Executive Director

Career Opportunity

The Stable Housing Improvement Project of Northeastern NC (SHIP) seeks their first Executive Director. This proactive leader will be a deeply engaged member of the community representing SHIP in the Northeastern NC/Elizabeth City community. The Executive Director will lead with character and confidence to work effectively in a highly visible role with a broad range of constituents, both within SHIP and externally.

Mission: SHIP’s mission is to empower individuals and families in Northeastern NC by providing affordable housing solutions that foster stability, dignity, and community integration. Through collaborative efforts SHIP aims to break the cycle of homelessness and housing insecurity, enabling a foundation for personal growth and self-reliance. 

Reporting Structure: The Executive Director reports to a 14-member Board of Directors. 

Total Staff and Budget: The Executive Director will be responsible for hiring staff (Program Director and Development Director in year one). The current annual budget is $500,000 and the anticipated 2027 budget is $750,000.

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience and the cost of living in the area and begins in the $80,000 range. A stipend will be provided so that the Executive Director may obtain their own benefits. SHIP offers four weeks of vacation and twelve paid holidays.

SHIP complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. SHIP is dedicated to ensuring fair treatment in recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, and all other employment practices.

Working Environment/Location: In office/Must live in Pasquotank County/Elizabeth City area.

More About the Opportunity

This is a remarkable and rare opportunity for an innovative and entrepreneurial leader to build a holistic permanent supportive housing organization founded upon Housing First principles. This leader will help mold a start up nonprofit into a structured organization poised for success with oversight of the organization’s operations, culture, values, talent, and financial performance. The SHIP Board of Directors and a group of consultants in an advisory capacity have worked hard since 2024 to create the organization’s mission and vision, conducted board education and training focused on infrastructure, and created action plans to support board committee work. An Action & Implementation Plan, Program Development Plan, and a Fund Development Plan have been created. 

The Need

The Northeastern region of NC faces significant challenges with homelessness and housing insecurity, impacting individuals and families across various demographics. The lack of supportive and affordable housing options in the area leads to increased rates of homelessness, mental health struggles, and barriers to personal and economic development. Individuals and families grappling with housing instability face numerous adversities, including health risks, financial strain, and limited opportunities for improvement. The choice between housing and other basic needs such as healthcare and nutrition is a daily reality for many.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:

#1 Passion for the Mission – This is more than a job.
The Executive Director will embody the values and mission of SHIP to lead the staff, board, volunteers, and members so that each stakeholder can belong, contribute, and succeed. Leading by example, the Executive Director will understand that at all times, empathy is an essential quality. The ideal candidate will have experience in and knowledge of the housing instability and unsheltered homelessness landscape and, working with the Board of Directors and other volunteers, will have an eye consistently focused on the future and how to best adapt the organization to potential changes. The Executive Director will have a collaborative spirit and will be a charismatic leader who treats all with respect. The ideal candidate will be an individual of unquestionable integrity, honesty, ethics, and values - someone who can be trusted without reservation. 

#2 An Innovative, Visionary, Strategic Leader – This is the future.
The Executive Director will possess a deep drive and passion for ensuring SHIP is at the forefront of community service, continually developing new opportunities to serve the mission. They will bring a keen understanding of the changing landscape of affordable housing and social services and will have best practices including Housing First, Harm Reduction, and Trauma-Informed Care. An effective storyteller, the Executive Director will exude an authentic, confident, and humble spirit that enables them to represent SHIP with a range of partners and community members. 

The Executive Director will be highly strategic, setting priorities decisively but collaboratively, delegating responsibilities, ensuring accountability, and effectively allocating resources to ensure results. This leader will have a strong data and analysis orientation and a proven ability to use metrics to drive decisions and achieve strategic objectives. The Executive Director will have a demonstrated understanding of how to run a financially sound organization, including experience managing and operating a budget. Deeply invested in staff voice, the Executive Director will have experience hiring and managing staff and will recognize the importance of the commitment of SHIP staff by fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and partnership across the organization.

#3 An Action Oriented Leader with a Commitment to Community – This is leading by example.
This empathetic leader will have a deep understanding of the issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and will infuse these concepts and values across the organization. The Executive Director will have experience working with diverse populations and will bring an inclusive lens to each aspect of the role. This person will be responsive to the needs of the community and will be respectful and mindful of the unique cultures and regional diversity represented throughout Northeastern NC. The Executive Director will be energized by the prospect of leading the organization’s staff and Board of Directors in its continued development of awareness, comfort, and confidence to address and champion equity in all aspects of the organization. Culturally competent, the successful candidate will have the character and integrity necessary to develop rapport with people of varying experiences, backgrounds, and philosophies, and to understand the nuanced differences in the community. 

