St. Francis Friends of the Poor

BACKGROUND
St. Francis Friends of the Poor (SFFP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the most vulnerable population in the City by providing housing, medical & psychiatric care, and supportive services to chronically homeless adults living with serious mental illness.  As the first permanent supportive housing program in New York City, SFFP was a pioneer in offering a comprehensive approach to the problem of homelessness, combining the security of housing permanency with a range of services including mental and physical health services, as well as social and independent living skills. SFFP’s innovative programming continues to serve as a model for programs throughout the US.

Today, three St. Francis Residences located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan provide permanent, affordable housing coupled with supportive services for almost 300 men and women.  Starting from a person-centered approach that is based on respect and compassion for each individual, SFFP offers a comprehensive array of onsite and community-based services and programming that helps tenants regain and maintain their health, reach their personal goals, and live with dignity in the community.

SFFP has recently undergone a reorganization of its program and leadership team to better meet the changing needs of its tenants and help increase the impact of their work by opening new residences.  As such, SFFP is seeking to hire a Deputy Executive Director who will directly oversee the newly created Program Manager positions at each of the three residences, an Intake Manager/Social Worker and contracted psychiatrists, medical and other care providers; as well as provide support, guidance and leadership to the Executive Director, Board and the rest of the SFFP team to ensure that SFFP provides exceptional care to the people they serve.

THE POSITION
St. Francis Friends of the Poor is seeking a skilled manager, visionary and strategic leader to serve as its new Deputy Executive Director for Programs (DEDP).  Reporting to and working closely with the Executive Director, the DEDP is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of our Permanent Supportive Housing program. The DEDP provides mission-based leadership to ensure that our programs effectively meet the needs of tenants and aligns with organizational goals and values.  They are responsible for programmatic operations and continuity, ensuring exceptional program delivery, and cultivating mutually beneficial partnerships with local agencies, organizations, and funders.

The Deputy Executive Director for Programs must be highly skilled and a self-starter who shares the Executive Director and Board’s commitment to the organization’s core mission and vision. They should have a strong knowledge of best practices in Permanent Supportive Housing, psychiatric rehabilitation, and related regulatory requirements.  They should have a proven ability to foster the growth of an organization, demonstrate significant accomplishments and past successes, be hands-on, a strategic thinker, planner, problem solver, and decision-maker and be comfortable driving change.  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are critical. The DEDP must be able to work closely with the Executive Director, the Board, and staff to promote an open, inclusive environment that emphasizes cooperation and teamwork.  In addition, the person in this position will be diplomatic, analytical, of the highest integrity, have a good sense of humor and possess sound judgment.

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Leadership and Organizational Strategy

• In coordination with the Executive Director, play a key role in the overall development, strategic planning, service delivery, and management of the organization.
• Foster a team-based, collaborative environment that motivates and inspires staff
• Effectively communicate the organization’s mission and vision to staff, external partners, and all stakeholders.
• Incorporate Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion initiatives into all aspects of the organization’s work.
• Ensure that services are delivered in a person-centered, strengths-based approach, promoting dignity, respect, and self-efficacy.
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize strategic initiatives and projects that support the organization’s growth, sustainability, and impact on those we serve.
• Identify and apply for funding opportunities and grants to support operations and strategic initiatives.
• Leads efforts to identify, evaluate, and implement innovative solutions to enhance service delivery and agency impact.
• Impart, support, and educate staff on the most current trends, technologies, and best practices in supportive housing and mental health services at all levels.
• Work with the Leadership Team and Board of Directors to identify and develop strategic work plans to incorporate new ideas and opportunities to enhance our services.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations and partners, service providers, and donors/funders.
• Represent SFFP in relevant forums, conferences, and meetings; and advocate for policy changes and improvements that benefit the tenant population and advance the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.

