Job Description

The Organization

The SAFE Alliance (“SAFE”) is a merger of Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace, both long-standing and respected human service agencies in Austin serving the survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, and domestic violence. For over 50 years, those organizations, and SAFE today, have been the leading experts in Central Texas dedicated to breaking the cycle of abuse through a unique and comprehensive continuum of care, ensuring survivors receive the support, safety, and resources they need at every stage of healing. SAFE provides safety, stability, and healing to nearly 6,000 children, youth, women, and men impacted by child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and sex trafficking every year.

SAFE exists to serve survivors of child abuse, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and dating and domestic violence. Over 60% of the people SAFE serves have experienced more than one type of violence. In each of its four mission areas, SAFE offers prevention programs and emergency and crisis intervention services, and it supports survivors in their recovery and healing, including with shelter and housing. SAFE is a social service and a social change agency. SAFE is committed to equity and belonging at all levels—providing care that honors the unique experiences of those served, fostering professional growth for staff, and ensuring the Board brings together a range of perspectives and expertise that strengthen SAFE’s mission and service to the community. SAFE’s goal is to educate others to think and act safely and respectfully when confronted with abuse and to join in its efforts to advocate to Keep Austin SAFE. SAFE services are free. SAFE’s suite of services ebb, grow, and evolve as community needs and service demands change.

Today

With an annual budget of more than $31 million, approximately 350 employees, and thousands of volunteers, SAFE now has prevention and crisis programs operating across two campuses and in schools, hospitals, courts, and the County and District Attorney’s offices.

In June of 2024, SAFE broke ground on The Lancaster, a 60-unit permanent supportive housing initiative – the first of its kind in Austin dedicated to survivors of violence and abuse. Expected to open in 2026, The Lancaster will offer a safe and welcoming environment that survivors can call home. In January 2025, The Sasha, a new housing project on SAFE’s Grove campus broke ground. The Sasha will provide 60 additional units of both permanent and temporary supportive housing for families recovering from sexual and domestic violence. In addition, the City of Austin purchased and is rehabilitating a former hotel, which will serve as a shelter managed by SAFE.

Impact

Last year SAFE supported nearly 6,000 survivors of violence and abuse. Currently, 900 children and adults are sheltered and housed on average every day with the help of SAFE. With the completion of The Lancaster and The Sasha, SAFE forecasts expanding its capacity to provide housing for 424 more survivors on average every night.

Governance

SAFE is governed by a 30-member board of directors consisting of experts in their fields, stakeholders, and community leaders – all passionate about the mission of SAFE. The work of the Board is largely accomplished through robust committees. The SAFE Board of Directors meets every other month or as needed and is responsible for the vision, mission, and governance of the agency and the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer. SAFE has three affiliated Boards: The SAFE Alliance Affordable Housing Board, SAFE Alliance Foundation Board, and The SAFE Alliance Facilities Holdings Corporation Board.

The Opportunity

At a pivotal moment in SAFE’s history, the board of directors seeks a dynamic, politically savvy leader who blends business acumen with a deep commitment to the organization’s mission and its organizational culture. With a strong senior leadership team already in place, SAFE’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) will bring a strategic mindset to establish priorities and lead the articulation and execution of SAFE’s mission.

As the external face of the organization, the CEO will engage with individuals, corporations, foundations, and government funders, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the gravitas to earn the community’s trust. Internally, the CEO will cultivate a thriving and cohesive team culture, ensuring excellence at all levels through direct engagement with team members and the provision of professional development resources.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will serve as the strategic architect of SAFE’s future, driving long-term vision, financial sustainability, and mission expansion. As the public face of SAFE, the CEO will engage key stakeholders—including funders, policymakers, and community leaders—to position the organization as Central Texas’s leader in survivor advocacy and support.

The CEO will be responsible for executing and refining SAFE’s three-year strategic plan, ensuring alignment between financial objectives, program growth, and long-term sustainability. They will lead efforts to expand SAFE’s funding base, develop innovative partnerships, and optimize operations to support mission-driven expansion. They will be responsible for the organization’s overall financial health and sustainability.

The CEO also serves as the Executive Director of SAFE’s Foundation and Facilities Holdings Corporation, including partnering with and supporting those Boards. The CEO will coordinate with the Executive Director of the SAFE Affordable Housing Corporation.

In collaboration with the Board of Directors, the CEO will translate strategic priorities into actionable goals, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence across all departments. This role requires a visionary leader with the business acumen to navigate SAFE’s evolving landscape, ensuring continued growth and high-impact service delivery. Essential duties and responsibilities of the CEO include the following:

Strategic Vision:

• Collaborate with the Board, staff, and volunteers to update SAFE’s strategy, set growth objectives, and establish clear milestones and timelines.
• Build consensus for SAFE’s vision among key stakeholders, including governmental agencies and community partners.
• Work with mission-aligned organizations to advocate for and implement SAFE’s initiatives.
• Develop a compelling case for maximizing SAFE’s mission, vision, and guiding principles.

Staff Leadership:

• Provide strong leadership, fostering a motivated and high-performing team within budgetary guidelines.
• Manage staff using best practices in human resources and organizational development.
• Identify professional development needs and create opportunities for staff growth.
• Maintain accountability for staff performance, ensuring metrics are met and capacity for new challenges is built.

Operational Management:

• Lead SAFE in achieving its core mission and strategic objectives.
• Oversee the development and execution of operational goals.

Financial Management:

• Provide fiscal leadership, ensuring financial accountability and sustainability.
• Oversee budgets, approve expenditures, and align financial decisions with Board guidelines.
• Work with the Board, CFO, and key staff to develop multi-year budgets that support strategic goals.
• Ensure timely, accurate financial reporting and program outcome tracking.

Development:

• Partner with the Chief Development Officer to design and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies, including the endowment and capital campaign.
• Expand revenue streams, including corporate sponsorships, individual giving, foundation and government grants, events, planned giving, and endowment growth.

Communications:

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for SAFE, engaging with city officials, county leaders, and local organizations to strengthen survivor protections.
• Engage with stakeholders, including local, state, and federal agencies, donors, foundations, and community leaders.
• Represent SAFE in coalitions, ensuring survivor needs are prioritized in policy discussions.
• Maintain strong, transparent communication with the Board and Executive Committee.

Community Relations:

• Cultivate and strengthen partnerships with local institutions, municipalities, and key community organizations.
• Develop initiatives that align with SAFE’s mission and enhance its presence and reputation.

Volunteer Relations:

• Recognize and promote the essential role of volunteers in SAFE’s success.
• Partner with the Director of Volunteer Services to ensure meaningful volunteer experiences to foster loyalty and long-term engagement.

Board Relations:

• Foster strong Board relations, ensuring effective governance and active participation in SAFE’s initiatives.
• Keep the Board informed of organizational performance, opportunities, and challenges.
• Attract and engage Board members who bring valuable expertise and connections.

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