Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh

Location: Newburgh, NY. Some limited opportunities for remote work.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh (HfHGN) is looking for a dynamic and empowering change agent who can build on the organization’s 25-year track record of success while adapting the organization to changing market dynamics.

About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh is one of nearly 1,000 Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the US. Habitat for Humanity is an international organization that works in more than 70 countries. Habitat works with families, local communities, volunteers and partners to harness the work of volunteers and eventual homeowners to provide the opportunity for homeownership and stability. Affiliates benefit from the Habitat brand, which is well known and respected nationally and internationally. Habitat for Humanity also provides affiliates with access to loan products, technical assistance, national philanthropic partnerships, onboarding support, and capacity building programs. The Habitat for Humanity network of colleague organizations across New York State, the US and around the world provide a wealth of shared learnings, and dedication to the mission that is unique across the nonprofit sector. While Habitat’s mission is inspired by Christian teachings, all who desire to be a part of our work–as staff, homeowners, or volunteers–are welcome without regard to religious preference or background. Through Habitat for Humanity’s tithe program, US affiliates are expected to contribute 10% of their unrestricted revenue each year in support of Habitat’s global mission.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh (HfHGN) was founded in 1999. Our primary mission is to help low-income families own homes. Our well-known volunteer engagement model and homebuyer “sweat equity” (volunteer labor) programs combine with government subsidy, long term affordability tools, and philanthropy to reduce the cost of construction and engage the hearts and minds of our community to provide long-term affordability in challenging market conditions. We have successfully built 111 homes in the largest contiguous historic district in New York State. Approximately one-third of our homes have been sponsored by faith-based organizations.

HfHGN serves as the general contractor on all our rehabilitation and new construction projects. HfHGN leverages every dollar donated through volunteer labor and donated materials. Our homeownership program is a critical part of a comprehensive solution to the housing crisis in the Greater Newburgh area.

HfHGN considers our volunteers among our greatest assets. Many volunteers have worked with the organization for more than 10 years and are actively involved and deeply invested in many aspects of the organization. Volunteers contribute an estimated 20,000 hours annually.

Volunteers donate their time and energy to the operation of the ReStore where shoppers purchase high quality home products, often with 50 to 90% off the original retail cost. Proceeds from the ReStore are used to support HfHGN’s mission. The ReStore currently generates approximately $700K in annual revenue and has the potential for growth.

Staff

HfHGN has a staff of 17 committed professionals. Reporting directly to the Executive Director are the: Director of Programs and Services, Director of Construction, Director of Operations, ReStore Manager, Finance Manager, and Director of Development. Following a period of organizational transition, the Board is seeking a leader who can foster a strong team culture, recruit and empower staff, and support long-term retention.

Board of Directors

The Executive Director reports to a Board of 18 people, which meets every other month. HfHGN has an active committee structure. Board members are elected for two-year terms and cannot serve more than three consecutive terms.

Budget

HfHGN has a complex revenue and expenditure model and budget. Revenue for HfHGN’s approximately $4.5 million budget comes from diverse sources including: our ReStore, individual donations, events, foundation, religious institutions, mortgages, and government grants. In 2022, HfHGN was one of 84 local Habitat affiliates to receive a MacKenzie Scott award. The organization maintains at least three months in operating reserves.

About the Communities We Serve

HfHGN’s service area includes 25 census tracts in Orange County, New York, including: the City of Newburgh, the Town of Newburgh, Town of New Windsor, Village of Goshen, Monroe, Washingtonville, Village of Walden, Cornwall, Cornwall-on-Hudson, Montgomery, Gardnertown, and Vails Gate. To date, all of HfHGN’s homes have been located in highly distressed parts of the City of Newburgh, a small city located along the Hudson River. A combination of failed urban renewal policies that led to distress as well as upward pressure on the housing market from people moving from New York City has threatened the population with displacement and loss of income.

Since the COVID pandemic, our development costs have skyrocketed and our return on investment is falling due to the loss of the SONYMA mortgage product. The maximum affordable mortgage for families has remained the same, but now families are paying higher interest rates. HfHGN is currently working on our first home outside the City limits and considering the feasibility of multi-unit developments. With a strong commitment to the future, HfHGN has hired an experienced consultant to complete a detailed assessment that provides a

road map for the next Executive Director as they lead a strategic shift to ensure our long-term financial sustainability while maintaining our core mission of affordable homeownership.

About the Role

Leadership/Management

● Manage a passionate staff, many of whom are new to the organization

● Develop a cohesive leadership structure

● Work in partnership with and support the Board of Directors

● Strategically shift the home build business model to adapt to changing market conditions, including different housing types and geography

● Show appreciation for Habitat’s long-time stakeholders while reinforcing the distinct roles of staff, volunteers, and Board members

● Support the development, updating, and implementation of organizational policies and procedures

● Lead the organization in developing a new strategic plan and vision

● Build a positive and empowering organizational culture

Fundraising

● Actively participate in fundraising, working with the Development team and the Board in the cultivation and closing of significant gifts and provide support to staff and volunteers managing Habitat fundraising activities

● Build relationships and raise the visibility of the organization with local and national funders and with younger and new members of the community

Partner Relationships

● Navigate and identify strategic partnerships, manage complex relationships and partnerships and seek out strategic alliances with funders, governmental partners, and nonprofit colleagues

● Work in partnership with Habitat colleagues across New York State and the US on advocacy and government relations, building support for affordable homeownership and funding sources

● Serve as spokesperson for the organization, clearly articulating Habitat’s role in the community

Qualifications and Experience

● A minimum of seven years of significant leadership experience in a related field

● A passion for improving the lives of underserved people

● Track record of change management, including building a positive and empowering organizational culture

● Experience recruiting, managing, empowering, stabilizing, and developing a team of mission-oriented professionals

● Experience managing complex organizational finances

● An ability to meet the competing demands of organizational financial sustainability and mission goals

● Strong written and oral communication skills in diverse settings

● Excellent interpersonal skills

● An appreciation for and ability to work with people with diverse backgrounds including families buying HfHGN homes, volunteers, members of multiple faith communities, Board and staff

● A commitment to equity and inclusion and a comfort in and ability to work with and bring together people from different cultures and backgrounds

● Knowledge of residential construction, building trades, finance and mortgage industries preferred

● Proven track record of identifying resource opportunities and securing support from philanthropic and government sources preferred

● Connections to and knowledge of Greater Newburgh preferred.

● Experience building and developing a Board preferred.

Salary and Benefits

HfHGN expects to pay an annual salary in the range of $140K for the Executive Director position. Compensation also includes a benefits package. HfHGN covers 100% of employee health insurance. Additional family members can be covered at employees’ expense. HfHGN recently transitioned to a PEO (professional employer organization) to handle human resource and payroll functions.

Application Instructions

To submit your resume and cover letter email peggylsand@gmail.com and put HfHGN Executive Director in the subject line. Additional inquiries and nominations of potential candidates can be directed to HfHGN’s Search Consultant Peggy Sand, who can be emailed at peggylsand@gmail.com