Executive Director

ABOUT US:

At Ithaka Land Inc. (a.k.a. Ithaka Housing), we believe in empowering individuals and families to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. We offer transitional housing programs in Colorado Springs, Colorado, aimed at providing stability, support, and resources for those in need. Our mission is to guide individuals toward sustainable housing and self-directed success, fostering a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Executive Director will provide the leadership, direction, and management of Ithaka.  The successful candidate will share a commitment to Ithaka’s Mission, Vision, and Values and have a demonstrable acumen in leading successful teams, working with a Board of Directors, and building and maintaining relationships within the community.  

The Executive Director is responsible for Ithaka’s organizational infrastructure financial management, including the development of an annual budget and budget component targets, community relationships, public speaking, grants and contracts management, fund development, supervision of senior staff, oversight of programs, and leadership of paid and volunteer staff in the fulfillment of Ithaka’s mission, vision, and values. 

LOCATION AND TIMELINE:

This is a hybrid position. The position is open to candidates located in or willing to commute to Colorado Springs, Colorado, as needed. The position is open until filled. It was posted on May 1, 2024. Rather than setting an application deadline, we are considering resumes and holding interviews on a rolling basis. For best consideration, please apply promptly.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising and Marketing:

• Developing and executing the fundraising plans;
• Researching potential corporate sponsors, individual donors, and family foundations by assessing giving potential;
• Planning and successfully executing targeted fundraising campaigns, including email, text, social media, and direct mail;
• Developing a plan to cultivate and grow donations by creating a database of potential donors and volunteers;
• Developing and maintaining systems for prospecting, donor tracking, and reporting to donors;
• Working with staff to set fundraising goals, train in fundraising skills, track/report on success, and build strong finance operations that support the fundraising budget;
• Responsible for the formulation of a marketing plan that will ensure financial success;
• Identifies, cultivates, and recruits volunteers, companies, and organizations to participate in Ithaka’s mission.

Finance and Accounting:

• Ensure consistent and high-quality fiscal management of all the agency's financial resources;
• In conjunction with the Board of Directors input, create a strong annual budget as well as a long-range financial plan;
• Ensure staff members follow all appropriate accounting procedures and internal policies;
• Oversee budget to include accurate, realistic forecasting of revenue and expenses;
• Assure submission of monthly financial statements in a timely manner that accurately reflects the financial condition of the agency;
• Monitor budget-to-actual results, identifying significant differences for the Board
• Ensure maximum resource utilization;
• Maintain the agency in a strong, positive financial position;
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people;
• Ability to ensure timely preparation of annual audit and filing of annual Form 990 report;

Board and Governance:

• Ensure that Ithaka abides by its By-laws and Nonprofit Laws of the State of Colorado;
• Serve a key role in developing and maintaining an effective Board of Directors;
• Communicate all issues necessary for the Board of Directors to have a clear understanding of Ithaka and ensure that the Board is always appropriately informed  ;
• Participate with the Board of Directors in the creation and implementation of a three to five-year Strategic Plan for Ithaka.

Human Resources:

• Collaborate with the Operations and Housing Director to lead, coach, develop, and retain a high-performing staff;
• Ensure employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions, positions, and for the day-to-day operations of the agency are up to date, follow legal requirements, and reflect best practices in the industry;
• Ensure compliance with all national, state, and local employment laws.

Programs:

• Collaborate with the Program Director to ensure ongoing program excellence;
• General oversight and management of all Ithaka programs;
• Assure that rigorous program evaluation is conducted on all programs;
• Create timelines and tactics necessary to achieve the agency’s goals and objectives.

Facilities:

• Assure that all the Ithaka facilities are well maintained and meet all federal, state, and local laws and agency standards for safety;
• Coordinate all reporting with compliance agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Experience, Training:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience, with five years of demonstrated experience in non-profit fundraising, event planning, and community engagement.
• In-depth knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and techniques.
• Outstanding interpersonal and community relations skills; ability to build trusting relationships and rapport with a diverse group of people.
• Building partnerships with those in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills, ability to prioritize tasks and set priorities.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to passionately convey the Mission, Vision, and Values of Ithaka.
• Aptitude for projecting revenue and managing budgets;
• Team player with a positive attitude that is able to motivate others;

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in working with homeless and/or disadvantaged populations.
• Experience in developing supportive housing.
• Experience in managing a capital campaign. 
• Experience in donor and volunteer development.
• Knowledge of local and state resources that support Ithaka's mission.

BENEFITS:

• At Ithaka, we prioritize work-life balance as a fundamental aspect of our company culture. We've adopted a four-day workweek for our Executive Director, allowing them to maintain a 40-hour workweek while enjoying a more balanced schedule. However, it's important to note that additional duties or projects may arise that require more hours beyond the standard workweek in certain situations.
• Competitive salary range of $85,000 to $95,000 commensurate with education/experience/skills
• Medical/Dental/Vision/STD/IRA
• Technology supplied
• Generous and flexible PTO policy

HOW TO APPLY:

If you are passionate about helping people experience transformation and making a difference in the lives of others, we would love to hear from you! Research shows that members of underrepresented groups and marginalized identities may not apply to a role unless they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We recognize that no one is likely to meet all the listed requirements therefore, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a 1-3-page letter of interest outlining your qualifications, history of fundraising, and why you are drawn to this position. Click the APPLY button to apply.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Ithaka Land Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. In addition to federal law requirements, Ithaka Land Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Ithaka Land Inc. expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Improper interference with the ability of Ithaka Land Inc.’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.