and needs in youth development. Position Beacon House as a leader in DC and the broader field of youth development and education.
• Program Excellence: Oversee the growth, implementation, and evaluation of Beacon House's programs, ensuring they deliver measurable impact and meet the diverse needs of our youth. Foster a culture of learning and innovation, encouraging staff to explore new approaches and best practices in youth development and education.
• Financial Stewardship: Take ownership of Beacon House's financial health, developing and managing budgets, monitoring expenses, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Work closely with the finance team and Board to secure funding, diversify revenue streams, and maximize resources for programmatic impact.
• Community Engagement: Cultivate and nurture relationships with donors, partners, and community stakeholders to build support for Beacon House's mission and programs. Actively engage with the community, attending events, meetings, and forums to promote awareness of our work and forge meaningful connections.
• Organizational Culture: Foster a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and accountability within Beacon House, promoting a supportive and empowering environment for staff, volunteers, and program participants. Lead by example, embodying our core values in all interactions.
• Public Representation: Serve as the primary spokesperson for Beacon House, articulating our mission, impact, and vision to external audiences through media interviews, public speaking engagements, and written communications. Represent Beacon House at community events, conferences, and networking opportunities to raise our profile and attract support.
• Board Relations: Work closely with the Board of Directors to provide regular updates on organizational performance, seek guidance on strategic priorities, and leverage their expertise and networks to advance Beacon House's mission. Support Board committees in their work, providing timely information and insights to inform decision-making.
• Staff Development: Invest in the professional growth and development of Beacon House's staff, providing mentorship, coaching, and opportunities for training and advancement. Foster a culture of excellence and accountability, recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance while addressing areas for improvement with empathy and support.
• Impact Measurement: Ensure Beacon House maintains a robust system for measuring and evaluating program impact, collecting and analyzing data to inform decision-making and demonstrate outcomes to stakeholders. Use data-driven insights to refine program strategies, allocate resources effectively, and maximize our effectiveness in serving our community.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead efforts to continuously assess and improve Beacon House's operations, policies, and procedures, seeking input from staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to identify areas for enhancement and innovation. Champion a culture of learning and adaptation, embracing change as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

These duties and responsibilities are critical to advancing Beacon House's mission and ensuring our continued success in empowering youth and transforming communities.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

• A Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 10 years of leadership experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
• A proven track record of success in fundraising and organizational growth.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to connect with diverse stakeholders.
• A genuine passion for youth development and a commitment to data-driven impact.
• Strong organizational and managerial skills, with a knack for inspiring and empowering teams.
• A deep-rooted love for our community and a desire to make a difference in the lives of our children.

Location: Beacon House operates in person at its space in Ward 5, Washington, DC