Chief Executive Officer

Connectly Recruiting and The Boland Group have been selected by the Board of Directors of St. Vincent de Paul Baton Rouge to conduct this retained CEO search for St. Vincent de Paul in Baton Rouge, LA.

About St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP): Founded in Paris in 1833, the Society of SVDP is a worldwide community of more than 800,000 lay Catholics, known as Vincentians, who join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to neighbors in need. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of the USA (SVDP-USA) harnesses the power of community and partnerships to feed, clothe, house and heal individuals and families in our community who have nowhere else to turn for help. SVdP-USA provides more than $1.7 billion in aid to more than 5 million people every year. Our 90,000 volunteer members (Vincentians) are women and men who are compelled by our Catholic Christian faith to serve those who are needy and suffering. From rental assistance and homelessness prevention, to thrift stores and food pantries, to disaster recovery and charitable pharmacies, we share our time and treasure with those who need help and hope. We believe everyone deserves a fair chance at a bright future, regardless of income or life circumstances.

About SVDP-Baton Rouge (SVDP-BR): SVDP-BR operates thrift stores and multiple shelter/residential programs which serve at risk and homeless populations throughout the greater Baton Rouge region. SVDP-BR is one of the flagship locations of SVDP nationwide; in fact, the position is open because the previous CEO was asked to lead SVDP nationally. SVDP-BR has a storied history of serving the most vulnerable of Greater Baton Rouge for over 100 years. Through one-to-one contact, food programs, shelters, and other programs, SVDP-BR strives to alleviate suffering, while promoting each individual’s dignity and integrity. SVDP-BR’s services include Disaster Relief, Food Services, Shelter / Housing, Stores & Distribution Centers, and Prescription Assistance.

About the Position: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides vision, leadership, and direction to fulfill SVDP-BR’s mission to act as a network of friends, inspired by Gospel Values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and in service to people in need. As the primary spokesperson, fundraiser, and advocate, the CEO is the face of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. The successful candidate for CEO will be a dynamic leader with a strong commitment to Catholic values and proven experience in nonprofit management. To ensure the organization’s effective operation and growth, the successful candidate will have exceptional skills in fundraising, strategic planning, and public relations. This position reports to the SVDP-BR Board of Directors as well as the Diocesan Council of Baton Rouge, and supervises the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and other office staff.

About the Opportunity: The outgoing CEO has been with the organization for decades, and is beloved by employees and clients served. The incoming CEO will benefit from all that the previous CEO has accomplished, and will have the opportunity to earn loyalty and respect as they build upon their predecessor’s legacy. For the right candidate, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take the helm of a flagship SVDP and leverage the platform to do even more good.

Responsibilities: As the successful candidate for CEO, you will have a relevant experience in: 1) Fundraising & Development; 2) Public Relations and Community Engagement; 3) Liaison to Outside Agencies; 4) Board Liaison; 5) Administration, Resource Management & Governance; 6) Strategic Planning; and 7) Liaison to National organization (e.g. St. Vincent de Paul-USA)

Requirements: In addition to the above, you’ll have these minimum qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Social Services, or a related field is required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of nonprofit leadership experience, including experience with fundraising, public relations, and strategic planning required.
• Leadership experience in Catholic or faith-based organizations strongly preferred. Due to the nature of this position, it is required that the incumbent be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing who is registered and active in a parish. Active Vincentian preferred.
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, grants, and diverse funding sources.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills, including large events, donor meetings, interviews with the media
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational management skills, including financial management skills, including budgeting and resource allocation.
• Knowledge of local and national social services systems, Catholic teachings, and an understanding of community needs.
• Stable work history: no change of employers in less than two years without reasonable explanation.
• Ability to be present in various indoor and outdoor environments (in varying weather conditions),including shelters, community centers, and event venues, various program sites, community centers, and partner agency locations throughout the Baton Rouge Diocese.
• Commitment to attend events (even if on weeknights or weekends), meet with community stakeholders, conduct site visits, represent SVDP-BR locally, regionally and nationally.
• Commitment to regularly visit specially SVDP service sites, e.g. shelters and food distribution centers where people experiencing homelessness, poverty, or other challenges are being served.
• Demonstrated personal commitment serving those in need, including easily engaging and putting at ease clients with widely varying needs from diverse populations.
• At the appropriate time, you will provide references who can speak to your 1) interpersonal effectiveness and emotional intelligence, 2) your sincere belief in SVDP’s mission and charism to care for the person in front of you, 3) ability to kindly and directly communicate with clients, volunteers and staff, 4) to remain calm and collected, even in stressful situations, and 5) demonstrated focus on prioritizing the mental well being of others.

For immediate consideration, please submit your resume. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews.