Snapshot

Denomination: SBC & BGCT

Location: Houston, TX

The Role: Vice President of Programs and Services

Meet Gracewood:

At Gracewood, we allow single mothers and their children who find themselves in crisis to hit the pause button and refocus their future toward safety, happiness, and independence. By guiding them in their pursuit of independence, they learn the basic tools they need to make long-term, quality-of-life improvements.

About the Vice President of Programs and Services:

The VP of Programs and Services serves as the key leader and representative for all residential and community impact programming. Responsible for the leadership, development, and expansion of existing and new programs, including Family Care, Next Steps, Aftercare, the Hope for Families Counseling Program, and community-based services. Facilitate an environment in which the program team is operating in a high-functioning, collaborative manner and provide programs and services that achieve quality standards and reflect the organization’s mission and priorities. Set vision, leadership, and performance standards for the Program team.  Make executive decisions and provide leadership in the absence of the President.

The Vice President of Programs and Services Responsibilities Include: 

Skill Based Competencies

Accurately, efficiently, and effectively perform the following:

• Support the President and Board of Directors. Serve as the point of contact in the absence of the President and confident when making executive-level decisions. Provide insight to the President and Board to help inform strategic growth, expansion, or new services. Provide monthly reports to the President detailing program metrics, program needs, and staff updates. Take on any additional responsibilities as assigned by the President.

•  Director-Level Leadership. Provide guidance and direction to the Residential Program Director, the Clinical Program Director, and the Community Services Director, fostering a collaborative and effective team environment. Conduct regular director meetings to remain abreast of program needs, successes, and issues.

• Program Team Management. Hire, coach, and mentor a growing team of program staff. Ensure best practices in all personnel matters. Develop and implement processes for staff feedback and support. Ensure all program staff are equipped with relevant training, professional development, and industry-specific knowledge needed to accomplish Gracewood’s mission in their respective roles.

• Program Growth and Success. Continually improve programming by establishing program enrichment and expansion opportunities. Identify opportunities for strategic program expansion and innovation. Assess program applications and identify ideal candidates who would thrive at Gracewood. Ensure the program is successfully producing empowered families and ensuring a bright future.

• Program Sustainability and Improvement. Obtain feedback from clients and program staff and execute program improvements as needed. Refine and develop innovative policies and procedures that align with Gracewood’s values, mission, and goals. Participate in quarterly inspections of Family Care and Next Steps facilities.

• Residential Program Oversight: Establish and maintain quality assurance measures to ensure client needs are being met. Respond to and resolve all client programming emergencies. Ensure client compliance with policies and procedures. Integrate practices of trauma-informed care throughout all facets of programming. Work to achieve highly successful client outcomes and establish a continuum of care for all clients.

• Campus Activities. Be an integral part of planning, organizing, and successfully executing campus events for our residents, donors, and members of the surrounding community. This may include holiday celebrations, guest speakers, educational seminars, tours, and more.

• Community Impact. Represent Gracewood to stakeholders, external partners, and other community organizations that may refer prospective candidates to Gracewood’s program. Build and maintain strong relationships with relevant businesses, churches, and other non-profit organizations that may offer services to Gracewood residents. Routinely identify new opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.

• Communication Skills. Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to professionally interact with various groups including donors, volunteers, peers, and clients. Successfully hosts small group and one-on-one meetings with stakeholders. Must be comfortable conducting presentations to large groups.

• Software and Statistics. Gather statistical data and provide informative reports in a timely manner. Oversee training and onboarding for Extended Reach and any other applicable management systems. Ensure management software systems are consistently being used to record data. Monitor confidential and sensitive client information.

• Budgeting and Financial Records. Assist the President with developing annual budgets. Provide ongoing budget oversight and monitoring. Work with program directors to develop budget strategies necessary to meet client needs and achieve program funding goals. Oversee program budgets and employee spending in each program.

• Culture and Service. Model a creative problem-solving approach by demonstrating critical planning skills, ensuring effective solutions and remarkable service delivery. Inspire staff to lead and serve at the next level by building Gracewood’s direct care programs on a foundation of hospitality. Motivate and inspire the team by proactively taking a key role in creating an organizational culture and helping to maintain a positive work environment.

Skills and Assets

• Able to cope with emotionally intense client cases and thrive in a compassion-driven work environment.

• Demonstrate maturity, compassion, and a collaborative spirit when interacting with trustees, senior executives, staff, clients, community leaders, donors, and volunteers.

• Exercise sensitivity when interacting with women and children from vulnerable populations, preserving client dignity while addressing the needs of a diverse community.

• Keenly observant, with exceptional organizational skills and impeccable attention to detail.

•  A forward-thinking individual with high ethical standards and a lead-by-example leadership style that promotes a positive, team-based environment.

• Present an appropriate professional image and display superior communication skills with an open, transparent, and respectful communication style.

•  Display excellent judgment when setting priorities. Able to complete a high volume of tasks and projects independently. Must be focused, flexible, and able to navigate shifting priorities.

• Ability to react with appropriate levels of urgency to situations that require quick response or turnaround. Must be able to synthesize information and come to fast, effective conclusions.

• Possess a high degree of integrity and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.

Behavior-Based Competencies

Christian, biblical behavior is expected at all times, which includes (but is not limited to) the following:

• Honors God by lifestyle and is a positive Christian role model both personally and professionally. This person must agree with and live up to Gracewood’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values.

• Exhibits excellent organizational skills, sound judgment, and confidentiality as well as effective communication abilities in dealing with both staff and the public.

• Works independently, displaying creativity and initiative in everyday duties, and submits ideas and suggestions to enhance the overall mission of Gracewood.

• Demonstrates effective collaboration across the family of ministries. Utilizes at all times teamwork and coalition building. Works cooperatively with all CAHM personnel and those of related corporations, Trustees, donors, contracting agencies, all stakeholders, and the general public.

What You Bring: 

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Vice President of Programs and Services.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor Degree, Required

• Master Degree, Preferred

• 5+ years of industry experience

• 3+ years of senior leadership experience

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing multi-departmental budgets with the ability to forecast program financial needs, oversee team spending, and evaluate expense sheets is required.

• Non-profit board experience.

• Working knowledge of Trust-Based Relationship Intervention (TBRI) and/or a clinical background.

• Experience using Extended Reach or other case management software.

• LPC license is an added benefit.

Physical Requirements

• Must possess reliable personal transportation, as well as the ability to drive assigned vehicles with a valid Texas Driver’s License. Must be eligible to be insured under the agency’s vehicle insurance.

• Ability to use up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 15 pounds of force continuously to move objects and/or people.

•  Must be able to pass a background check.

• The VP of Programs and Services must agree with and follow the tenets stated in Gracewood's Mission, Vision, and Core Value statements.

•  A flexible work schedule is required.

What it's Like to Live in Houston, TX:

Living in Houston, Texas, offers a unique combination of affordability, opportunity, and cultural diversity that makes it an appealing choice for many. The city boasts a thriving economy with job opportunities in sectors ranging from energy and healthcare to technology and aerospace. Houston’s low cost of living—especially in housing—paired with no state income tax means residents can stretch their dollars further compared to many other major cities. For those who value diversity, Houston’s multicultural atmosphere is a standout, offering rich cultural experiences, international cuisine, and numerous festivals. The city is also home to world-class healthcare, anchored by the Texas Medical Center, and boasts a growing arts scene with museums, theaters, and music venues. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Houston’s parks, as well as its proximity to both coastal beaches and natural retreats in East Texas. With its mild winters, vibrant food culture, and family-friendly neighborhoods, Houston presents a dynamic and welcoming environment for individuals and families alike.

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