Executive Director
Whittier, CA
Overview: WCCS was founded on the belief that everyone has the right to a violence-free environment; that violence, be it physical, actual or threatened, emotional or psychological, has no place in healthy relationships. WCCS is dedicated to helping the victims at whatever stage they find themselves.
Mission: to provide safety, shelter and hope to victims of domestic violence.
History of WCCS: In 1977 a group of community citizens came together to learn more about a problem that had just recently been named: domestic violence. The Southern California Coalition on Battered Women had been formed the year before, and communities all across the United States were waking up to this growing problem. The first action the committee took was opening a lifeline. Calls began almost immediately. The committee wondered what to do with the victims. Some of the founders opened up their homes to the fleeing women and children. They knew this was not a long-term answer, so in 1978 they rented a house to use as their first shelter.
Since then, the Women’s and Children’s Crisis Shelter has diligently served victims of domestic violence – of all genders and ages. As part of its programs, WCCS collaborates with other agencies to improve overall health, wellness, and economic stability of its clients; provides culturally relevant and supportive intervention; provides educational information for the prevention of family violence and maintains a 24-hour lifeline. WCCS operates on a 24-hour basis, and all of its programs are free of charge.
WCCS Programs and Services provides free services and support to victims of domestic violence residing in Los Angeles County including:
24-Hour Emergency Lifeline
24/7, with immediate help
Crisis assistance, safety planning, information, and referrals to service providers throughout Los Angeles County
Services offered in multiple languages
Shelter
45-day stay emergency shelter
Transitional Supportive Housing
Food, clothing, and hygiene items
Support groups, parenting classes, transportation, and legal advocacy classes are offered
Other Services
Walk-in domestic violence supportive services for survivors
Crisis intervention, safety planning, and case management
Assistance in creating self-sufficiency plans
Assistance with financial, legal, medical, and housing advocacy
Temporary restraining orders
Domestic violence support group, parenting, and life-skills classes
The Opportunity
For the past 3+ years, under the visionary leadership of a dedicated Executive Director, WCCS has grown significantly, expanding programs, diversifying and growing revenue, and increasing its community engagement. During her tenure, she has grown the budget from $1.5M to $ 2.1 M (30% philanthropy; 65% gov’t funding and 5% in-kind donations). WCCS is poised to continue along this trajectory under the leadership of the new ED. It currently has a grant request pending with Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority which, if funded, would add $1.1M to its annual budget.
The staff has grown in the past 3+ years from 12 to 22. With help from an external consultant, the organization has been focused both on board development and strategic planning and recently brought on 4 new board members. All program policies and procedures have been updated and the current ED has also proactively implemented DEI training to make the organization more inclusive. The employee handbook has been updated and will be reviewed by the Board for approval. The consultant is also helping to guide the organization through the strategic planning process. As part of that process, WCCS has added board members, created job descriptions, established a giving policy for board members, and is working towards creating a manual for board members.
The new ED will come into an organization with a strong senior leadership team who are passionate about WCCS’s mission and work in a collaborative and supportive environment. The organization is financially stable with an equally passionate Board of Directors, many of whom have been involved with the organization for years. In addition, the shelter is currently undergoing renovations to upgrade and beautify the space in a way that creates a healing space for trauma-informed care. Its Business Center location is close to multiple partner organizations and community resources (local courthouse, social services, police station, etc.) Future plans include installing a playground at the Shelter and adding additional transitional housing.
For the last 43 years, WCCS has also benefited from Shelter's Right Hand Thrift Shop, a separate 510c3, non-profit auxiliary of the Women's and Children's Crisis Shelter. Shelter’s Right Hand is a 100% volunteer-run organization dedicated to raising funds to support WCCS’s critical work. In 2024, sales from Shelter's Right Hand's Thrift Shop and proceeds from its Annual 5K Walk, Stepping Out Against Domestic Violence, raised $345,000 in unrestricted funds for WCCS.
This pivotal ED role demands a dynamic leader with a bold vision and entrepreneurial drive. The ideal candidate will excel in forging robust relationships, both internally with the board and staff, and externally with key stakeholders. They will possess the strategic acumen to chart WCCS’s programmatic and fiscal future, ensuring sustainable growth and impact. Central to its leadership will be the cultivation of an organizational culture that champions innovation, recognition, and inclusivity.
Position Description
The Board of Directors is seeking a passionate and visionary leader to serve as the next Executive Director (ED). The ED will provide strategic direction, leadership, and oversight to ensure the organization fulfills its mission of providing safety, shelter, and hope to victims of domestic violence. The new ED will be an innovative and accomplished visionary leader who will inspire staff, board, and volunteers. They will be charged with building on WCCS’s track record of success by further developing the organization’s vision and achieving its goals for enhancing the impact of its programs, continued financial stability, and ongoing community engagement.
This individual must possess intellectual horsepower and be naturally persuasive and fair, and value accountability for themselves and others. The new ED will lead based on the core ethics of collaboration, continuous improvement, and the drive for excellence, ensuring that the best programs are being delivered to the adults, children and families it serves.
