Palmer Home for Children President

Job Description

TO watch a video about the search and see the full Opportunity Profile (with Process of Candidacy and information about the President's home), see

Palmer Home for Children is seeking a President to lead a 131-year-old Christ-centered ministry providing superior, holistic care to children and families across the Greater Memphis area and beyond. Based on a beautiful residential campus in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, Palmer Home serves children through Campus Care, Family Care, Foster Care, Transitional Care, and its Whole Child Initiative. With a $6.8 million annual budget, no debt, committed supporters, and significant investment in its campus and programs, Palmer Home is well positioned for its next chapter of ministry.   

The next President will provide spiritual, strategic, and organizational leadership, guiding a capable team while serving as Palmer Home’s chief ambassador and fundraiser. Palmer Home is seeking a mature Christian leader with strong executive judgment, demonstrated leadership of people and complex operations, and the relational ability to engage donors, churches, staff, and community partners. This is a significant opportunity to build on a strong foundation while helping Palmer Home expand its impact and remain steadfast in its mission to introduce children to the love of God.

Qualifications:

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• A mature, active Christian faith and a commitment to leading in accord with Palmer Home’s Statement of Faith and Christian mission.
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• A deep dedication to children and families, sound judgment about the responsibilities of caring for vulnerable children, and a willingness to learn from experienced care professionals.
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• Proven leadership of people, budgets, and complex operations, with the ability to set direction, delegate well, and hold leaders accountable.
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• Strong fundraising and relationship-building ability, including experience cultivating significant financial support or a record that demonstrates the capacity to do so.
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• The presence and communication skills to represent Palmer Home persuasively with donors, churches, community leaders, and other audiences.
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• Financial and business judgment, paired with careful stewardship and attention to organizational health.
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• An approachable, humble, listening leadership style; the ability to work through differing views; and the courage to make difficult decisions with integrity.
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• An understanding of the importance of safe, high-quality, trauma-informed care, along with respect for accreditation, compliance, and risk management.
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• Executive experience leading complex teams in residential childcare, education, or a comparable nonprofit setting is preferred.
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