Executive Director

Rise House Arkansas; Conway (AR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Paid time off

Health insurance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Rise House Arkansas is seeking an experienced Executive Director to lead the organization through its next growth phase. As CEO, you will partner with the Board, staff, volunteers, donors and community partners to strengthen services, ensure financial stability, and guide renovation and expansion with a trauma-informed approach.

You will raise funds, cultivate major gifts, manage compliance, and position Rise House as the public face of the organization while advancing its mission across Central

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business or public administration, social work or related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a nonprofit or human services setting.
• Proven track record in fundraising, grant management, donor cultivation, and partnerships.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse populations and community stakeholders.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors and leading cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, donor databases, and financial management systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership to advance mission, values and long-term sustainability.
• Develop and implement the Board-approved strategic plan with the Board.
• Guide renovation and expansion while maintaining uninterrupted trauma-informed services.
• Foster a culture of compassion, accountability, transparency, and collaboration.
• Lead a comprehensive fundraising program including grants, major gifts, and events.
• Serve as public spokesperson and build relationships with donors and partners.
• Oversee grant strategy, compliance, reporting and funding requirements.

Skills

Fundraising

Grant management

Donor cultivation

Strategic partnerships

Financial oversight

Board collaboration

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication & problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, social work, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Donor databases

Financial management systems

Job description

Rise House provides shelter, advocacy, and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. With a 20-bed shelter, a strong reputation throughout Central Arkansas, and an evolving volunteer base, the organization is entering an exciting period of renovation and expansion. Guided by an active Board of Directors with working committees, Rise House is focused on increasing its impact while ensuring every survivor has access to safety, hope, and healing.

The Opportunity

Rise House is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven Executive Director to lead the organization through its next phase of growth. As the chief executive officer, the Executive Director will partner closely with the Board of Directors, dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, funders, and community partners to strengthen services, ensure long-term financial stability, successfully guide the organization's upcoming renovation and expansion, and advance the organization's mission. This role requires a collaborative leader who is equally comfortable building relationships, raising funds, leading people, and managing a growing nonprofit. The Executive Director will serve as the public face of Rise House, champion its mission throughout the community, and foster a trauma-informed culture while positioning the organization for continued growth and lasting impact.

What You’ll Do

• Provide visionary leadership that advances the mission, values, and long-term sustainability of Rise House.
• Lead the development and implementation of the Board-approved strategic plan, and work with the Board to identify priorities, evaluate progress, and position the organization for future growth.
• Guide the organization through renovation, expansion, and other strategic initiatives while maintaining uninterrupted, trauma-informed services for survivors.
• Foster a culture of compassion, accountability, transparency, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement among staff and volunteers.
• Provide executive leadership in organizational change management, ensuring staff, volunteers, and stakeholders remain informed, engaged, and aligned throughout periods of growth.
• Lead a comprehensive fundraising program that includes grants, major gifts, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, annual giving, fundraising events, and donor stewardship.
• Provide executive leadership for the annual Masquerade Ball and other fundraising initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, foundations, businesses, civic organizations, elected officials, and community partners.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for Rise House through public speaking, media opportunities, advocacy, and community engagement.
• Lead grant strategy and compliance, proposal development, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements, accreditation standards, confidentiality obligations, and funding requirements.
• Use organizational outcomes and data to demonstrate impact and drive continuous improvement.

Board Partnership

• Work in close partnership with an engaged Board of Directors and its committees to achieve strategic and organizational goals.
• Keep the Board informed through regular reports on finances, forecasts, fundraising, operations, compliance, and organizational performance.
• Support board recruitment, orientation, committee work, and long-term governance planning while maintaining appropriate governance boundaries.

People, Operations & Finance

• Lead, develop, and support a high-performing staff through coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Develop and oversee the annual operating budget, ensure responsible stewardship of resources, and maintain strong internal controls and financial compliance.
• Develop succession plans and leadership development opportunities.
• Ensure effective HR practices, payroll oversight, benefits administration, and policy compliance.
• Lead long-range financial planning and revenue diversification.
• Provide executive oversight for facility renovations and capital improvement projects in partnership with the Board, architects, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Support volunteer recruitment, engagement, and recognition.

Community Impact

• Strengthen partnerships with law enforcement, healthcare providers, schools, courts, social service organizations, and other agencies serving survivors.
• Increase community awareness of Rise House and advocate for policies and programs that enhance safety and support for survivors.
• Use organizational data and outcomes to evaluate effectiveness, communicate impact, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, social work, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including senior management responsibilities, preferably in a nonprofit, government, or human services organization.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant management, donor cultivation, strategic partnerships, and financial oversight.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations and community stakeholders.
• Experience working collaboratively with a Board of Directors and leading cross-functional teams.
• speaking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, donor databases, and financial management systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading or supporting capital campaigns, facility renovation or expansion projects, or other major organizational growth initiatives.
• Knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault, trauma-informed care, or related human services.
• Experience administering VOCA, FVPSA, HUD, or similar grant funding.

Rise House offers a competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include paid time off, retirement benefits match, health insurance reimbursement, professional development opportunities, mileage reimbursement, and other benefits available to employees.

Why Join Rise House?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected organization at a pivotal moment in its history. The next Executive Director will help shape the future of Rise House through facility expansion, stronger community partnerships, sustainable fundraising, and innovative services that will positively impact survivors and families throughout Central Arkansas for years to come.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.