Chief Executive Officer

THE ORGANIZATION: 

What started out in 1984 as a humble effort to house families experiencing homelessness in two farmhouses and five rented apartments, has since grown into one of Orange County’s most impactful nonprofits. Tackling the pervasive issue of homelessness for families with children, last year Families Forward improved the lives of nearly 18,000 people. From providing food assistance through the Community Market, career coaching, mental health counseling, to financial literacy education, Families Forward as committed to strengthening overall well-being as it is to ensuring families have a safe and affordable place to call home and the opportunity to thrive. One of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population is working families with children struggling to make ends meet. The high cost of basic living, including rent, transportation and childcare, coupled with the significant lack of affordable housing puts many families at risk.  

Families Forward works with families experiencing homelessness to find realistic solutions for sustainable housing and build individualized plans to return each family to self-sufficiency. Its comprehensive housing program provides families with a wide range of housing solutions, including emergency motel stays, brief interim housing support, rapid re-housing assistance, homeless prevention services, and long-term affordable housing opportunities. Families Forward believes that once a family is securely housed, supportive services can then provide the resources needed for a family to overcome their unique challenges and achieve economic stability.  

Families Forward incorporates a holistic family care model that recognizes the connection between poverty, housing, health, and food security. Client success is defined as the achievement and long-term maintenance of stable housing, increased income, and overall family well-being, particularly for families who are extremely low-income and at high risk of entering or re-entering the homelessness response system. Families Forward’s approach is grounded in research showing that housing stability and income growth are critical predictors of long-term resilience among families exiting homelessness.  

To learn more about Families Forward, please visit https://www.families-forward.org/.  

THE OPPORTUNITY: 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for leading Families Forward’s strategy, operations, and organizational performance in support of its programs and services to deliver the mission. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the CEO ensures that the organization’s mission is carried out while providing vision and operational leadership for the organization’s continued growth and development. As a highly visible representative of Families Forward, the CEO builds and maintains strong relationships with key constituencies including families served, Board members, donors, volunteers, government agencies, and community partners.  

Families Forward currently has an annual operating budget of $10 million. The CEO will oversee the budget and a staff of 55 employees, providing support to the following direct reports: Chief Advancement Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Program Officer, Senior Director of Talent and Operations, and Executive Assistant.  

The CEO is expected to be in the office four to five days a week, including evenings and weekends to meet with donors and community members.