Interfaith Assistance Ministry
Interfaith Assistance Ministry (IAM) seeks an innovative and experienced Executive Director (ED) to fulfill its mission to assist members of our community experiencing a crisis with basic needs, in an atmosphere of compassion and respect.
The Area
Cradled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Henderson County is a blend of tradition and transition, a place where Appalachian heritage meets modern aspirations. The county is home to more than 120,000 residents, many of whom are drawn to its mild climate, mountain vistas, and small town charm. It is a culturally rich region that is both economically and geographically diverse. Its quality of life makes it highly attractive as a place to live. Whether it is outdoor recreation, restaurants, breweries, or a place to vacation or retire, the area continues to rank highly in people’s opinions. Whether you’re strolling the historic streets of Hendersonville, hiking in DuPont State Forest, or enjoying the Apple Festival, the county offers a lifestyle rooted in nature and neighborliness.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene in September 2024, our region faced unprecedented devastation and made it one of the organization’s most challenging years ever. The aftermath of the storm will be with our neighbors for many years to come. However IAM’s commitment to providing crisis support remained unwavering as it served 1 in 9 Henderson County households.
Less well-known is that we face cross-cutting challenges including a significant affordable housing deficit, a cost of living that outpaces wages, and an expected surge in need given recent cuts to state and federal assistance programs,
The Organization
Interfaith Assistance Ministry envisions a compassionate community working together to meet the basic needs of all in our community.
With extensive in-kind donations and over 24,000 volunteer hours, IAM is able to maximize the impact of its food, clothing, and financial assistance programs. IAM partners with congregations, nonprofits, social service agencies, businesses, civic groups, and neighborhood organizations to efficiently and effectively serve Henderson County residents in crisis. IAM strives to prevent homelessness, keep neighbors safe and warm, and preserve the dignity and health of our most vulnerable citizens. Ultimately, IAM aims to make Henderson County a better, more equitable place for all.
HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF – 2024-25
IAM organized drive-thru emergency food distribution, collected donations of food, clothing, and hygiene items from around the country, and coordinated with local government and civic organizations to provide support and supplies to thousands of area citizens whose lives were upended by Hurricane Helene.
Our most recent annual report outlines our community impact in our programs and services: Food Assistance, Financial Assistance, Clothing Assistance, Mobile Pantry, HOP Deliveries, and the IAM Thrift Store.
Our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan has the following Strategic priorities:
Increase and diversify IAM’s financial resources to address growing community need and ensure financial stability Improve access to services for neighbors in need
Expand infrastructure to provide sufficient space and technology to support IAM’s workforce and accomplish its mission
Develop human resources to ensure the ongoing capability and diversity of staff, volunteers, and board members
IAM is governed by a committed 16-member board of Directors, has 28 experienced and dedicated staff, and an annual budget of ~$2 million. The Position IAM seeks a dynamic, innovative and experienced leader to grow the organization strategically, ensuring the organization’s financial and operational health while overseeing the provision of high-quality services, partnership and community engagement, and board management. The ED will provide the inspired external and internal leadership required of this role. The new ED must have proven, significant, and successful organizational leadership experience and the ability to oversee fundraising, programs, and overall operations while working effectively with both the staff and the board to guide the organization. The ED must possess the talent to listen and communicate effectively and to build relationships with multiple constituencies, including the Board, staff, volunteers, donors, agency partners, and other community leaders. The ED is also responsible for building trust in IAM and its relevance in the community. The incoming Executive Director will succeed Elizabeth Moss who retires October 3rd. She has led the organization effectively since 2017. Key Responsibilities: Responsible for the overall impact of IAM on the community. Leads long range planning and visioning, including assessment of community needs in partnership with the Board of Directors and staff. Serves as agency spokesperson. Oversees all marketing and public relations and advocacy efforts, acts as liaison with partner organizations, and nurtures and expands the organization’s key external relationships. Leads organizational efforts to grow revenue and increase philanthropic support in partnership with the Board and Staff. Manages budget development, financial forecasting, and mitigates financial risk in partnership with the Board of Directors and the CFO. Manages operations, leads the staff team, and maintains the integrity of the organization along with the COO. Comfortable with delegating to others. Provides advice, counsel, and support to the Board of Directors, and helps maintain and leverage an engaged, powerful board. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and supervises the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Thrift Store Manager, Community Outreach Coordinator, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Director of HR.
