Executive Director

The Haven Project is the only organization north of Boston dedicated exclusively to serving young adults ages 17–24 experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Founded in 2011, Haven provides age-appropriate, trauma-informed services that address both immediate needs and long-term stability.

Haven implements its mission through six integrated focus areas:

• Basic Needs
• Housing
• Employment
• Education
• Health
• Community Engagement

From a drop-in center offering safety and connection, to supportive housing, to a mission-driven social enterprise café providing workforce development, Haven has grown into a recognized regional leader in youth homelessness response.

With an operating budget exceeding $2 million, joint venture ownership of 24 apartment units, a long-term lease of nine Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units, and Land of a Thousand Hills—our social enterprise—alongside strategic plans for expanded housing and regional growth, Haven stands at a pivotal moment.

The Board of Directors seeks a visionary, strategic, and relational Executive Director to guide the organization into its next phase of impact.

Mission

Equip and Empower Homeless or Imminently Homeless Young Adults with the Skills and Support They Need to be Safe and Self-Supporting.

Vision

Our vision is for a healthy and thriving community where every young adult has a home and access to opportunity.

Haven has evolved from a grassroots drop-in program into a multi-dimensional youth-serving organization.

Today, the organization operates:

• A youth drop-in center serving basic needs and connection
• Transitional and supportive housing initiatives
• Case management and wraparound support services
• Community partnerships across housing, employment, education, and health systems

As Haven expands its housing portfolio and refines its social enterprise strategy, the organization requires visionary, steady, strategic leadership to:

• Position Haven as a leading voice in youth homelessness
• Deepen community partnerships
• Sustain a strong staff culture
• Expand revenue generation
• Strengthen operational systems

The next Executive Director will guide Haven through this evolution.

Position Overview

The Executive Director (ED) serves as Haven Project’s chief executive and strategic partner to the Board of Directors.

The ED will:

• Shape and implement the organization’s next strategic plan
• Serve as Haven’s primary ambassador and fundraiser
• Ensure financial sustainability and operational excellence
• Lead and support a mission-driven staff team, directly supervising senior leadership staff and overseeing a multidisciplinary team of more than 12 people
• Oversee housing, program, and social enterprise growth
• Strengthen Haven’s regional leadership in youth homelessness
• Have overall responsibility for the strategic, financial, and operational leadership of the organization
• Report to the Board President and Board of Directors

Primary ResponsibilitiesVisionary & Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Board to lead multi-year strategic planning cycles
• Maintain a working knowledge of research and trends in youth homelessness
• Define organizational priorities aligned with youth homelessness trends and regional needs
• Translate strategy into measurable annual operating plans
• Establish key performance indicators and ensure systems exist to track progress
• Increase Haven’s visibility and position Haven as a thought leader in youth homelessness and young adult services

Governance & Board Partnership

• Serve as non-voting ex officio member of the Board
• Partner with the Board Chair to develop annual board agendas and priorities
• Provide timely and transparent reporting on programs, finances, and strategy
• Support board development, engagement, and fundraising participation
• Implement board-approved policies and advise on governance best practices
• Lead development of the annual operating budget in partnership with finance leadership and the Board
• Ensure accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and regulatory compliance
• Oversee audits, grant compliance, and funder reporting
• Monitor financial risks and opportunities
• Develop diversified revenue strategies to support program growth
• Ensure stewardship of housing assets, program facilities, and social enterprise operations
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, grant requirements, and nonprofit governance standards

Resource Development

The ED serves as Haven’s lead fundraiser. Responsibilities include, in close partnership with the Development Director:

• Set overall fundraising strategy aligned with growth goals
• Cultivate major donors, foundations, corporate partners, and public funders
• Strengthen annual campaigns, events, and individual giving programs
• Expand philanthropic reach to support housing expansion and program sustainability
• Partner with the Board to strengthen its role in fundraising and stewardship

Organizational Leadership & Culture

• Uphold Haven’s culture and values, fostering a mission-driven, trauma-informed, and equity-centered culture with mutual respect and teamwork
• Lead and mentor staff across programs, housing, development, and operations
• Empower staff to ensure efficient and effective operations
• Ensure clarity of roles, expectations, and decision-making pathways
• Promote staff development, accountability, and professional growth
• Maintain strong communication across staff, volunteers, and Board
• Utilize sound human resource practices

Programs & Housing Oversight

• Ensure programs are aligned with mission and community needs
• Identify and evaluate future expansion opportunities
• Oversee housing initiatives, ensuring compliance with funding requirements
• Monitor program outcomes and implement data-informed improvements
• Strengthen partnerships with housing providers, municipalities, and social service agencies
• Ensure safe, clean, and welcoming facilities
• Oversee the mission-aligned café and workforce development model
• Develop strategies to improve profitability while maintaining program integrity
• Evaluate earned revenue opportunities
• Ensure operational excellence and financial discipline

Policy, Advocacy & Community Leadership

• Represent Haven in regional coalitions and partnerships
• Build relationships with local and state officials
• Expand collaborative opportunities that advance youth stability
• Elevate awareness of youth homelessness
• Serve as the public voice of Haven
• Build strategic alliances with key partners

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience
• Demonstrated success in organizational growth
• Strong team management and leadership ability
• Strategic planning and execution experience
• Financial management and budgeting expertise
• Experience in youth services, housing, or human services
• Knowledge of nonprofit governance
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Community engagement experience
• Commitment to equity and trauma-informed practice
• Spanish language fluency (preferred)

Advanced degree preferred but not required.

Full-time, salaried position. Some evenings and weekends required.

Based onsite in Lynn, MA.

Benefits include:

• Paid vacation, holidays, and personal time
• Retirement plan with employer match

Physical requirements include navigating stairs and occasional physical activity.

Cover letter submissions are highly encouraged. Please include why you are interested in working with young adults experiencing homelessness and what distinguishes you as a candidate for this leadership role.

#J-18808-Ljbffr