Chief Executive Officer – Watson Children’s Shelter

Watson Children's Shelter is searching for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO is a full-time, exempt, professional-level position responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight of Watson Children’s Shelter. The CEO serves as the primary liaison between the organization and the community, cultivating strong relationships with donors, stakeholders, and partner organizations. This position reports directly to the Watson Children’s Shelter Board of Directors and has direct supervisory responsibilities for three or more senior staff members.

About Watson Children’s Shelter

Watson Children’s Shelter has been a pillar of compassion and care since 1977, when retired teacher Janice Watson began opening her home to children with nowhere else to turn. Today, Watson provides 24/7, year-round emergency shelter for over 100 children annually—from newborns to 14-year-olds—across two welcoming facilities. Each child receives trauma-informed, wraparound care in a safe and nurturing environment. But Watson’s mission extends beyond crisis response; through Healthy Foundations, a voluntary home-visitation program launched in 2018, we work proactively with at-risk families to prevent abuse and break generational cycles of neglect. Together, our shelter and prevention services form the Watson Continuum of Care, united in a single goal: helping children and families lead safe, healthy, and hopeful lives.

Role Overview

• Lead Watson Children’s Shelter with strategic vision and operational excellence, ensuring the organization fulfills its mission to protect and nurture children.

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors, staff, media, granting institutions, and the general public.

• Oversee organizational functions such as program development, finances, administrative team, regulatory compliance, and fundraising.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and implement strategic plans that ensure the long-term sustainability and impact of the organization.

• Develop and oversee operational plans and initiatives that align with Board-approved strategies and goals.

• Provide leadership and support to the Chief Program Officer and other key staff in executing the Shelter Care and Healthy Foundations programs.

• Ensure that all programs and initiatives align with the organization’s mission and advance strategic goals.

Board & Community Relations

• Meet regularly with the Board of Directors and Board Committee, providing updates on organizational performance, strategic initiatives, and key developments.

• Represent Watson Children’s Shelter through public speaking, partnership development, and media engagement.

• Cultivate strong relationships with community leaders, local organizations, and the broader public to build awareness and support.

Program Oversight

• Provide high-level guidance to the Chief Program Officer in planning, implementing, and evaluating services for children in the Shelter Care and Healthy Foundations programs.

• Ensure all programs comply with licensing standards and maintain a safe, nurturing environment for children.

• Ensure compliance with all organizational and regulatory requirements related to child protection and care standards.

Compliance & Ethics

1. Ensure strict compliance with all policies prohibiting abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and guarantee prompt reporting and investigation of suspected offenses.

2. Protect the confidentiality of information about children, families, donors, and staff, and ensure staff uphold these standards.

3. Champion a holistic approach to care that supports the social, emotional, psychological, physical, nutritional, and educational needs of each child.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, social work, or a related field required.

• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience, preferably in child welfare or social services, but not required.

• Ideal candidate would have demonstrated success in strategic planning, financial management, and fundraising.

• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and collaborate effectively with Boards of Directors.

• Strong strategic thinking and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and guide staff and stakeholders.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, including public speaking and community engagement.

• Financial acumen, including experience with budgeting, forecasting, and resource development.

• Unwavering ethical standards and commitment to confidentiality and child protection.

• Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and ensure organizational compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, MSW, MPH, or related) preferred.

• Certifications in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, or HR.

Performance Metrics

• Achievement of goals outlined in the strategic plan.

• Organizational financial health, including budget management, fundraising performance, and compliance with financial policies.

• Effective and compliant program implementation in line with licensing and safety standards.

• Strength and reach of public relations, media presence, and community partnerships.

• Staff satisfaction and retention, reflecting positive leadership and organizational culture.

• Full compliance with child protection and confidentiality standards.

• CEO is required to be on site and to generally maintain office hours from 8:30 am to 5 pm with some evenings and weekends; minimal travel expected.

This position is evaluated semi-annually based on the above performance metrics to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and expectations.