Priorities for the new Executive Director The new leader will lead the organization in focusing on the following priorities within the first 12-18 months of their tenure: Gain an understanding of and embed themselves fully into the community Continue the strong, safe, and cohesive internal culture Grow organizational revenue in the midst of significant state/federal funding cuts Envision the organization’s future – including embark on a strategic planning process
The strongest candidates will have these qualifications: Commitment to and passion for the IAM vision, mission, and values Visionary nonprofit leader - five years of senior nonprofit management experience - including administration, staff supervision, strategic planning, evaluation, finance, and organizational development and innovation. Successful fundraiser - Proven track record in growing and diversifying funding streams including both institutional, individual donors, and earned income. Extraordinary relationship-builder across difference - Skill in developing deep relationships with community leaders, board members, volunteers, donors, and other key stakeholders and constituencies. Seen as approachable. Effective communicator – Strong leadership presence serving as spokesperson for an organization and a demonstrated ability to leverage organizational visibility and credibility through the media and other public relations sources. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Effective teambuilder - Professional and personal style consistent with the supportive, collaborative team-oriented culture of IAM. Experience creating and a collaborative organizational culture that attracts, motivates, and retains a diverse, talented staff. Experience employing an inclusive leadership style that builds community, creates psychological safety, and fosters creativity among the staff. High level of emotional intelligence – accurately perceive and express yourself, personal humility/servant leadership, integrity, empathy, active listener, develop and maintain social relationships, adapt to challenges, and use emotions in an effective way - and a sense of humor. Strong understanding of finance – including budgeting, forecasting, and analyzing financial statements.
Additional desired skills and experiences (but not required): Advanced degree in a relevant field - or other relevant business, public or nonprofit sector experience. We prefer applicants with local knowledge but we also welcome transplants with nonprofit leadership expertise who have experience with the challenges and opportunities that need addressing in Henderson County. Bilingual in Spanish
Compensation: Salary: $115,000
Please ensure you read the below overview and requirements for this employment opportunity completely. Benefits: Paid Time Off: 15 days Paid Sick Leave: 10 days Paid Holidays: 12 days plus Winter Break (December 24 - January 1) Paid Health Insurance- 70% of employee coverage 403b Contribution – 5% of salary (after 90 days; fully vests in 1 year)
To apply: To apply, please send a resume and a detailed cover letter, that demonstrates the fit between your qualifications to the skills and experience above, in one pdf file using the following naming convention: “Your Last Name-Your First Name.pdf”, via email only to: IAM Search Committee search@iam-hc.org Please, no phone calls or snail mail. The hiring process: Review of applications will begin mid August and continue until the position closes September 12th, unless extended. Selected candidates may be invited to multiple interviews conducted on Zoom and in-person in October and November. Ideally the new Executive Director will start work on or before January 1, 2026. Interfaith Assistance Ministry is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to recruiting a broadly diverse pool of qualified candidates for the position.
