Executive Director

Description

Executive Director—Ventura | Full-Time | Exempt $100,255 - $120,306

Lead with heart, serve with purpose.  Join U.S.VETS to empower homeless and at-risk veterans rebuild their lives.

Are you a seasoned mission-driven leader committed to ensuring that every veteran and their family has access to safe housing and quality support services? Do you thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments, where your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and develop strong community partnerships can make a meaningful impact?

U.S.VETS — the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to preventing and ending veteran homelessness — is seeking a dynamic Executive Director to lead our brand-new site in Ventura, CA and champion our mission on the ground.

About U.S.VETS

At U.S.VETS, we believe all veterans deserve the opportunity to live with dignity and independence. Through housing, mental health services, case management, and workforce development, we help homeless and at-risk veterans rebuild their lives. Our staff is diverse, our mission is bold, and our commitment is unwavering.

The Opportunity

As Executive Director, you’ll oversee the successful development, growth and execution of all site operations, housing programs, and services that support veterans and their families in transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing and self-sufficiency. Reporting directly to the National Director of Executive Leadership, you will lead a dedicated team of professionals in delivering a wide range of integrated services while building impactful community relationships and ensuring compliance with federal grants and funding requirements.

This is an exciting opportunity for a results-oriented leader with a strong background in program oversight, staff management, operational excellence and fundraising.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary and day-to-day leadership for a multidisciplinary team serving veterans with complex needs.
• Ensure high-quality, trauma-informed services that promote housing stability, mental wellness, and economic independence.
• Manage site operations and fiscal performance, including oversight of a multi-million-dollar budget.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional development.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with the VA, local government, community organizations, landlords, and donors.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and grant requirements, including HMIS and federal audits.
• Champion fundraising and community engagement efforts in partnership with our national Development and Communications team.
• Lead and support staff in creating a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace aligned with U.S.VETS’ values.
  
  

The Ideal Candidate

You have demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex programs, ideally serving veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, or populations with behavioral health needs. You are fiscally savvy, outcome-oriented, and a strong communicator who builds trust across diverse stakeholders.

You are also:

• Mission-Aligned: Deeply committed to service and advocacy for veterans and other at-risk populations
• People-Centered: Skilled at coaching, developing, and empowering staff teams
• Strategic and Hands-On: Capable of big-picture thinking and operational execution
• Collaborative: Adept at building external partnerships and internal cohesion
• Accountable: Committed to measurable results, compliance, and principled leadership
  
  

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work, public administration, non-profit management, or related field
• At least 4 years of senior-level experience in nonprofit or public sector leadership, including staff supervision, program management, and budget oversight
• Experience serving veterans, individuals with mental health or substance use needs, and/or individuals experiencing homelessness is strongly preferred
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking and community engagement
• Demonstrated leadership in fundraising, fiscal stewardship, contract utilization and compliance
  
  

Note: The position will initially carry the title of Program Director during the required training and onboarding phase. Title will transition to Executive Director within 3–9 months.

Why Join U.S. VETS?

At U.S.VETS, you’re not just taking a job—you’re joining a movement. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a mission-driven culture where your leadership will shape the future of veteran services in your community.

Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, generous PTO, and more.

Grow Your Career: Gain valuable experience while receiving training and mentorship

Supportive Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals committed to collaboration, partnership, and the pursuit of excellence in our service to veterans and their families.

Make a Daily Impact: Help at-risk veterans and their families find housing, healing, and hope.

Ready to lead with heart, strategy, and purpose? Apply today and make a lasting difference in the lives of those who served.