LEADERSHIP PROFILE Executive Director Gateway Center Atlanta, GA The core mission of the Gateway Center is to provide a supportive and compassionate setting where individuals can receive the tools, programs, and services they need to end their homelessness. Gateway Center website THE OPPORTUNITY The Gateway Center (the Gateway) is Atlanta s front door to the continuum of care for people experiencing homelessness. From the first floor, where clients at the raw edge of homelessness are greeted and cared for, to the upper floors where education, job training and healthcare programs are provided, the Gateway, working in partnership with other organizations, meets individuals where they are and walks with each one on their journey toward self-sufficiency. Gateway programs are making a difference. The latest Gateway Center Evaluation Report cites that 89% of clients who successfully completed a Gateway program were stably housed one year after exiting Gateway. The Gateway is a valued resource in the fight to end homelessness. In a city committed to this mission, with multiple providers, the next Executive Director will leverage the unique assets of the Gateway to provide a differentiated vision that will increase its impact, operating funds and profile. Working with the support of an influential and committed board and dedicated staff, the Executive Director will leverage the valued resources and success of the Gateway to enhance its vision, and focus its strategy and execution.
Page 2 of 5 As HUD funding has migrated to permanent housing, diversifying and expanding financial resources is a priority. The Gateway enjoys a robust mailing list and an energized pool of volunteers. These are valuable assets which could be leveraged as the Executive Director establishes a comprehensive funding and awareness campaign. The campaign will include a branding and communication strategy to increase awareness of the Gateway s current success and enlist the support of the broader community in its future. Finally, the Executive Director will capitalize on the dedicated and committed staff to maximize effectiveness and ensure the team operates with efficiency, utilizing best practices and leveraging their collective strength. THE ORGANIZATION The Gateway opened its doors in July 2005 with a mission to end homelessness, particularly chronic homelessness. It is a collaborative, program-based facility (with beds attached to programs) that provides the support and framework people need to achieve self-sufficiency. The Center also offers basic services including showers, lockers, a clothing closet, access to telephones, and laundry facilities. Through therapeutic programs and services, and a supportive and compassionate setting, individuals can receive the tools, programs and services they need to end their homelessness and move into transitional or permanent housing. Innovative, responsive and passionate, the Gateway has been nimble enough to meet the critical needs of the city. When tens of thousands fled Hurricane Katrina from New Orleans to Atlanta, the Gateway rose to the occasion. When Atlanta was inundated with families needing shelter in the wake of the Great Recession, the Gateway stepped in the breech. Gateway opened the first Recuperative Care facility in Atlanta in partnership with Grady Hospital and Mercy Care. Gateway has also partnered with Georgia Works! to incubate the very successful work internship program helping men with criminal records and substance abuse histories. Yet, it consistently strives toward its original vision as a central gateway and bridge to selfsufficiency and permanent housing. In that regard it is leading the charge with coordinated intake and assessment to assure that the most vulnerable get served first. The Gateway houses 330 beds, 8 residential programs and 12 on-site partners. Partners include the Department of Labor, Georgia Works!, Mercy Care and the Veteran s Administration (VA). Mercy Care plans to expand operations in the next year to include behavioral health and dental care. The federal government has just
Page 3 of 5 approved expansion of the successful VA program. As individuals enter the Gateway, detailed demographic information is recorded. Outcome data is also gathered for residential programs, as well as feedback from volunteers. This data is shared with partners and providers to enable targeted care and to evaluate and enhance the services provided. Robust data collection is an on-going process at the Gateway, and a best practice nationally. The budget for the Gateway is $3M with a staff of approximately 40 individuals, and over 1,000 volunteers annually. Funding streams includes grants from the United Way, foundation support, individual support, rent charged to partners and per diem grants from the VA. THE RESPONSIBILITIES The Executive Director will: 1. Provide vision, leadership and inspiration. The ED will be a values-driven, compelling and influential servant leader with high emotional intelligence. He or she will inspire confidence with the board, staff, clients and the community, and will lead the organization to broad-based, differentiated success. The ED will provide collaborative, forward-thinking leadership that ensures continuing growth and impact. 2. Increase resources for the mission. The ED will develop and execute a funding plan to support the vision and strategy. She or he will build strong relationships with current and prospective partners, donors, and volunteers, and will grow and diversify the funding base. 3. Enhance profile, community presence and impact. The ED will be gifted at connecting with clients, other service providers and diverse members of the philanthropic, faith-based and business communities. Through presence and participation, collaboration and ideas, and leadership, the ED will make the Gateway an even more central, valued partner and resource in the fight to end homelessness.
Page 4 of 5 4. Be a strong manager of people and the business. The ED will be an experienced, caring and effective manager of people and a complex business. He or she will bring vision, commitment to staff, partners and clients, and the ability to lead fiscal and operational success in a multi-faceted environment. The ED will set clear expectations, empower team and individual achievement, and build a culture of partnership, accountability, teamwork and transparency. THE CANDIDATE The ideal candidate will bring experience leading a multi-dimensional, growth-oriented organization. He or she will be committed to the mission of the Gateway and excited by the mandate to grow partnerships, relationships and funds. He or she will have: A passion for the mission of ending homelessness An engaging personal leadership style that inspires others to support the Gateway and the ability to communicate and advocate the mission clearly and persuasively Experience leading in a dynamic, complex, results-driven environment with multiple demands A track record of driving organizational growth through new market opportunities, expanding partnerships and increasing funds Proven fund raising experience Strong business skills and financial acumen The ability to interface equally effectively with clients, providers and partners inspiring confidence and compassion Integrity and experience empowering and developing staff
Page 5 of 5 THE RELATIONSHIPS The Executive Director will: Report to: The Gateway Center Board of Directors 13 Direct Reports including Manage: Administrative Leaders Program and Services Management Has other key relationships including: Homeless Service Providers and Partners Regional Commission on Homelessness Continuum of Care (CoC) City of Atlanta Other State and Federal Agencies Clients Served Compelling candidates could come from a variety of contexts. The Gateway Center is an equal opportunity employer, and a diverse slate of compelling candidates is being sought. For potential consideration or to suggest a prospect, please email GATEWAY@BoardWalkConsulting.com or call Crystal Stephens, or Ayanna Grady-Hunt at 404-262-7392.