Executive Director

Aurora Commons cultivates belonging and community to foster health and healing among neighbors experiencing poverty and homelessness. Guided by our values of hospitality, connection, and empowerment, we strive to co-create an equitable third space where people feel seen, heard & valued. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of Aurora Commons, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and financial management to fulfill our mission. The Executive Director leads staff operations, drives resource development, serves as the primary spokesperson, and partners closely with the Board of Directors to achieve shared goals. The Executive Director works collaboratively with the leadership team and program staff to ensure Aurora Commons operates in a safe, organized, sustainable, and mission-aligned manner that supports both staff and neighbors.

The following responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work performed in this role and are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties. Responsibilities may evolve or change based on organizational, operational, and community needs. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Vision and Leadership

• Define and execute Aurora Commons’ strategic vision, long-term goals, and core offerings. Ensure annual goals and work plans drive the strategic plan.

• Cultivate an organization culture aligned with organization values and Aurora Commons’ long-held commitment to radical hospitality.

• Monitor community needs and trends to ensure Aurora Commons is responsive, adaptive, and impactful.

• Steward the organization's resources to ensure fiscal security, risk mitigation, community reputation, and high quality of services.

Staff Management

• Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and retain a skilled and diverse team of professional staff of 10 to 15 people. Supervise managers and effectively engage the leadership team.

• Define and maintain clear organizational structures, performance management systems, and professional development plans.

• Promote high morale, equitable workplace practices, and accountability throughout the organization, with paid staff, contractors, and volunteers.

• Ensure the organization follows applicable HR and L&I regulations

External Relations

• Act as the chief public advocate and spokesperson for Aurora Commons with community stakeholders including neighborhood, church, school, and charitable volunteer groups, media, and the like.

• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with local government agencies, allied nonprofits, and formal and informal advocacy groups.

• Engage with elected officials to build relationships, educate on key issues, share neighbor experiences, and advocate for the organization.

• Convene and attend community gatherings, being available outside traditional work hours.

Fundraising and Communication

• Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy in partnership with the Development and Communications manager, participating in all phases of the donor cycle with individual donors and institutional funders.

• Secure public funding and oversee compliance and reporting requirements.

• Oversee marketing, media campaigns, and public messaging to elevate community awareness and drive donor and volunteer support.

Programming

• Design and oversee a comprehensive program plan in partnership with the Program Manager.

• Ensure meaningful input from neighbors is collected regularly and is used to influence policy and programming decisions.

• Oversee creation of program policies, data collections, and outcome reporting.

• Maintain a regular presence in the space to ensure mission alignment with services.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget, $1.7m in FY27, in partnership with the Operations Manager, leadership team, and board treasurer.

• Ensure strong internal financial controls, sound fiscal management, and compliance with accounting standards and organization policies.

• Deliver regular, transparent financial reports to the board and oversee annual audits.

Facilities

• Oversee stewardship of Aurora Commons property including buildings and parking lot.

• Partner with Operations Manager to capture and keep up to date the capital needs assessment and calendar and budget for capital maintenance and improvements.

Board Relations

• Partner with the Board Chair to facilitate effective governance, policy development, and strategic planning.

• Provide transparent updates regarding agency operations, key performance metrics, celebrations, challenges, and financial health.

• Assist the Board in identifying, recruiting, and onboarding new board members. Support board task forces, committees, or other board-led initiatives.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of relevant experience required; 3+ years of executive director experience in a nonprofit preferred.

• Proven track record with fundraising from individual and institutional funders, major donor cultivation, and grant management.

• Demonstrated financial acumen with $1.5m+ dollar operational budgets.

• Strong leadership skills and presence with experience managing multidisciplinary teams.

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s in Social Work (MSW), Public Administration (MPA), Business Administration (MBA) or related field preferred.

Please send a cover letter and résumé as a PDF to View email address on click.appcast.io, with “Aurora Commons ED Search: Your Name” in the subject line. In your cover letter, please share what has prepared you to lead Aurora Commons during this next phase and how your experience and values align with Aurora Commons’ work and the Executive Director role. Applications received by October 30, 2026, will be prioritized. The position is open until filled. Initial interviews are anticipated to begin in mid-November. The desired start date is early 2027. Please direct all inquiries, referrals, and requests for accommodations with the job application process to the ED Search Task Force at View email address on click.appcast.io

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