Deputy Director Search conducted by: waldronhr.com
The Organization A.L. Humphrey House; photo by William Wright. Founded in 1980, Plymouth Housing Group (PHG) works to eliminate homelessness and address its causes by preserving, developing and operating safe, quality, supportive housing and by providing homeless adults with opportunities to stabilize and improve their lives. Plymouth was one of the first organizations to model Housing First, a practice that recognizes providing a safe place to live is a critical first step in stabilizing individuals coming out of homelessness (and is now considered a best practice nationally). This is complemented by a suite of wrap-around services and programs to help residents address and overcome the issues that led to homelessness so they can rebuild their lives, regain their dignity and make a successful transition to a stable life anchored in permanent housing. PHG s dedicated staff and leadership bring a deep sense of commitment and compassion to their work serving the chronically homeless. These residents are among the most vulnerable members of Seattle s community, having failed in housing previously, or lacking access to decent affordable housing due to poverty, disabilities, or lack of community support. Today, Plymouth is one of the largest nonprofit housing providers in the state. The organization is held in high regard nationwide for its noteworthy accomplishments on behalf of its residents, and its contributions to reducing chronic homelessness in Seattle. Currently serving over 1,000 residents in 14 buildings throughout downtown Seattle and First Hill, Plymouth plans to bring four new buildings online in the next five years, including one set to open this fall on Seventh and Cherry. Operating from a solid financial position with an annual budget of $30M, significant reserves, a long-tenured senior leadership team and a deeply engaged board of directors, Plymouth is well positioned to continue the organizational growth trajectory required to significantly reduce chronic homelessness in Seattle and King County.
The Opportunity Plymouth staff with Crystal, a Plymouth resident; photo by Margaret Nicholson. The Deputy Director will join Plymouth at a pivotal moment in the organization s growth in a role that will have a significant influence. The Deputy position has been reimagined as part of a leadership restructuring that allows the Executive Director to prioritize housing development and fundraising, and the Deputy to assume responsibility for all other functions. The Deputy will direct leadership team members responsible for housing operations and services, administration, and finances. The Deputy Director will oversee implementation of the recently completed five-year strategic plan, which outlines strategies to: support residents with high quality services reflecting known best practices and promising new approaches; build a culture that is employee-centric and embraces diversity; ensure strong governance structures to support Plymouth s ability to carry out its mission; and, address unmet housing needs by developing an additional 350 housing units. The Deputy Director will rely on wisdom and practical business skills, honed in the managerial trenches of growing organizations, to inform decisions about teamwork, collaboration, accountability, and refining the current infrastructure. The complexity of Plymouth s work and the policy/funding environment in which it operates requires a Deputy who sees every challenge as an opportunity to innovate and strengthen systems, so that the disruptions that naturally arise from constant growth and change are easily handled. The Deputy Director will be a leader of leaders, able to solidify the collective power of a highly skilled and strong leadership team while driving toward clear decisions and actions. Reporting to the Executive Director, and serving as a trusted advisor, the Deputy will lead collaboratively across departments and functions to ensure the systems, processes, people and resources are in place to optimize efficiency and accommodate Plymouth s anticipated growth. Externally, the Deputy will serve as an important public voice for Plymouth, working closely with community partners and funders to advocate on behalf of Seattle s homeless and the organizations that serve them.
Ideal Candidate Brandon, a Building Manager, with Fred, a resident; photo by Tina Kiel. Plymouth Housing Group s new Deputy Director is passionate about PHG s mission and brings optimism and enthusiasm to the challenging work of ending homelessness in our community. The ideal candidate is excited by the opportunity to play an influential leadership role in one of the community s most highly regarded housing organizations, and shares the staff and board s belief that housing is a social justice issue. High emotional intelligence is essential for this role. The ideal candidate is an effective and confident communicator and relationship builder; someone who leads by influence and is sensitive to team dynamics. The Deputy s responsibilities will touch every level of the organization; strong emotional and cultural intelligence is crucial to engage compassionately and respectfully with residents, staff, board members and community partners, all of whom bring diverse racial, educational and socio-economic backgrounds to the organization. The ideal candidate calmly navigates in a dynamic and fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment. Decisive and positive, the Deputy is a creative problem solver who listens actively, synthesizes multiple view points and moves people to action. The ideal candidate is results-driven, unafraid to act, delegate, and hold others accountable. The ideal candidate is detail oriented and a skilled multi-tasker who can keep the end goal in sight, yet possesses the agility and level-headedness required to manage unforeseen circumstances. Exceptional business acumen and knowledge of complex nonprofit finances that include public and private funding as well as earned revenue is required. Additionally, the candidate has experience with change management in a growing organization, and brings a systems level perspective. Insightful and innovative, the Deputy is a true partner to the leadership team, instinctively knowing the right questions to ask and when to lean in with support at critical moments. Candidates must be masterful in communicating strategic vision and organizational priorities and motivating others to achieve these goals. Defining personal characteristics include professionalism, warmth, empathy, approachability, intelligence, humility, flexibility and adaptability. A strong work ethic, sense of humor and deep respect for the dignity of all humans, especially the most vulnerable who comprise Plymouth s resident population, are essential in this role.
Qualifications Sabrina, a Plymouth resident, with Anina, an on-site Nurse Practitioner; photo by Elisabeth Vasquez Hein. The successful candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible hands-on executive leadership roles. Experience managing high performing teams, organizational change and growth is required. The ideal candidate should be skilled in organizational development, and will have talent leading, motivating and empowering senior leaders. A background in social services, public health, housing, nonprofit administration, or finance is required. A knowledge of public funding systems, either from a role in government or an organization that receives significant public funding, is essential. Knowledge of the Seattle/King County region and players is an asset. Diverse leadership experience is valued and may include the public, nonprofit, or private sector or some combination thereof. A bachelor s degree is required and an advanced degree is an asset. To Be Considered Plymouth Housing Group is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Please go to candidateportal.waldronhr.com to submit your resume and a cover letter that expresses both your passion for the mission and fit for the role. The search for Plymouth Housing Group s next Deputy Director is being assisted by a team from Waldron: Sarah Meyer Search Director Direct: 206.792.4421 Sarahm@waldronhr.com Lauren Pederson Engagement Manager Direct: 206.462.6192 Lauren@waldronhr.com
Waldron is honored to work with Plymouth Housing Group in the search for a Deputy Director. Plymouth Housing Group does amazing work, and we are doing our best to recruit a talented team member who will accelerate this mission. As the consulting partner strategic leaders choose to help attract, engage, and inspire effective leaders, Waldron provides a unique combination of executive search, leadership development, and career transition services across sectors and industries. Our passion is helping people and organizations realize their full potential and increase their impact. Seattle Portland San Francisco waldronhr.com