Summary
Description
Founded in 1934, the American Rescue Workers (ARW) in Williamsport is a faith-based non-profit organization that has been providing homelessness and food insecurity intervention services in Central Pennsylvania since 1934. ARW is committed to holistically caring for individuals and families in crisis situations by offering shelter, social services, and support.
ARW operates 3 homeless shelters in the City of Williamsport, including a 24-bed family emergency shelter for men, women and children at the Saving Grace Shelter; the Fresh Start Program, a 39-bed men’s long-term work rehabilitation program; and lastly, a 6-bed men’s emergency shelter at our Elmira Street location.
Additionally, the ARW Social Services Center serves as the prevention entity, where financial and food assistance is provided daily to those in need – to prevent a homeless crisis from occurring. Annually, the ARW Social Services Center provides hundreds of households with rental and utility assistance, nearly half a million pounds of life-sustaining groceries to upwards of 1,000 families per month facing food insecurity. Additionally, provide over $200,000 annually in rental and utility assistance to prevent a homeless crisis from occurring. As part of the social enterprise, the ARW also operates 9 thrift stores around the region. In totality, the ARW employs about 85 people, both full and part-time.
Position Title: Executive Director
Reports To: Executive Advisory Board
Job Status: Full-time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: 643 Elmira Street, Williamsport, PA 17701
Prepared by: Executive Advisory Board
Date: July 16, 2025
Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive of American Rescue Workers and is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission, strategic goals, financial objectives, and operational integrity. The ED provides leadership in administering ARWs homelessness and hunger prevention services, developing and implementing programs, fundraising efforts, community partnerships, and organizational policies. This role demands strong nonprofit management experience, a passion for serving vulnerable populations, and a commitment to the values and faith-based initiates of ARW.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategic Vision
- Provide strategic leadership and collaborate with the Board of Directors to fulfill ARW's mission.
- Develop, implement and monitor for change a strategic plan and set of short- and long-term goals in line with the organization's mission and vision.
- Serve as the public face of ARW, representing the organization in the community, with granting agencies, government representatives, donors, and through media relations.
- Support the continuance of devotional and faith-based programs and initiatives for staff, shelter residents and the Community.
Program & Service Oversight
- Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of ARW's warehousing and thrift store operations, shelter programs, and social service center and food pantry.
- Ensure services meet quality standards and effectively address the needs of the homeless, hungry, and those in crisis.
- Promote a trauma-informed and client-centered approach to all services.
Fundraising & Development
- Lead fundraising strategy and donor relations to ensure financial sustainability.
- Cultivate major gifts, grants, and partnerships with foundations, government agencies, and corporations.
- Oversee events, appeals, campaigns, and revenue-generating initiatives.
Finance & Administration
- Develop and manage the annual budget with the finance team.
- Ensure sound financial practices, accurate and timely reporting, and compliance with applicable regulations.
- Manage contracts, grants, and audits in conjunction with the fundraising and finance staff.
Staff & Volunteer Management
- Recruit, hire, and supervise leadership staff; ensure ongoing staff development and performance evaluation.
- Maintain a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven organizational culture.
- Work with volunteer coordinators to support volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition.
Board Relations
- Serve as liaison to the Board of Directors, keeping them informed of key developments.
- Seek Board guidance on matters affecting programs, personnel, and operations.
- Assist in board development and governance practices.
- Provide reports, updates, and strategic insight to guide decision-making.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, nonprofit management, public administration, social work, or a related area.
- Five to ten years in a managerial, executive or role with experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
- Proven experience managing operations, budgets, resource allocations, financial accountability and integrity, and staff.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated success in securing funding through grants, donor campaigns, sponsorships, and other fundraising initiatives.
- Experience with developing and implementing strategic plans that align with organizational goals.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Social Work, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
- 10 or more years of leadership experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
- Familiarity with the American Rescue Workers mission, ethos and commitment to serving humanity.
- Experience working with vulnerable populations, especially in shelter, food assistance, or crisis intervention programs.
- Experience working with faith-based organizations
- Knowledge of local social service networks
- Understanding board operations, including bylaws, policies, and decision-making processes.
- Experience with donor database systems and nonprofit CRM platforms
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care.
- Bilingual language skills
Key Skills
- Demonstrating business, strategic planning and financial acumen
- Fostering partnerships and working effectively with boards, other nonprofits, and community leaders.
- Adept at navigating challenges and making decisions that benefit the organization’s mission.
- Ability to inspire staff, volunteers, and stakeholders while setting a clear and compelling organizational direction.
- Exceptional verbal and written skills to effectively convey the nonprofit’s mission to donors, partners, and the public.
- Building relationships and promoting the organization’s cause to attract financial support.
- Passion for humanitarian work and a commitment to social justice
Physical Requirements
- Considerable mobility is required, including occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
Special note: A resume will not be considered without an accompanying cover letter.