Program Oversight, Staff Management and Evaluation

• Oversee all aspects of the Permanent Supportive Housing program including the coordination, integration, and delivery of all programs, contracts, and related services to best ensure the tenants’ well-being and recovery.
• Promote collaborative relationships between program areas.
• Ensure that the expectations of funders, partners, constituents, and other key stakeholders are consistently met.
• Ensure that programs are delivered in a person-centered manner, promoting dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency.
• Lead, mentor, and manage three (3) Program Managers and the Intake Manager/Social Worker. Oversee the work of the contracted medical, psychiatric, and other partners/providers.  Work closely with the team to foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Provide training, leadership, and professional development opportunities to build staff skills and knowledge; define and review the yearly staff development plans with residence managers and provide expert feedback and suggestions for modification. Provide regular feedback so that management staff can continuously improve their supervision and mentoring skills.
• Deliver training and professional development to managers and agency leaders in supervision and program oversight.
• Deploy resources efficiently and effectively toward organizational goals.
• Work with staff to balance workload and effort.
• Work collaboratively to develop, implement, and monitor performance metrics and program outcomes to ensure effectiveness and compliance with best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Establish productivity and accountability protocols to enhance program effectiveness and professional growth, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Develop and implement annual program goals and track progress, challenges and identify opportunities for improvement. Conduct analyses to help inform programmatic and operational decision-making.
• Participate in the budget development process and maintain a high level of fiscal accountability, monitoring programmatic operations to ensure sound fiscal and system management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A deep commitment to social justice and improving the lives of vulnerable populations.
• Understanding of SFFP’s mission and the ability to convey a vision of its strategic future.
• At least eight years of leadership and management experience at a nonprofit agency of a similar size and complexity. Prior experience working for an agency that provides services for a vulnerable population is preferred.
• Experience with and knowledge of the unique issues that impact individuals experiencing homelessness and living with serious mental illness.
• Knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation, familiar with primary psychiatric diagnosis and current trends in medication management.
• Knowledge of best practices in mental healthcare through a trauma informed lens.
• Proven training acumen and experience training staff at all levels.
• Knowledge of and experience using models of program quality assessment and tools for continuous quality improvement.
• Experience with the management of affordable housing is preferred.
• A master’s degree in a social service discipline. An LCSW/LMSW, PMHNP-BC, or advanced degree in Psychiatric Rehabilitation and/or Nursing and Psychology is preferred.
• A solid understanding of and working relationships with the social service/human service providers in the organization’s catchment area (DOHMH, DHS, HPD, DFTA, OMH).
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; a diplomatic individual who is capable of forging relationships both within St. Francis Friends of the Poor as well as out in the community.
• A proactive, collaborative, approachable management and coaching style with the ability to work closely with the Executive Director, Leadership Team and Board to effectively oversee and motivate staff in a manner that promotes inclusivity, cooperation, and teamwork.
• A strategic thinker who is a visionary, innovative, and technologically savvy.
• Comfort and tact in communicating with the individuals who receive services, as well as with other staff, executives, community-based organization leadership, elected officials, public agency administrators, etc.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong public speaking ability.  Strong problem-solving skills.  Possesses excellent listening and engagement skills.
• A solid understanding of financial management, including budget preparation, analysis, and reporting. Familiarity with financial software programs.
• Outstanding organizational skills, adept at planning, prioritizing multiple and varied responsibilities, delegating, implementation and facilitation.

Projected salary is $150K, commensurate with experience.  For more information about St. Francis Friends of the Poor, please visit their website at www.stfrancisfriends.org .

All positions at St. Francis Friends of the Poor are filled without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.  All are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting and/or standing for prolonged periods of time.
  •              Computer screen work for periods of time.
  •              Frequent traveling between residences.
  •              Ability to use stairs (our buildings are not wheelchair accessible).

  This position offers a unique opportunity to lead and shape impactful programs that make a real difference in the lives of formerly homeless adults living with serious mental illness. If you are passionate about this cause and have the expertise to drive program excellence, we invite you to apply.