About Friendship House Roanoke
Friendship House Roanoke is a Christ-centered nonprofit serving families in some of the most vulnerable areas of the city. Through consistent, relationship-based care, the ministry meets both physical and spiritual needs while equipping local churches to do the same.
Core Areas of Ministry
- Refugee and immigrant support (housing, ESL, relational care)
- Children’s after-school programming with academic support and biblical teaching
- Life skills and empowerment programs (financial literacy, job readiness)
- Ongoing partnerships with churches for long-term engagement
At its core, Friendship House is committed to sharing the gospel clearly, building trust over time, and serving in ways that are wise, dignifying, and sustainable.
About the Roanoke Area
Roanoke, Virginia, is a mid‑sized city of approximately 100,000 residents (300,000+ metro), located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia. It serves as a regional hub for healthcare, education, and commerce.
The city includes a growing and diverse population, including immigrant and refugee communities, across urban, suburban, and rural settings. Friendship House serves in an area marked by economic hardship and instability, while also benefitting from a strong network of local churches and partners – creating meaningful opportunities for long‑term, relationship‑driven ministry.
The Opportunity
The Executive Director will lead Friendship House into its next season of stability, health, and growth.
This role blends spiritual leadership, team development, community engagement, and organizational oversight. With key program staff now in place, the Executive Director will provide direction, strengthen systems, and help shape the long‑term future of the ministry.
Position Overview
The Executive Director provides overall leadership for the mission, team, and operations of Friendship House. This includes staff oversight, program support, church and community engagement, and stewardship of organizational resources.
This is a hands‑on role requiring both strategic leadership and day‑to‑day involvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Spiritual Leadership & Ministry Presence
- Model a growing relationship with Jesus Christ
- Uphold and communicate the mission and Statement of Faith
- Provide prayer, encouragement, and biblical guidance to staff and participants
- Foster a culture of humility, care, and relational ministry
- Staff Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and develop program coordinators and staff
- Build a collaborative, unified team culture
- Support staff ownership while maintaining alignment across programs
- Facilitate regular staff meetings for planning, communication, and prayer
- Program Oversight
- Oversee all ministry programs to ensure health and effectiveness
- Evaluate and strengthen programs as needed
- Maintain high standards across all ministry environments
- Ensure smooth day-to-day operations
- Church & Community Engagement
- Build relationships with local churches and partners
- Communicate the mission and invite meaningful engagement
- Develop partnerships that strengthen long‑term impact
- Organizational Leadership
- Partner with the Board of Directors in vision and governance
- Provide regular reporting and communication
- Oversee finances with the treasurer and bookkeeper
- Ensure compliance with policies and legal requirements
- Fundraising & Growth
- Support donor engagement and church-based fundraising
- Help identify future funding opportunities
- Contribute to long‑term initiatives, including potential expansion efforts
Who You Are
- Calling & Character
- A mature and growing follower of Jesus Christ
- Aligned with Friendship House’s Statement of Faith
- Demonstrates humility, integrity, and relational maturity
- Ministry Approach
- Committed to long‑term, relationship-based ministry
- Thoughtful in gospel communication across cultures
- Balances compassion with wisdom in complex situations
- Values and partners with the local church
- Leadership & Experience
- Experience leading in ministry, nonprofit, or similar context
- Proven ability to develop people and manage responsibilities
- Comfortable engaging churches and representing an organization
- Able to balance strategy with hands‑on involvement
- Skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal ability
- Organized and able to manage multiple priorities
- Financial awareness and administrative competence
- Familiarity with standard office tools
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Active involvement in a local church
- Alignment with mission and Statement of Faith
Preferred:
- 5–10 years of relevant ministry or nonprofit experience
- Experience with refugees, low‑income communities, or children
- Graduate degree in a related field
Compensation
- Salary: $60,000–$70,000
- Paid time off
- Healthcare stipend
What to Expect
This role is best suited for someone who is:
- Committed to long‑term, relational ministry
- Comfortable with flexibility and hands‑on leadership
- Motivated by calling and mission