Executive Director
Job Description:
Bridge Refugee Services seeks an energetic and dedicated professional to fill the full-time Executive Director position. Established in 1982, Bridge Refugee Services is a 501(c) organization dedicated to assisting refugees and asylees with orientation and case management to learn how to live in the US and handle early employment. Our organization provides unique, personalized support that sets refugees and asylees up to be successful and self-sufficient as soon as possible. In the past 10 years, Bridge has resettled more than 2,400 refugees and asylees from Africa, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Central and South America, and the Middle East.

The Executive Director will be responsible for leading Bridge Refugee Services in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission. Our organization is in a sound financial situation with an excellent reputation among constituents. The Executive Director should be a strong believer in welcoming refugees and asylees and supporting their quest for safety, security, and home; the Executive Director should also have a dedicated and accomplished administrative leadership ability to manage volunteers, staff, donors, advocates, and budgets. The Executive Director oversees and directs our Knoxville and Chattanooga offices, with more than 25 staff members, and reports to the Board of Directors.

Empathy, resilience, and communication skills will be the primary characteristics of a successful Executive Director of this organization, as incoming refugees’ futures depend on our organization’s performance.

Bridge Refugee Services commits to diversity, inclusion, and equity, maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all. Bridge Refugee Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Salary: From $85.000 per year

This is an In-office position located in Knoxville, TN

Job Description:
1) Board Governance:

• Lead Bridge Refugee Services in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors and the Bylaws.
• Communicating effectively with the Board and providing all information necessary for the Board to function properly and make informed decisions in a timely and accurate manner.

2) Financial Performance and Viability:

• Responsible for fundraising and developing other revenues necessary to support Bridge Refugee Services’ mission.
• Responsible for the fiscal integrity of Bridge Refugee Services, including timely submission to the Board of a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements which accurately reflect the organization’s financial condition.
• Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintains the organization in a positive financial position.

3) Organization Mission and Strategy:

• Implement Bridge Refugee Services’ programs to carry out the organization’s mission.
• Work with Board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach.
• Provide guidance to staff through effective goal-setting, delegation, and communication.
• Develop appropriate compensation structures for staff by working with the Finance Committee.
• Develop and carry out strategic planning to ensure that Bridge Refugee Services can successfully fulfill its mission.
• Enhance Bridge Refugee Services’ image by being active and visible in the community and working closely with other professionals and religious, civic, and private organizations.

4) Organization Operations:

• Oversee and implement appropriate resources to ensure that the organization’s operations are applicable.
• Responsible for the recruitment and retention of qualified staff.
• Responsible for the effective administration of Bridge Refugee Services’ programs and operations.
• Responsible for compliance with standards and guidelines established by the Board.
• Responsible for compliance with all federal, state, city, and funding source requirements and regulations associated with client services, grant funding, and resources.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to seek their involvement in policy decisions and fundraising and increase the organization’s overall visibility.
• Supervise and collaborate with organization staff.
• Undertake strategic planning and implementation.
• Undertake planning and implementation of an annual budget.
• Serve as Bridge Refugee Services’ primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media, and the general public.
• Establish and maintain relationships with various organizations and utilize those relationships to strategically enhance Bridge Refugee Services’ mission.
• Engage in fundraising and developing other revenues.
• Oversee marketing and other communications efforts.
• Attend and support Board and committee meetings upon request of the Board.
• Establish employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions and for the day-to-day operation of the nonprofit.
• Review and approve contracts for services within guidelines established by the Board.
• Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

Qualifications Needed/Essential Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study is required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Transparent and high integrity leadership.
• Five or more years of proven, effective senior nonprofit management experience.
• Experience and skill in working with a Board of Directors.
• High-level strategic thinking and planning. Ability to envision and convey the organization’s strategic future to the staff, Board, volunteers, and donors.
• Ability to effectively communicate the organization’s mission to donors, volunteers, staff, and the community with a high degree of energy.
• Active fundraising experience and a history of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving financial results. Excellent donor relations skills and understanding of the funding community.
• Solid organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development, and task facilitation. And demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate with staff.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and public speaking ability.
• Dedication to creating a diverse workforce.
• Experience with the refugee/immigrant population.

How to Apply:
To be considered, send the following three items to: jobs@bridgerefugees.org
1. Cover letter
2. Resume detailing education and work experience.
3. Minimum of three references with contact information. Note: References will not be contacted without advance notice.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) on November 15, 2024. Failure to submit complete application materials may result in ineligibility for this position.