Careers

Executive Director

Organization: Riverbend Family Ministries (RFM)
Location: Wood River, IL
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary Range: $75,000–$105,000 annually
Reports To: Board of Directors

Click here to download the position announcement packet.

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of Riverbend Family Ministries and is responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and organizational management for a collaborative human services nonprofit serving individuals and families in crisis throughout Madison County.

The Executive Director works in close partnership with the Board of Directors, staff, nonprofit partners, funders, and community stakeholders to advance RFM’s mission, ensure organizational sustainability, and strengthen programmatic impact. This role requires demonstrated experience in human services leadership, program oversight, government-funded initiatives, and people-centered management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

  • Provide executive leadership to advance RFM’s mission and strengthen its collaborative, human services–focused model.
  • Partner with the Board of Directors to set strategic priorities, assess organizational performance, and guide long-term planning informed by data, community needs, and best practices in social services and homelessness response.
  • Serve as a visible and credible leader within the human services sector, representing RFM with public agencies, funders, nonprofit partners, and community leaders.

Program Oversight & Human Services Leadership

  • Provide executive oversight of RFM’s Client Service Department and collaborative service model, ensuring alignment with evidence-based practices in social services, housing stability, and homelessness prevention.
  • Ensure high-quality, client-centered services that address immediate needs while supporting long-term stability, self-sufficiency, and effective system navigation.
  • Oversee program design, implementation, and evaluation using data-driven practices, outcome tracking, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure compliance with public and private funder requirements, including reporting and performance expectations tied to government and grant-funded initiatives.
  • Stay informed of trends, policies, and best practices related to homelessness, poverty, trauma, and human services systems.

Fundraising, Grants & Public Funding

  • Provide strategic leadership for diversified funding streams, including individual giving, foundation support, corporate partnerships, and government grants.
  • Oversee or support government grant administration, including compliance, reporting, and data collection.
  • Work closely with the Development Director and Board to align fundraising strategies with program priorities and measurable outcomes.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with public agencies, funders, and institutional partners supporting human services and homelessness-related initiatives.

Governance, Data & Organizational Management

  • Ensure strong organizational governance, transparent reporting, and effective Board engagement.
  • Prepare and present clear, data-informed reports on program outcomes, funding performance, and organizational health.
  • Use data and evaluation findings to inform decision-making, strengthen services, and demonstrate impact to funders and stakeholders.
  • Ensure compliance with all legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements, particularly those related to government-funded programs and social service delivery.

Qualifications

  • Demonstrated senior leadership experience in nonprofit management, human services, social services, or a related field, with responsibility for organizational strategy and operational decision-making.
  • Experience overseeing programs serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, poverty, or related crises.
  • Experience with government grant administration, including compliance, reporting, performance measurement, and coordination with public funders, strongly preferred.
  • Proven ability to lead program management using data-driven approaches, outcome tracking, and continuous quality improvement.
  • Strong understanding of systems impacting homelessness and social services, including housing, income supports, public benefits, and community-based resources.
  • People-centered leadership approach with demonstrated ability to support, develop, and retain staff while fostering collaboration, accountability, and mission alignment.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead professional teams, collaborate across multiple nonprofit partners, and engage effectively with public agencies, funders, and community stakeholders.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. Minimum of five (5) years of relevant leadership experience.

Core Competencies

  • Collaborative, relationship-driven leadership style
  • Strategic and systems-oriented thinking
  • Strong communication and public engagement skills
  • Integrity, reliability, and sound executive judgment
  • Passion for supporting underserved populations and addressing the root causes of housing instability and poverty

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation for the Executive Director includes a competitive salary commensurate with experience ($75,000–$105,000 annually) and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan with employer match, and paid time off.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to hiring@my-rfm.org by January 30.

Riverbend Family Ministries is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace.