Description

Executive Director

Compassionate leadership. Lasting impact. A next chapter of growth.

Good Shepherd Gracenter is seeking a mission-driven Executive Director to lead our next chapter of impact and sustainability. For more than 35 years, Gracenter has provided transitional housing and recovery support for women rebuilding their lives after substance-use treatment. Rooted in dignity, compassion, and the belief that recovery begins with grace, Gracenter offers women a safe and supportive environment where long-term healing and stability can take root.

Founded by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, the organization continues to be guided by values of mercy, reconciliation, zeal, and individual worth. While our roots are faith-based, we warmly welcome leaders of all backgrounds and beliefs. Religious affiliation is neither required nor expected for this role.

Today, Gracenter stands at an exciting moment of opportunity. With a strong reputation, committed supporters, an engaged Board, and a history of meaningful outcomes, the organization is well-positioned for thoughtful growth. We are seeking a leader who can build on this strong foundation while helping shape the future of the organization. 

As Executive Director, you will serve as the strategic and operational leader of the organization, partnering closely with the Board, staff, donors, and community stakeholders to advance Gracenter’s mission and long-term sustainability. Key areas of leadership include: Fundraising and donor engagement; organizational and financial stewardship; team leadership and culture development; community partnerships and visibility; as well as, strategic planning and board collaboration.

This role oversees a small and committed team with the opportunity to lead an organization where relationships, mission, and community impact are deeply valued. We’re seeking a collaborative and emotionally intelligent leader who combines strategic thinking with practical execution. Strong candidates will benefit from having: senior nonprofit leadership experience;  fundraising success; ability to build trusted community relationships; passion for supporting women and recovery-centered services; as well as, experience working in behavioral health, recovery, housing, or other mission-driven human services environments. 

The salary range for the position is $135,000–$145,000 depending on experience, and with a generous benefits package including a retirement match. Based in San Francisco, the role requires regular on-site presence at the center, at least four days a week, with occasional evening or weekend events.

To apply, please send a single PDF that includes your resume and cover letter to: EDSearch@GSGracenter.org.  Please describe how one of Gracenter’s core values (Individual Worth, Mercy, Reconciliation, or Zeal) has manifested in your work or life.  We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis, with the goal of selecting our new Executive Director no later than June 30.  Please don’t wait to apply.

Gracenter is known for its deeply committed community, strong mission alignment, and culture of compassion. Good Shepherd Gracenter is committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience.  

Please go to the Good Shepherd Gracenter website to see a more detailed description.

Requirements

The Ideal Candidate 

As Good Shepherd Gracenter’s Executive Director, you’ll lead with compassion, strong organizational skills, and strategic vision.  With a track record in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and team development, you’ll bring both head and heart to the role—balancing vision with hands-on execution to help Gracenter grow stronger.

Minimum Qualifications 

 Proven success with individual and institutional fundraising 
 Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive senior nonprofit leadership experience, including:

-Direct supervision of professional staff
-Budget oversight and organizational decision-making
-Operational leadership, HR, and compliance management 
-Significant role in Board Partnership and Governance 
-Oversight of programs for vulnerable populations Demonstrated team-building and leadership experience 
 Experience building and maintaining community partnerships 
 Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion 
 Strong communication skills, including public speaking, writing, and storytelling 
 Knowledgeable, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn, about state and federal laws and regulations related to substance abuse programs

Desired Qualifications 

•  Executive Director experience
•  Program management experience in the field of substance use treatment
• Possess, or working towards, drug and alcohol certification.
• Familiarity with faith-supported organizations and programs
• Experience working with programs that serve women-only
•  LCSW certification
•  Knowledgeable about other nonprofit social service providers in the Bay area, particularly in San Francisco 
   Have a valid California driver’s license upon hire and have a vehicle

Qualities We Value 

• Strategic thinker who can keep their eye on the big picture
• Receptive to Feedback and Learning
• Supportive and passionate leader Willingness to tackle complicated problems with flexibility, creativity and persistence 
  
  

The Details 

This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position with a range of $135,000–$145,000, depending on experience. Good Shepherd Gracenter offers employer-subsidized health benefits including dental and vision, and a matching retirement contribution up to 5%. The role requires regular in-person presence on-site at the center, ideally 5 days a week, with occasional evening or weekend events. Benefits also include 10 days of vacation annually, and 12 paid holidays, including personal days. 

Let Us Know You’re Interested 

To apply, please send a single PDF that includes your resume and cover letter to: EDSearch@GSGracenter.org. In your letter, please describe how one of Gracenter’s core values (Individual Worth, Mercy, Reconciliation, or Zeal) has manifested in your work or life. We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews on a rolling basis, with the goal of selecting our new Executive Director no later than June 30. Early applications are encouraged. Due to the anticipated volume of applicants, please do not contact us by phone or in person. 

We Welcome You 

Good Shepherd Gracenter is committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community. We welcome all applicants, including leaders who identify themselves as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+; have personal experiences of poverty, substance abuse, or homelessness; leaders with disabilities, and people of any faith. As a Good Shepherd agency, our hiring philosophy emphasizes that to be a “Good Shepherd” and/or “Mission-Oriented” it is not necessary to be either Catholic or Christian. Even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match every qualification, we encourage you to apply. You may be exactly who we’re looking for.