Alaka‘i Executive Search · 1 day ago
Chief Executive Officer
Alaka‘i Executive Search is seeking a compassionate and visionary Chief Executive Officer for the Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC), an organization dedicated to addressing domestic abuse and intimate partner violence. The CEO will provide strategic leadership, cultivate relationships within the community, and ensure the organization's sustainability while promoting a culture of empowerment and collaboration.
Responsibilities
Demonstrate a deep and sustained commitment to addressing domestic violence and embody DVAC’s core values of justice and equality, respect and dignity, collaboration, and compassion
Envision, design, and strengthen programs rooted in best practices – including client-centered and trauma-informed services, social justice advocacy, and organizational capacity building
Advance DVAC’s specialized role as a leader in legal representation for survivors of domestic violence
Develop and refine a sustainable business model and marketing strategies that support long-term mission impact and organizational stability
Partner with the board of directors to ensure effective governance and to continuously sharpen the organization’s strategic direction
Build trusting relationships across Hawaiʻi’s diverse communities and engage effectively with stakeholders who hold both aligned and differing perspectives
Serve as a compelling spokesperson and advocate for survivor safety, domestic violence awareness, nonprofit sector strength and broader social justice issues
Lead DVAC’s media presence and coordinated public campaigns to educate and elevate interpersonal and family violence as a community concern requiring action
Represent DVAC at community events, coalitions, and initiatives, serving as either a lead organization or a collaborative partner
Build and maintain community relationships through compassionate listening, thoughtful engagement, and the ability to speak with clarity, tact, and conviction
Provide direct supervision to executive level leadership, supporting their growth, accountability, and effectiveness
Supervise staff attorneys and advocates who provide services to survivors and their families
Lead efforts to strengthen the organization’s infrastructure, client engagement, operational systems, and organizational practices to advance the mission
Recognize and respect the organizational culture of DVAC while supporting its evolution toward greater impact and sustainability
Oversee all phases of budgeting, financial management, and reporting, and ensure timely, accurate information is presented to the board for oversight and approval
Direct recruitment, talent development, performance evaluations, employment practices, benefits administration, and, when necessary, employment separations
Ensure that all programs, operations, and facilities comply with federal, state, and local regulations as well as accreditation and contractual standards and requirements
Maintain existing funding sources, foster relationships with funders, and cultivate ongoing strategies that support and grow DVAC’s financial resources and strengthen its financial position
Diversify and grow revenue streams, increase unrestricted income, and strengthen the organization’s financial reserves to support long-term stability
Qualification
Required
Proven senior leader, spokesperson, and fundraiser with experience guiding organizations that address complex social issues and manage substantial annual budgets
Strong managerial and financial skills, with the ability to oversee and integrate all aspects of business and program operations
Deep understanding of nonprofit management, financial practices, compliance requirements, and operational effectiveness across all phases of organizational activity
Demonstrated success cultivating and sustaining relationships with funders, including foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individual donors; existing credibility within Hawaiʻi's philanthropic and community networks is highly valued
Minimum 3-5 years of senior-level management experience, including supervision of multidisciplinary teams, partnership with content-expert staff, and regular engagement with a board of directors
Highly regarded leadership presence within the nonprofit and community-based sectors, with a track record of implementing actionable strategic plans
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to serve as the organization's public voice, elevate awareness of domestic violence issues, and represent DVAC effectively across diverse media and community platforms
Knowledge of domestic violence dynamics and experience leading mission-driven programs, with strengths in leadership and fund development
Extensive understanding of Hawaiʻi's communities, cultural diversity, and the unique contexts that shape service delivery and advocacy statewide
Demonstrated proficiency in organizational development and change management, including team building, effective delegation and empowerment, leveraging technology, and improving operational efficiency
Preferred
Desired qualification: legal experience and/or a law degree
Advanced degree in social work, human/organizational development, or a related field