Chief Executive Officer bei The PLACE

Description

ABOUT THE PLACE

The PLACE is where possibility begins for youth ages 15–24 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability in the Pikes Peak region. Our mission is to ignite the potential in youth to exit homelessness and create self-determined, fulfilled lives.

Through our diverse housing programs, drop-in center, street outreach, individualized case management, and trauma informed practices, we help young people find safety, stability, and a path forward.

As we evolve to meet growing community needs, The PLACE is strengthening its foundation while refining systems, deepening partnerships, and enhancing the way we deliver proven, effective support for young people finding their way home. This is an organization built on heart, hustle, and hope, and we are ready for a leader who can help shape our next chapter with courage and purpose.

POSITION SUMMARY

The PLACE is in a season of transformation and we’re seeking a leader who can meet that moment with vision, grit, and grace. The Chief Executive Officer will be equally comfortable in a boardroom or doing street outreach, connecting big-picture strategy with day-to-day realities. This role calls for a courageous, adaptive leader who can navigate ambiguity, inspire trust, and build systems that honor the dignity, resilience, and potential of the youth we serve.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership, Culture & Governance

· Provide steady, transparent, and compassionate leadership that builds trust across the organization and in the community.

· Lead with authenticity while communicating openly, listening with curiosity, and showing up with humility and heart.

· Nurture a workplace culture grounded in inclusion, respect, and shared purpose, where staff feel valued and inspired.

· Lead alongside The PLACE and its Board through transformation with courage, clarity, and collaboration.

· Champion trauma-informed and equity-centered practices that shape how we work, not just what we do.

· Model adaptability, optimism, and integrity, fostering resilience and collective problem-solving.

· Invest in people: support professional growth, effective communication, and leadership at all levels.

· Engage the Board as strategic partners, aligning governance, fundraising, and mission impact.

Programs & Impact

· Ensure The PLACE’s programs are focused, effective, and aligned with our mission while meeting youth where they are maximizing organizational capacity and efficiency.

· Champion trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and equity-driven approaches that honor the dignity of every young person we serve.

· Support program staff in developing innovative, data-informed solutions that balance heart and accountability.

· Maintain compliance with contracts, grants, and regulatory requirements while fostering a culture of transparency and learning.

· Ensure youth voice, partner feedback, and staff insight inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.

· Connect daily program operations to long-term outcomes while demonstrating impact, efficiency, and sustainability in every area of service.

Financial Stewardship & Sustainability

· Steward The PLACE’s financial health with both diligence and vision while ensuring every dollar advances our mission and strengthens our impact.

· Oversee transparent budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes grounded in strategic priorities.

· Collaborate with staff, Board, and funders to align financial decisions with long-term sustainability and values.

· Balance fiscal responsibility with boldness while knowing when to conserve and when to invest in growth.

· Present financial information in a clear, actionable way that supports informed decisions and builds confidence among staff, board, and funders.

Community Partnerships & Advancement

· Lead fundraising and relationship-building with authenticity and enthusiasm, inspiring investment in the potential of youth.

· Build and maintain productive relationships with donors, partners, and community stakeholders based on transparency and mutual respect.

· Elevate storytelling that honors youth resilience and connects impact to mission in every communication.

· Diversify and grow revenue across grants, contracts, and philanthropic sources to ensure stability.

· Represent The PLACE with warmth, humility, and strength in public forums and partnerships.

· Advocate for equitable systems and policies that create real pathways to stability and opportunity for youth.

The PLACE is growing and changing and so will this role. This description reflects the core responsibilities today, with the understanding that duties may evolve as our mission and organization continue to develop.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

· Minimum of 5 years’ experience leading and operating a nonprofit organization or comparable business.

· Demonstrated experience in fundraising, donor relations, and communications; familiarity with Bloomerang or similar donor management software preferred.

· Proven skills in financial management, compliance, and organizational operations, including experience with QuickBooks.

· Experience with programs serving vulnerable or high-risk youth preferred.

· Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and delegate effectively.

· Skilled communicator with excellent interpersonal, writing, and presentation abilities.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and comfortable learning new technology tools.

· Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling sensitive information.

· Must successfully complete both federal and state background checks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Employees in this position may work long hours in office, drop-in center, and outdoor settings and may encounter challenging conditions such as inclement weather, temperature extremes, exposure to sharps or paraphernalia, and interactions involving strong or inappropriate language. Staff must be comfortable distributing safer-sex supplies and bleach kits to youth. The PLACE provides safety training and personal protective equipment (PPE) for all staff, and adherence to safety protocols, including PPE use, law enforcement involvement, and emergency procedures, is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Employees are frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, and occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch

· Requires manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination

· Able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner

· Requires the ability to use department equipment, such as telephones, personal computers, adding machines, copiers, fax machines, etc. Position requires frequent use of computer and phone

· Able to hear well enough to communicate with employees and others

· Able to be on feet and mobile up to 8 hours a day

· Able to lift up-to 50 lbs.