Executive Director
Common Cathedral
ABOUT COMMON CATHEDRAL
The mission of common cathedral is to build community with and provide spiritual care to unhoused people in Boston, and to bridge the gap between housed and unhoused people. common cathedral (Ecclesia Ministries, Inc.) is part of a national and international network of outdoor congregations. Every Sunday for 25 years, no matter the weather or circumstance, the common cathedral congregation has worshipped on the Boston Common. Throughout the week, housed and unhoused people come together sharing God's love through community, pastoral care, creative expression, and being present to one another. We welcome and support all people. common cathedral serves as an important community for people experiencing homelessness, and for faith communities who want to be in a supportive relationship with unhoused people and their friends.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Board of common cathedral is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Executive Director to guide the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact. This leader will manage and continually improve our program design and offerings, manage strategic initiatives, and strengthen the organization’s long-term sustainability.
Most importantly, the Executive Director will be the public face of common cathedral, cultivating relationships with donors, churches, and foundations while expanding the organization’s visibility. The ideal candidate will bring exceptional skill and deep experience with strategic planning, administrative management, fundraising, and a passion for advancing equity and social justice for the unhoused community.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1) Mission and Strategy
- Lead the implementation of programs that support common cathedral’s mission.
- Oversee strategic planning initiatives in partnership with the Board of Directors.
- Enhance common cathedral’s visibility by fostering relationships with congregations, civic leaders, and partner organizations.
- Be visible and maintain strong relationships with the unhoused community.
2) Operations and Team Management
- Hire, supervise, and retain a qualified, mission-aligned staff.
- Establish performance standards and cultivate a collaborative, inclusive work environment centered on shared purpose, mutual respect and collaboration.
- Implement anti-racist practices across all aspects of the organization.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures to ensure operational excellence.
3) Financial Performance and Fundraising
- Develop and diversify revenue streams to ensure financial stability.
- Oversee fiscal management, including preparing the annual budget, monthly expense reconciliation and reporting.
- Lead fundraising efforts, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and identifying new funding opportunities.
- Ensure the fiscal integrity of common cathedral with the board, community, donors and partners.
4) Board Governance
- Partner with the Board to fulfill the organization’s mission and strategic goals.
- Ensure the Board operates in compliance with the organization’s bylaws.
- Communicate regularly and transparently with the Board, ensuring they have the information needed to make informed decisions.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will bring:
Leadership & Strategic Vision
- Transparent, high-integrity leadership with at least 5 years of senior nonprofit management experience.
- Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans while aligning with organizational values.
Fundraising & Financial Acumen
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor relations, and securing new revenue streams.
- Strong financial management skills, including budget oversight and reporting.
Community Engagement & Advocacy
- Commitment to equity, social justice, and anti-racist practices.
- Experience engaging with diverse communities, particularly unhoused people and faith-based partners.
Operational & Team Management
- Solid organizational abilities, including program development, delegation, and task facilitation.
- Ability to inspire and collaborate effectively with staff, volunteers, and the Board.
Communication & Relationship Building
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with strong public speaking ability.
- Ability to envision and convey the organization’s strategic future
- Previous success establishing relationships with funders, partner agencies, and volunteers.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree and/or advanced ministerial training preferred.
- Bilingual in Spanish and/or other languages is a plus.
STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
Ecclesia Ministries Inc. does not discriminate on grounds of age, race, color, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, disability, veteran status or genetic information or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.