The Opportunity

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO will join Kindway at a time of exciting growth and development, building on the founding leader’s legacy and success. They will guide an energized faith-based organization that is deeply committed to impacting formerly incarcerated individuals’ lives, families, and futures.

This role will require an individual who has successfully led large-scale expansion while demonstrating a deep emotional connection to the team that drives the organization.

The next leader should have a heart for the incarcerated population, a belief in “second chances,” and strong personal faith. This individual will be a natural leader who exhibits high emotional intelligence and the ability to connect naturally with staff, donors, participants, corporate organizations, and prison leadership.

The CEO will embody a servant’s mindset who inspires and equips teams to accomplish meaningful initiatives while thriving in a collaborative, high-energy environment.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience leading a “best-in-class” organization that has achieved measurable results and sustainable growth. Strong business acumen will be a key leadership characteristic that will ensure Kindway ‘s ongoing success.

Position Responsibilities

• Provide broad direction to ensure Kindway‘s long-term sustainability and growth while leading the operational performance day to day.
• Ensure Kindway‘s Christ-centered mission and values are upheld and seamlessly integrated into programming, operations, leadership, and donor engagement.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with corporate sponsors, faith-based organizations, housing and employment partners, key stakeholders, and the Department of Corrections.
• Leverage social media, digital marketing, web, and other media platforms to expand the Kindway brand, diversify marketing channels, and foster the development of strategic partnerships.
• Work closely with the board and development team to identify new funding opportunities and clearly communicate Kindway‘s mission to potential supporters. Serve as a key external representative, enhancing the organization’s awareness and credibility.
• Offer insights into the ideal organizational structure. Evaluate each team member’s talents, skills, and capabilities necessary to achieve Kindway‘s objectives.
• Promote an inclusive workplace and a healthy culture across all organizational functions. Continue to cultivate an open, respectful, and trusting environment by leading with a collaborative leadership style.

The CEO will collaborate with the board and leadership team to:

• Enhance and implement growth strategies that align with the organization’s short- and long-term financial requirements.
• Provide strategic direction and collaborate with the board and leadership team to define long-term goals that propel the organization into the future.
• Lead the annual budget process, ensuring financial sustainability is aligned with the organizational priorities.
• Adhere to board policies and exhibit the highest level of integrity in all financial and operational decisions.
• Update the board on key issues, trends, and program successes while guiding strategic discussions for future growth and expansion.

Desired Personal Qualities

• Selfless Leader: Empowers team members by providing guidance, support, and growth opportunities. Gains satisfaction from the accomplishments of the collective. Has the gift of mentoring and developing others with authenticity.
• Confident and Humble: Listens, recognizes, expresses gratitude, and gives credit to the leadership team and employees for accomplishments. Readily accepts guidance and feedback from others.
• Agile: Swiftly adapts in fast-paced environments, learns quickly, and efficiently manages challenges with competence and composure. Adjusts strategy and execution based on evolving market conditions and responds to complicated challenges with speed and accuracy.
• Emotionally Intelligent and Self-Aware: Objectively understands their actions, thoughts, limitations, and how their behaviors impact others.
• Curious: Possesses a deep desire to know and understand without judgment. Seeks answers to why and how.
• Proactive: Forward-thinking and open to new ideas. Thrives in an environment of continuous improvement.
• Unflappable: Exhibits poise in the face of adversity while instilling a sense of trust in others.
• Compassionate: Approaches all individuals with respect and empathy, cultivating an environment where people feel heard, included, and valued. Demonstrates genuine care for others.

Essential Qualifications

• 10 or more years of progressive leadership experience in a growing organization.
• A deep commitment to personal faith and strong alignment with the mission, vision, and values of Kindway.
• Embodies an entrepreneurial spirit to “think big” and is unfazed by challenges in pursuing the “possible.”
• Proven ability to set strategy and establish the executional approach to drive operational excellence.
• Demonstrated capacity to drive initiatives that are anchored by key performance indicators. Values the importance of data in making key decisions.
• Previous experience in leading an organization that has undergone growth and added complexity.
• Leverages their personal brand and integrity to advance meaningful relationships, strengthen partnerships, connect resources, and elevate the overall awareness of Kindway.
• Experience in recruiting, developing, and directing high-performing teams to support growth and expansion strategies.
• Adept at grasping and communicating the ‘big picture’ while diving into the details to identify growth opportunities, challenges, and potential risks.
• Known for building and galvanizing formidable teams by encouraging collective input, providing clear direction, and exuding truthfulness felt throughout the organization.
• Demonstrates an open, direct, and objective communication style that empowers and engages others. Articulates ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively to staff, board members, volunteers, donors, and community leaders.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, public administration, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).