Position Profile

Executive Director
Bridges to Independence
Northern, VA

Bridges to Independence (b2i) seeks a passionate, visionary, and entrepreneurial leader who will
expand the organization’s work, ensuring that b2i continues to be a leading provider of services for
homeless women and families in Northern Virginia. B2i boasts a new brand, recently sold prime
real estate, and will be moving into new office space in the next two years. The organization is
primed for growth! The current Executive Director is retiring in December 2015.

The Organization
Bridges to Independence (b2i) was founded in 1985 as the Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the
Homeless. Adopted in 2015, the name Bridges to Independence reflects the organization’s
evolving mission and services. B2i offers a continuum of support for all family members, helping
them attain stability and move forward into self sufficiency.

With an operating budget of close to $1.7M, the organization employs a dedicated staff of 8 full
time and up to 9 part time staff. B2i is governed by a 19-member Board of Directors. The
organization is funded from a mix of government contracts and private donations.

B2i’s expanded brand, its seasoned and dedicated staff, and its impending plan to move into its
newly constructed office space within two years, provides prime opportunity for service expansion.

To achieve its mission, b2i implements the following programs:

Sullivan House -- a short-term housing program serving 90 to 120 homeless family members per
year in an apartment-style shelter facility in Arlington. Sullivan House helps clients address
immediate, unresolved personal/family issues that contributed to homelessness through
counseling and referral services.

Adopt-A-Family -- a rapid-rehousing program that helps families achieve economic stability and
self-sufficiency over a six-month period. Adopt-A-Family supports clients’ increasing economic
well-being through savings and other forms of wealth creation activities, vocational skill training
and certification-level education. During the past year, Adopt-A-Family served 51 households
involving 161 individuals (65 adults and 96 children).

Micro-Business Enterprise Development – provides entrepreneurship and job training through

micro-business enterprise activities. Micro-Business Enterprise Development allows low and
moderate income families to supplement household income, helping to defray the high cost of
living in Northern Virginia. The program provides participants with training, mentoring, and
resources to start a micro-business. Over 60 prospective business operators have been provided
training opportunities and 9 micro-business ventures have been established.

Bridges to Independence Executive Director Position Profile

Career Planning and Development – helps clients achieve upward mobility through career-
oriented employment. B2i’s career planning and development program is carried out in partnership
with the Counseling and Development program at George Mason University. To date, 65 adult
clients have received services through the program.

Youth Development and Career Exploration -- focuses on: 1) helping youth develop important
life skills while building confidence and self-esteem; and 2) improving academic performance
through tutoring and a co-curricular program of educational enhancement activities; 3) fostering a
spirit of giving through community service projects; and 4) encouraging healthy lifestyles through a
running program. Through partnerships with the Smithsonian Institution and Virginia Cooperative
Extension/4-H, b2i’s Youth Development programs provide a number of unique learning
opportunities including workshops, field trips and internship experiences for teenaged youth.
During the past year, 28 teenagers have been involved in one or more of 26 project-sponsored
events and activities.

For more information about b2i and its programs, see www.bridges2.org

The Position
The Executive Director works in partnership with the Board to set the strategic direction of b2i and
leads the staff to implement the organization’s strategic priorities. The next Executive Director will
continue to promote the organization, maintain and enhance important relationships, and develop
new relationships and opportunities.

Future Organizational Priorities

The Board identified the following leadership priorities for the organization over the next 12-18
months:
 Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications plan that leverages
b2i’s new brand, builds on the solid history, and expands b2i’s reach in the community.
 Drive a comprehensive and inclusive strategic planning process that will guide the
organization’s future strategic direction. Develop a related implementation plan that includes
measurable milestones and financial targets.
 Develop and implement an aggressive and strategic fundraising plan that aligns with the
strategic direction, builds upon the organization’s current assets, and sets the organization on
a path toward doubling the operating budget over the next five years. Seek opportunities to
increase the private funding from 20% to at least 50% over the next five years.
 Assess each program’s efficacy and impact, and seek ways to enhance the services provided
to clients. Ensure that all programs are cutting edge, relevant, and meet the needs of clients
served. Seek ways to expand resources for high performing programs.
 Determine the appropriate staffing structure that allows the organization to effectively meet its
mission.
 Seek opportunities to bolster employee morale, enhance professional development
opportunities, and maintain staff effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities
The Executive Director of b2i reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the
achievement of b2i service objectives, strategic goals and financial targets. Key responsibilities
include:

Bridges to Independence Executive Director Position Profile

  Strategic Guidance: ensure that the organization has a long-range strategy to fulfill the b2i
client service mission
 Fund Raising: achieve aggressive fundraising targets to support b2i client services
 Service Excellence: provide clients with high quality service in accordance with our strategy
 Community Leadership: act as a thought leader and advocate for homeless issues in the
community
 Organizational Stewardship: oversee the effective management and efficient operation of
the b2i staff, volunteers and operations, including sound financial management and reporting
transparency.

Experience and Attributes

Highly qualified candidates will bring a variety of experiences and attributes, including:
 Demonstrated experience providing strategic leadership in a human services setting.
 Demonstrated strategic and business planning experience including successful
implementation of long-range and short-term plans.
 Demonstrated ability to inspire and influence a wide variety of stakeholders from various
segments of the community, particularly on issues directly related to b2i’s mission.
 Strong business acumen and nonprofit management experience; proven experience with
financial management and budgeting.
 Solid fundraising experience and the ability to develop long-term relationships with funders
from various sectors including foundations, public sector, faith-based communities,
individual donors, and the corporate sector.
 A strong networker who embraces the opportunity to be the external face of the
organization.
 Ability to effectively communicate in a diverse environment across lines of culture,
profession, gender, etc. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
 Strong staff management skills and demonstrated experience building and motivating
teams.
 Experience in, or familiarity with, the Arlington, Alexandria or Fairfax social or human
services is preferred.
 A minimum 7 years’ senior executive leadership experience.
 A Bachelor’s degree in the field of social work or a related field from an accredited college
or university highly desired.

Application Process
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. To apply, e-mail cover letter, resume,
and salary requirements to: bridges@raffa.com (e-mail applications are required). For other
inquiries, contact Peggy Sand at psand@raffa.com.

B2i is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, making decisions without regard to
race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, or any
other protected class.

Bridges to Independence Executive Director Position Profile