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IAM is governed by a committed 16-member board of Directors, has 28 experienced and dedicated staff, and an annual budget of ~$2 million. The Position IAM seeks a dynamic, innovative and experienced leader to grow the organization strategically, ensuring the organization’s financial and operational health while overseeing the provision of high-quality services, partnership and community engagement, and board management. The ED will provide the inspired external and internal leadership required of this role. The new ED must have proven, significant, and successful organizational leadership experience and the ability to oversee fundraising, programs, and overall operations while working effectively with both the staff and the board to guide the organization. The ED must possess the talent to listen and communicate effectively and to build relationships with multiple constituencies, including the Board, staff, volunteers, donors, agency partners, and other community leaders. The ED is also responsible for building trust in IAM and its relevance in the community. The incoming Executive Director will succeed Elizabeth Moss who retires October 3rd. She has led the organization effectively since 2017. Key Responsibilities: Responsible for the overall impact of IAM on the community. Leads long range planning and visioning, including assessment of community needs in partnership with the Board of Directors and staff. Serves as agency spokesperson. Oversees all marketing and public relations and advocacy efforts, acts as liaison with partner organizations, and nurtures and expands the organization’s key external relationships. Leads organizational efforts to grow revenue and increase philanthropic support in partnership with the Board and Staff. Manages budget development, financial forecasting, and mitigates financial risk in partnership with the Board of Directors and the CFO. Manages operations, leads the staff team, and maintains the integrity of the organization along with the COO. Comfortable with delegating to others. Provides advice, counsel, and support to the Board of Directors, and helps maintain and leverage an engaged, powerful board. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and supervises the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Thrift Store Manager, Community Outreach Coordinator, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Director of HR.
Priorities for the new Executive Director The new leader will lead the organization in focusing on the following priorities within the first 12-18 months of their tenure: Gain an understanding of and embed themselves fully into the community Continue the strong, safe, and cohesive internal culture Grow organizational revenue in the midst of significant state/federal funding cuts Envision the organization’s future – including embark on a strategic planning process
The strongest candidates will have these qualifications: Commitment to and passion for the IAM vision, mission, and values Visionary nonprofit leader - five years of senior nonprofit management experience - including administration, staff supervision, strategic planning, evaluation, finance, and organizational development and innovation. Successful fundraiser - Proven track record in growing and diversifying funding streams including both institutional, individual donors, and earned income. Extraordinary relationship-builder across difference - Skill in developing deep relationships with community leaders, board members, volunteers, donors, and other key stakeholders and constituencies. Seen as approachable. Effective communicator – Strong leadership presence serving as spokesperson for an organization and a demonstrated ability to leverage organizational visibility and credibility through the media and other public relations sources. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Effective teambuilder - Professional and personal style consistent with the supportive, collaborative team-oriented culture of IAM. Experience creating and a collaborative organizational culture that attracts, motivates, and retains a diverse, talented staff. Experience employing an inclusive leadership style that builds community, creates psychological safety, and fosters creativity among the staff. High level of emotional intelligence – accurately perceive and express yourself, personal humility/servant leadership, integrity, empathy, active listener, develop and maintain social relationships, adapt to challenges, and use emotions in an effective way - and a sense of humor. Strong understanding of finance – including budgeting, forecasting, and analyzing financial statements.
Additional desired skills and experiences (but not required): Advanced degree in a relevant field - or other relevant business, public or nonprofit sector experience. We prefer applicants with local knowledge but we also welcome transplants with nonprofit leadership expertise who have experience with the challenges and opportunities that need addressing in Henderson County. Bilingual in Spanish
Compensation: Salary: $115,000
Please ensure you read the below overview and requirements for this employment opportunity completely. Benefits: Paid Time Off: 15 days Paid Sick Leave: 10 days Paid Holidays: 12 days plus Winter Break (December 24 - January 1) Paid Health Insurance- 70% of employee coverage 403b Contribution – 5% of salary (after 90 days; fully vests in 1 year)
To apply: To apply, please send a resume and a detailed cover letter, that demonstrates the fit between your qualifications to the skills and experience above, in one pdf file using the following naming convention: “Your Last Name-Your First Name.pdf”, via email only to: IAM Search Committee search@iam-hc.org Please, no phone calls or snail mail. The hiring process: Review of applications will begin mid August and continue until the position closes September 12th, unless extended. Selected candidates may be invited to multiple interviews conducted on Zoom and in-person in October and November. Ideally the new Executive Director will start work on or before January 1, 2026. Interfaith Assistance Ministry is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to recruiting a broadly diverse pool of qualified candidates for the position.
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