The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP-SM) of San Mateo County aims to alleviate poverty and compassionately serve our community. We seek an inspirational Executive Director to lead our dedicated team. This leadership role is essential in fostering a culture that prioritizes human dignity and effectively addresses the needs of those we serve.

Our Principles and Values

At SVdP-SM, we are guided by a spirit of love and justice. Our commitment is to alleviate suffering and promote human dignity through targeted, person-to-person Safety-Net services for families and individuals, including the working poor, the homeless, the incarcerated, and all those living on the margins. We believe in providing immediate relief and pursuing systemic change solutions that empower individuals to transcend poverty.

If you are passionate about making a lasting impact and embody the values of compassion, service, and justice that guide SVdP-SM, we invite you to apply for this vital leadership position. Together, we can create a brighter future for our community.

What You’ll Love

Our mission is “a network of friends inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.”

About the Organization

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international charitable organization founded in Paris in 1833 by a young French student, Frederic Ozanam, to address his city’s devastating poverty rates. Ozanam’s mission was clear – to help people in need on a one-to-one basis and “accomplish through charity what justice alone cannot do.” Compassion in action was at the heart of Ozanam’s spirituality and mission. Today, the Society is a network of charities in 142 countries. 

As an international lay Roman Catholic organization, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is governed internationally by a Rule that outlines its mission and the duties and responsibilities of instituted Councils (governing entities) and aggregated Conferences  (small working groups usually locally based). 

St. Vincent de Paul of San Mateo (SVdP-SM) is affiliated with St. Vincent de Paul, a national organization headquartered in St. Louis. This affiliation provides valuable regional resources and clear guidelines for supporting and leading our initiatives as a board, conference, and District Council. More information can be found at ssvpusa.org.

SVdP-SM offers a wide range of assistance, including food, rent support, utilities, clothing, furniture, transportation, health services, education, and spiritual guidance. Its focus is addressing the underlying issues faced by vulnerable individuals living in San Mateo County. Additionally, our thrift stores play a vital role in generating meaningful job opportunities.

SVdP-SM is a critical safety net for our community members in crisis, stepping in when other County resources are insufficient. Our services are available to all individuals in need, regardless of faith, race, gender, or age, based solely on verified need. Operating independently of government funding allows SVdP-SM the agility to address gaps in the County’s Continuum of Care for emergency basic needs services. Last year, we delivered more than 61,000 service instances to low-income families, seniors, and youth, underscoring our unwavering commitment to making a significant impact in our community.

Key Responsibilities

The Executive Director will oversee the SVdP-SM organization, including The Special Works and the thirty-four conferences located in parishes in San Mateo County cities. The Executive Director reports to the SVdP-SM Board of Directors. The Executive Director has eight direct reports and is responsible for approximately $6M operating budget. The key responsibilities include but are not limited to the following; 

Strategic Leadership and Management: 

• Guide SVdP-SM and 34 conferences in different cities toward achieving its mission, values, and goals, including overseeing the strategic planning and demonstrating program expertise 
• Lead and manage collaborations with community groups, funders, and stakeholders.

Program Management: 

• Oversee the operations of SVdP’s Safety Net, Restorative Justice, and Thrift Store programs to ensure effective service delivery.
• Support senior management/ the board and committees in achieving programmatic, financial, and operational goals.

Fundraising:

• Increase institutional support through relationships with key funders, explore new revenue channels, and expand donor base.
• Enhance event-generated revenue through strategic planning, social media, and print advertising.
• Reestablish and nurture the SVdP-SM legacy society through special events and professional engagement.

Financial Oversight: 

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring accountability for funds and resources.
• Drive initiatives to increase revenue through community fundraising and other development strategies.

Partner with the Board of Directors

• Recommend and implement strategic program enhancements.
• Develop and present comprehensive annual financial plans.
• Identify and engage new qualified Board candidates.
• Foster a collaborative and transparent relationship with the Board, built on trust and open communication.

External Communications and Relationship Management

• Act as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for SVdP-SM, representing the organization’s mission and initiatives.
• Oversee all public relations efforts to ensure consistent branding and messaging across all platforms.
• Build and nurture partnerships with nonprofit organizations, elected officials, and subject matter experts to enhance community support.
• Liaison and lead with partnering organizations and conference Presidents to deliver a comprehensive approach to community support and collaboration.
• Coordinate with each conference President to raise awareness in the field, fostering a dynamic and proactive organizational presence while promoting committee development and succession planning.

Organizational Effectiveness and Development

• Lead and manage day-to-day operations
• Ensure smooth operation of all programs and departments.
• Facilitate ongoing professional development opportunities for staff.
• Foster a culture of mentorship and support.
• Conduct annual performance reviews to promote ongoing professional growth.
• Communicate organizational values and mission to staff.

Compliance and Quality Assurance: 

• Ensure all SVdP-SM operations comply with relevant laws and regulations.
• Establish systems to evaluate and report on operational effectiveness and impact.

Key Competencies:

• Energetic and comfortable in an outward-facing role, serving as the spokesperson and public representative for SVdP-SM.
• A visionary leader who inspires and guides the organization towards its goals, with a proven track record of motivating, mentoring, developing, and retaining staff.
• Culturally competent, with a strong appreciation for and the ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
• Skilled in building consensus among various stakeholders, including staff, Board members, funders, partner organizations, volunteers, and donors.
• Exceptional communicator, proficient in both spoken and written communication.
• High emotional intelligence with an authentic leadership style.
• Outstanding problem-solving abilities and the capacity to think creatively to overcome challenges.
• Inspired by the gospel message to feed, clothe, and care for those in need

Required Qualifications:

• Proven executive leadership experience in nonprofit management or related sectors, demonstrating a strong commitment to community service and mission-driven initiatives.
• At least 5 years of experience in an Executive Director role or significant senior executive experience within a complex nonprofit organization, equipped to fulfill the chief leadership position.
• Successful management of an organization with an operational budget of at least $8 million and a workforce of 100 employees.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including public speaking, relationship-building, and collaborative work with diverse populations, including volunteers, staff, and the communities we serve.
• Proficient analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions based on data analysis and implement effective solutions.
• Technical proficiency in Salesforce, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word tools.
• A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Relevant experience in personnel management and operational oversight.
• Financial expertise in budgeting, forecasting, audit/contract management, and compliance.
• Experience with city, state, and federal government contracts, including responding to RFPs, bidding, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance.
• Proven success in fundraising across various channels, including individual donors, major gifts, foundations, corporate funding, government sources, and special events.
• Subject matter expertise in one or more areas, such as emergency and transitional services for the unhoused, domestic violence support services, poverty, and social justice.
• Experience leading or actively participating in strategic planning processes.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• High energy, passionate, and enthusiastic about serving others
• Unwavering commitment to the SVdP mission, values, and principles 

Compensation:

The salary range is $180,000 – $200,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The benefits are outlined in the employee handbook.

We invite candidates passionate about service and community empowerment to apply for this leadership opportunity at SVdP, where your efforts can significantly impact our community. For more information, please visit our website at www.svdpsm.org. SVdPSM is an equal-opportunity employer.

To Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter to Stacy Nelson & Associates-Leadership Search Partners at [email protected].