Interim Executive Director ( Must Submit Proposal)

Avenues for Youth•Minneapolis, MN

13d

About The Position

Avenues for Youth is seeking a candidate for a contract position of Interim Executive Director. This is an opportunity to lead a growing youth-centered organization partnering with young people experiencing homelessness and to facilitate an inclusive and values-focused search for a new permanent Executive Director. Avenues for Youth has supported youth ages 16-24 in Hennepin County for 30 years, providing stable homes, building trusting relationships, and supporting youth's education, career, health and wellness, and housing goals. The organization operates two shelter/transitional living programs, temporary supportive housing for young families, outreach and drop-in services, affordable housing, the ConneQT Host Home Program, and the Avenues for Youth Families program. 2026 has been a year of significant growth, including a capacity campaign, a new building, and programming expansion. Avenues' mission is to partner with youth experiencing homelessness to achieve their dreams, with a vision of a community where all youth flourish. The organization's work is guided by 9 Evidence-based Principles and core values: Equity, Community, Respect + Dignity, Trust, Liberation, and Anti-oppression. Key principles include understanding that homelessness does not define a person, that trauma and mental health are central to their work, that systemic oppression, racism, and poverty are root causes of homelessness, and that youth are resilient and the drivers of their own journeys.

Requirements

Relevant experience as outlined in résumé.
Philosophy of approach including alignment with the values and goals of this RFP.
Qualifications and relevant interim executive leadership experience in nonprofits with examples of transition and executive search experience.
Approach to entering an organization and assessing priorities.
Plan to maintain organizational stability and support strategic decision-making and executive leadership at Avenues, including sustaining current culture through transition.
Experience with financial oversight, budgeting, and nonprofit governance.
Proposed executive search methodology including timeline, youth, staff and Board engagement.
Proposed timeline and milestones from the start of the contract through onboarding of the permanent Executive Director.
Proposed fee structure and anticipated reimbursable expenses.
Three professional references.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading programs or organizations through times of transition.
Experience managing competing priorities and dealing with multiple important factors simultaneously.
Experience leading a group of engaged young people, staff, and board members in an executive search.

Responsibilities

Provide administrative, financial, personnel, and program management for the organization with support from the Associate Executive Director, Director of Advancement, and Director of Finance.
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the work.
Guide a diverse and talented staff.
Ensure the financial stability of the organization during a period of growth.
Represent Avenues within the community and to a limited extent, with funders.
Work with the Board of Directors to conduct a search for a permanent director.
Understand and embody the organization's values and guiding principles in leadership and the executive search process.
Work with the program team to ensure excellent inclusive programming supports young people in finding and maintaining housing and exiting into safe and stable housing.
Work with the Director of Finance to maintain the fiscal health of the organization and plan resources according to programming and administrative needs.
Support the Director of Advancement in raising funds from government, foundation, and individual donors and communicating the work of Avenues in the community.
Partner with the Associate Executive Director in managing the human resources, operation, and infrastructure of the organization.
Ensure proper oversight of the organization by providing consistent support and updates to the Board of Directors, working in partnership with the Board Officers and Committee Chairs.
Ensure compliance with all federal and state laws and execute legal documents on behalf of the Board of Directors.
Serve as representative for the organization with funders, community members, government funders, and media.
Conduct interviews and focus groups to identify the key competencies and skillsets needed for the next permanent Executive Director.
Develop the necessary infrastructure to ensure that young people, staff, and Board can participate in the search process.
Create and execute a timeline to hire the permanent Executive Director by mid-2027.