L’Arche Tahoma Hope (LTH) is seeking a Community Leader / Executive Director (CL/ED). LTH is a non-profit organization and member of an International Federation of L’Arche Communities where people with and without Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities share life together. The LTH community includes three adult group homes, a Welcome Center, and the Farm & Gardens, all located in Tacoma, WA.
The CL/ED is responsible for guiding LTH to demonstrate the mission and values of L’Arche in the areas of community, people, organization, agency, spirituality, and outreach. The CL/ED leads a workforce of 50+ employees and oversees daily operations in order to meet financial, legal, and quality standards expected from local, county, state, and national authorities. The CL/ED implements the community mandate (5-year community goals & priorities) in alignment with the identity and mission of LTH. The CL/ED works cooperatively with L’Arche Tahoma Hope’s Board of Directors and the Federation Representative from L’Arche USA.
Key Responsibilities:
- Community – Build and develop a vibrant community life
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- Maintain an accepting, affirming, and open presence to all community members
- Shepherd changing community culture discernment
- Prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in welcoming and supporting all people
- Support the Directors in organizing community events and meaningful gatherings
- Build relationships with families, neighbors, and community organizations
- Foster relationships with L’Arche regionally, nationally and internationally through virtual and in-person gatherings
- People – Manage human resources
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- Ensure effective supervision, support, and evaluation of all employees, paying special attention to leadership development and delegation
- Create and implement staff recruitment and retention plan with the collaboration of L’Arche USA and the Board of Directors
- Implement a comprehensive orientation process, as well as meaningful discernments and transitions for employees and volunteers.
- Work with other members of the leadership team to evaluate and promote wellness of everyone living, participating, and working within the homes, Farm & Gardens, and Welcome Center
- Organization – Steward resources
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- Develop and manage the $3 million budget of the community, to ensure it serves the mission priorities
- Oversee and steward property and facilities of LTH
- Cultivate donors and support cooperative fundraising locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally
- Agency – Guarantee the quality of care towards people with intellectual disabilities
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- Ensure people with intellectual/developmental disabilities engaged with LTH receive the necessary professional and natural supports to thrive
- Foster a high level of cooperation/consultation with specialists beyond LTH
- Ensure and develop the professional skills of the support staff
- Guarantee compliance with all regulations and ensure best practices
- Spirituality – Foster the spiritual life of the community
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- Partner with the Spiritual Life Director to ensure that the spiritual needs of all members are nurtured and respected
- Integrate, carry, and communicate the vision, mission and values of the worldwide movement of L’Arche as outlined in the 2023 Charter of the Communities of L’Arche
- Navigate community conversations about traditions and values – how we live them and what resonates for who LTH is today
- Outreach – Promote the message of L’Arche in the wider community
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- Enhance connections to the wider community by strengthening the Welcome Center, Farm & Gardens, and Inclusion & Integration programs
- Advocate for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities while staying current with changing needs and shifting cultural landscapes
- Develop close partnerships with relevant local and state authorities, nonprofits, professional organizations, and religious communities
- Partner with LTH Board of Directors to maintain the status as a confirmed member community to the International Federation of L’Arche, as spelled out in the signed Membership Agreement with L’Arche USA
Reports To: L’Arche Tahoma Hope’s Board of Directors
Requirements of the Role:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Minimum five years’ experience
- Experience in nonprofit management and oversight of human resource functions
- Proven track record of managing budgets
- Experience with a regulatory environment
- Experience with developing the vision for and effectively managing programs
- Ability to work collaboratively with others at all levels, including leaders, people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, and Board of Directors
- Strong computer proficiency skills
- Willingness and ability to travel to national gatherings (2-4 times a year)
- Valid driver’s license
Qualities and Qualifications:
- Experience in the field of intellectual disabilities
- Grant Writing / Reporting experience
- Experience in an intentional community, especially as a leader
- Knowledge and experience of L’Arche
- Openness to various definitions of faith and spirituality with a willingness to embrace the vision, values and mission of L’Arche as outlined in the 2023 Charter
- Willingness to represent LTH in the wider community to share the L’Arche vision, create community partners, and promote financial stability
- Ability to navigate conflict
- Openness to learning
- Active listening and effective communication skills
Salary: Range $115,000-$130,000
Benefits Include:
- Health Insurance – employer pays 92% of premium for employee and reimburses deductibles up to $5,000 annually; limited vision and dental reimbursements
- Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) benefit
- Retirement – employer matches up to 3% annually
- Paid sick, vacation and retreat leave
Start Date: January 2024
Application Instructions: Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to search@larchetahomahope.org, specifically focused on qualifications and eligibility for the position.
Final candidates are expected to provide personal and professional references, make an onsite visit, and pass a background check.
Open until filled. Priority given to applicants who apply by November 3, 2023.