Leadership
Works closely with the Board of Directors, establishing a shared vision for the future of the organization and developing and managing appropriate goals and strategies to advance the mission and growth of WCCS.
Oversees the development and implementation of short- and long-range asset and fiscal strategic planning initiatives to ensure that current and future services and fiscal goals/needs are clearly identified and addressed.
Leads a collaborative process with the Board of Directors and its committees, executing decisions effectively and ensuring that the Board of Directors and its committees are informed of critical developments in a timely and effective manner.
Inspires through best practices, goals, and rewards systems.
Guides the increased awareness and impact of WCCS, clearly articulating its mission, vision, services, and strategic direction.
Models respectful, collaborative, and empowering interactions with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, vendors, donors, and the adults, children and families WCCS serves.
Fosters an inclusive work environment, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
External Affairs / Public Relations / Funding
Serves as chief fundraiser sustaining current funding levels and actively expanding networks from which new funding can be cultivated across a diverse mix of corporate, foundation, individual, public-sector funders, etc.
Engages with community groups, local government, and other nonprofits in the community to assess community needs, evaluating partnership opportunities to promote and support the mission.
Builds and stewards successful relationships with funders including private, corporate, and local government.
Program Management & Quality Assurance
Oversees the Shelter Director and Supportive Services Director to ensure the effective implementation of programs and services for WCCS clients.
Monitors program outcomes and impact, making data-informed decisions to improve services and meet the needs of adults, children and families.
Stays informed about best practices and trends in domestic violence services and incorporates them into the organization's programs.
Human Resources
Oversees human resources and ensures the organization is compliant with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Manages and implements an effective performance management system for all employees, which includes setting objectives and evaluation on an annual basis.
Engenders a collaborative environment which encourages staff opportunities for growth within the organization.
Defines and executes the strategy of effectively mobilizing volunteers in support of the organization.
Financial and Risk Management
Oversees the preparation of the annual budget for the Board of Directors’ financial management, allocation, and expenditure controls for the operations of the organization.
Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of objectives, policies/procedures, and operations for contract service areas to ensure maximum revenue reimbursement and funder compliance.
Directs the management of information technology functions including systems applications and development, database administration, and financial systems.
Responsible for proper compliance and risk management, ensuring strict contract compliance with funder requirements.
Administration and Operations
With the Board Chair, coordinates the efforts and initiatives of WCCS’s Board of Directors, its Board Committees, Board retreats and strategic planning; recruits diverse, talented, and experienced new Board members; encourages and plans Board members’ involvement in a range of the organization’s activities including development of the strategic plan, fundraising, financial oversight, program review, etc.
Develops and recommends policies and procedures as requested by the Board of Directors, implements approved Board policies, program goals, and objectives, and works collaboratively to enable the Board, its committees, and individual board members to fulfill their governance functions.
Directs day-to-day operations and oversees the administration, coordination, and implementation of organizational policies, procedures, strategic planning, and services.
Regularly provides concise reports to the Board on the state of the organization (key compliance issues, program delivery and outcomes, revenue and expenses, and related administrative matters toward the development and execution of the organization’s mission, policy, and procedures).
Oversees facilities management and safety.
Executes all other reasonable duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree in a relevant field (Nonprofit Management, Social Work, Public Administration, etc.) preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofit organization, preferably in domestic violence, homeless services, and/or social services working with vulnerable populations.
Experience overseeing programs that focus on trauma-informed care.
Experience writing and managing (compliance, auditingg, reporting, etc.) government grants.
Proven track record in fundraising, with a history of securing philanthropic gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Demonstrated experience in financial management, staff oversight, and strategic planning.
Strong understanding of domestic violence issues and programs/policies that lead to successful outcomes.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a diverse team effectively.
Experience working with a Board of Directors and knowledge of nonprofit governance best practices.
Passion for the mission of WCCS and a commitment to serving and advocating for the victims of domestic violence.
This is a “hands-on” ED role that requires a willingness to step up and “do what needs to get done” and functions as part of the team to provide the highest quality services to WCCS’s clients.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience managing a 24-hour shelter.
An understanding of housing programs and DCFS that support shelters who deal with emergency/crisis situations.
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
Master’s degree.
Familiarity with HR, labor laws, and litigation.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:
WCCS is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to the following: race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, citizenship and/or immigration status, pregnancy, genetic information including family medical history, physical or mental disability, child or spousal support withholding, military or veteran status, medical condition, marital status, AIDS/HIV, natural hair styles, political activities or affiliations, domestic violence, assault, or stalking victim status, application for or enrollment in Medi-Cal, lawful conduct occurring during nonworking hours away from the employer’s premises, credit report or credit information, prior non-conviction arrest record, and any other protected class, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Compensation
This position offers a base salary of $125,000 to $150,000 plus comprehensive benefits, based upon qualifications and experience.
Please contact Linda Yeomans for a confidential conversation and to learn more about this opportunity.
Phone: (714) 388-8602
Email: Linda@SterlingSearchInc.com
Please direct all correspondence, emails, and telephone calls to Sterling Search, Inc. Any communication with Women’s and Children’s Crisis Shelter will be redirected back to Sterling Search.
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