Executive Director

Refuge for Women is a non-profit, faith-based organization providing specialized care for women who have escaped human trafficking or sexual exploitation. With multiple locations across the U.S., Refuge for Women offers safe housing, at no charge to the resident, with around-the-clock care as clients progress through evidence-based, trauma-informed programming. The compassionate staff is trained to help residents work through the program to reclaim their identities and reach their goals to overcome addictions, heal from trauma and develop life skills leading to healthy, balanced living and financial independence. Refuge for Women strives to help each woman complete the program with a vision for her future, equipped to succeed and sustain a life marked with dignity and hope.

Refuge for Women is a faith-based organization and it is important for staff to share the same basic values and expectations held by Refuge for Women. We require that all staff are believers in Jesus Christ. Read our Statement of Faith.

Must be able to successfully pass a background check and drug test upon receiving an offer of employment.

To view Refuge for Women's benefits, click HERE.

Position Overview

The top priority of the Executive Director (ED) is the successful operation of the Refuge for Women residential program at a single location. Successful operation includes the areas of development/fundraising, program oversight, as well as staff and board development. The ED is expected to be well-connected and intimately involved with fundraising to ensure financial sustainability of the local program. In addition, this position works with the Program Director, national staff, and advisory board to oversee local operations of their site in accordance with Refuge for Women’s policies and procedures. Finally, the ED is expected to keep a pulse on staff and Advisory Board health and development. The ED is committed to the values, mission, and vision of Refuge for Women and has the skills and experience to lead, collaborate and oversee the local residential program. This position requires strong networking and professional communications skills with the ability to handle changing priorities, crisis situations, and challenges with courtesy and grace as a representative of Refuge for Women.

Development and Financial Responsibilities

The Executive Director is responsible for oversight of a fundraising strategy and framework. This position with work with their Development Director, the President and Advisory Board to develop and implement this strategic plan and maintain operational program expenses by: 

• Development and management of  relationships with qualified major donors and engaging with prospective donors 


• Oversight of Development Director and Community Engagement Coordinator to carry out the fundraising strategy with donors, church and community partners


• Oversight of a communications plan that supports fundraising goals, including digital and direct mail campaigns


• Work with Community Engagement Coordinator to establish administrative systems and donor management (gift receipt acknowledgement, database management, etc)

Program Responsibilities 

Program health is of the utmost importance at Refuge for Women. The Executive Director will provide focused leadership to the Program Director and ensure that all policies and procedures are followed for a successful program by:

• Working with Program Director to ensure residential program is appropriately staffed with relevant training and plan ongoing development and recognition for direct staff 


• Working with Program Director to develop community relationships for potential partnerships and professional services


• Working with national staff and Program Director to implement Refuge for Women’s policies, procedures and programs


• Working with Community Engagement Coordinator to recruit and train key volunteers; ensure system is in place for effective hand-off to Program Director

Staff Development

The Executive Director is responsible for keeping a pulse on staff health including:

• Weekly/Bi-Weekly one on ones with direct reports


• Oversight of the hiring process of all positions at the Refuge for Women location


• Leading staff meetings

Advisory Board Development

Each Refuge for Women location’s Executive Director should be the primary point of contact for the local advisory board as well as a liaison for local information needed by the national board. Successful leadership of the board includes:

• Providing timely financial and program updates to national and local advisory boards


• Recruiting board members, facilitating an annual retreat and leading the local advisory board meetings

Required Qualifications and Skills

• 5-10 years of executive or ministry leadership 


• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred


• Display humility, servant leadership and team building skills


• Program management capabilities, able to prioritize and manage multiple projects and meet deadlines


• Ability to maintain relationships with influential individuals and maintain high level of confidentiality


• Proficient computer skills, familiar with Microsoft Office tools and Google Suite applications


• Some travel, evening, and weekend work


• Strong communicator via email, social media, video conference, and in-person


• Spiritually mature, emotionally healthy with appropriate relational boundaries


• Familiar with human trafficking and survivor care