# 4 An Authentic Ambassador and Community Builder – This is being SHIP’s community face.
The Executive Director will be an authentic ambassador and community builder. They will work to build rapport and promote SHIP as a dynamic, energetic, and credible face of the organization. The Executive Director will have the skills to articulate the vision of the organization to its supporting community, city council members, county commissioners, and faith organizations to attract new and diverse stakeholders through public speaking, presentations and shaking hands. This leader will also demonstrate an active ability to cultivate relationships with leaders in the private, foundation, and corporate sectors. The ideal candidate possesses the ability to properly balance collaboration and decisiveness, understanding where input is needed and then drive effectively and efficiently toward execution. The leader will have a high level of emotional intelligence with a demonstrated ability to quickly build trust and credibility with the people in the community. 

# 5 Fundraiser for SHIP – This role includes making many asks.
This leader will work tirelessly to develop meaningful relationships and promote SHIP with its many constituents and partners. This leader will have the skills to articulate the vision of the organization to its supporting community, attracting new and diverse partnerships. This leader will have familiarity with a wide range of fundraising channels, including individual giving, grant administration, and foundation support. The Executive Director will cultivate and grow relationships to strategically increase SHIP’s funding and donor base. They will have an inspirational approach to building collaboration and buy-in and generating support for the organization, continually innovating to help expand brand and reach. As the lead external voice of the organization, the Executive Director will be a recognized leader in the community.

Additional Preferred Attributes

• Strong experience as a nonprofit leader in the affordable housing and supporting services arena and an understanding and belief in the Housing First model.
• Compassion for and experience working directly with those who have experienced homelessness and/or trauma; direct exposure to homelessness services (shelters, outreach, housing navigation, case management, harm reduction, conflict resolution, and trauma-informed approaches) preferred.
• Understanding of the financial complexities and regulatory necessities of a nonprofit that operates with government funding (specifically HUD), rental income, private, and foundation funding. 
• Bachelor’s degree. Advanced degree preferred. Lived experience and deep community knowledge may substitute for formal education. Nonprofit certification is preferred. 
• Understanding of program management, evaluation and continuous improvement, risk management, compliance, and governance collaboration.

About the Organization

Founded in 2024, the Stable Housing Improvement Project (SHIP) is addressing the critical need for supportive and affordable housing solutions in Northeastern NC. SHIP’s work is focused on transforming lives and communities through the provision of supportive housing that caters to the underserved populations, ensuring they have access to a supportive and dignified environment.

SHIP’s vision is a community where every individual and family has access to supportive and affordable housing, contributing to a society that values dignity, stability, and community well-being above all. Leading the way in Northeastern NC, SHIP endeavors to be at the forefront of innovative housing solutions, expanding services to meet the growing needs and becoming a beacon of hope and empowerment for those SHIP services.

Want to know more? Visit the SHIP’s website at www.enc-ship.org. 

About Elizabeth City, NC

Northeastern NC has a slower pace of living, boasts universities, a community college, a large U.S. Coast Guard base less than one hour from Norfolk, VA, and the Outer Banks. From historic waterfront walks to treasures at the Museum of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City lives up to its name - the Harbor of Hospitality! Nestled in Northeastern North Carolina, it is a destination in its own right. Elizabeth City welcomes its citizens and visitors to slow down and feel at home. With a vibrant downtown, historic neighborhoods, and scenic waterfront views, Elizabeth City is a place that feels timeless yet full of life. Paddle the Pasquotank River, hike scenic trails, or stroll our waterfront. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Want to know more? https://visitelizabethcity.comand https://elizabethcitychamber.org.

Think you are the first SHIP Executive Director?

To apply, click on the link to the position at https://jobs.armstrongmcguire.com/. You will see instructions for uploading your compelling cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. Please provide all requested information to be considered. In case of any technical problems, contact talent@armstrongmcguire.com. No phone calls, please, and no applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites.

Review of candidates will continue until the position is filled.

About Armstrong McGuire

Armstrong McGuire is a national executive search, fundraising, and strategic advising firm that believes in unlocking the potential of nonprofit leaders and the communities they serve. Founded in 2004, our diverse team of advisors work with clients and leaders to align strategy, optimize operations, build capacity, and lead nationwide searches that bring supremely talented individuals to high-impact organizations. Learn more about our services in talent acquisition, fundraising counsel, and strategic planning.