Position Title
Executive Director
Reports To
Board of Directors
Location
In-person, Austin, Texas
Status
Full-Time, Exempt
Annual Salary Range
$75,000
In addition to the base salary, this position offers the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses tied to fundraising goals. The Executive Director and Board of Directors will establish these goals together, creating shared accountability for advancing Building Promise USA's fundraising strategy and long-term sustainability.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected].
We Encourage You to Apply!
We recognize that many qualified candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. If you are excited about Building Promise USA's mission and believe you could succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply—even if your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification.
We welcome candidates who bring direct or indirect justice involvement whether through personal lived experience or professional experience supporting individuals impacted by incarceration. This may include work in fields such as behavioral health, addiction and recovery services, homelessness services, workforce development, social work, peer support, criminal justice, or other community-based human services. We value diverse perspectives and believe there are many pathways to becoming an exceptional leader for Building Promise USA.
About Building Promise USA
Building Promise USA (BPUSA) is a peer-led, peer-run, and peer-driven nonprofit organization working to eliminate the cycle of incarceration, unemployment, and homelessness among people with justice involvement and behavioral health challenges. Through transitional services, peer support, workforce development, advocacy, and community partnerships, we empower individuals returning from incarceration to successfully reintegrate into their communities and build meaningful, self-determined lives.
Our Mission
To eliminate the cycle of incarceration, unemployment, and homelessness among people with justice involvement and behavioral health challenges.
Our Vision
Formerly incarcerated individuals have the opportunity to successfully transition back into the community and reach their full potential.
Our Values
Peer Driven – We believe those closest to the challenges are closest to the solutions. We intentionally center lived experience in our leadership, programming, and decision-making.
Recovery-Oriented – We honor and support all paths to recovery.
Respectful – We believe every individual deserves dignity, opportunity, and the ability to build a meaningful future after incarceration.
Who We're Looking For
BPUSA is seeking a values-driven, strategic, and relationship-centered Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact.
This leader will build upon BPUSA's strong reputation while strengthening long-term financial sustainability, expanding community partnerships, developing staff, and ensuring the organization continues to deliver high-quality, peer-driven services. They will be equally comfortable setting strategic direction, cultivating donors and partners, strengthening internal operations, and serving as the organization's primary ambassador.
The ideal candidate is an authentic, emotionally intelligent leader who builds trust through transparency, collaboration, and accountability. They understand that a strong organizational culture is foundational to mission success and are excited to partner with staff, the Board of Directors, and the community to shape BPUSA's future. This reflects the themes consistently identified by the Board and staff, including financial sustainability, organizational strategy, relationship building, culture, and transparent leadership.
What You Will Do
Strategic Leadership & Board Partnership
- Lead the organization in carrying out BPUSA’s mission while positioning it for long-term growth and sustainability.
- Partner closely with the Board of Directors to set priorities, support strategic planning, and keep the Board informed about the organization’s progress and needs.
- Turn strategic goals into clear action plans and help ensure the organization stays on track to achieve them.
- Foster a workplace built on trust, collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and respect for lived experience.
- Keep the Board informed through regular communication about organizational updates, financial health, program impact, successes, and challenges.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen programs, improve the organization, expand partnerships, and increase BPUSA’s impact in the community.
Fundraising & Financial Sustainability
- Lead the organization's fundraising efforts by developing and implementing strategies to grow support from foundations, government agencies, corporate partners, individual donors, and other funding sources.
- Build and strengthen relationships with current and prospective funders, donors, and community partners.
- Partner with staff and the Board of Directors to identify new funding opportunities and create a strong, sustainable financial future for the organization.
- Oversee the organization’s budget and financial planning to ensure resources are managed responsibly and aligned with organizational priorities.
- Strengthen the organization’s financial systems and fundraising capacity to support continued growth and long-term sustainability.
Organizational Leadership & Operations
- Lead, support, and develop staff while fostering a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven workplace culture.
- Build and strengthen the systems, processes, and day-to-day operations that help the organization run effectively.
- Create a collaborative work environment where staff feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow in their roles.
- Oversee key organizational functions, including hiring, staff development, performance management, and organizational planning.
- Ensure the organization meets grant, contract, legal, and other compliance requirements.
- Regularly evaluate how the organization operates and identify opportunities to improve systems, strengthen operations
Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Serve as the primary representative of BPUSA, building relationships with community partners, funders, employers, government agencies, elected officials, and others who support the organization’s mission.
- Increase awareness of BPUSA by sharing its mission, impact, and vision throughout central Texas and within the reentry community.
- Build and strengthen partnerships that expand opportunities for the individuals and communities BPUSA serves.
- Ensure the voices and experiences of people with lived experience are reflected in the organization’s partnerships, advocacy efforts, and community engagement.
- Represent BPUSA with integrity, authenticity, and a strong commitment to its mission, values, and peer-driven approach.
Program Strategy & Organizational Impact
- Ensure BPUSA’s programs continue to meet the needs of individuals and communities we serve while advancing the organization's mission.
- Partner with program staff to strengthen existing programs and identify opportunities to grow or develop new services.
- Use feedback from staff, participants, partners, and program data to make informed decisions and improve services over time.
- Support thoughtful growth by balancing new ideas with the people, systems, and resources needed to sustain them.
- Champion BPUSA's peer-driven approach by ensuring lived experience continues to shape the organization’s leadership, programs, and decision-making.
Who You Are
Core Qualifications
- Passion for BPUSA's mission and commitment to supporting individuals impacted by incarceration and behavioral health challenges.
- Direct or indirect experience supporting justice-involved individuals, whether through lived experience or professional work in areas like behavioral health, recovery services, homelessness services, workforce development, social work, peer support, or related human services.
- Demonstrated success raising funds through grants, government funding, individual donors, corporate partnerships, or other fundraising efforts.
- Strong relationship-building skills with staff, board members, funders, community partners, and other stakeholders.
- Experience leading and supporting teams while creating a positive, inclusive, and values-driven workplace culture.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong judgement, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a collaborative leadership style.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated nonprofit leadership experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
- Experience leading strategic planning, organizational growth, or organizational change.
- Experience managing government grants, contracts, or other grant-funded programs.
- Existing relationships within Texas nonprofit, criminal justice, behavioral health, or philanthropic communities.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish).
- Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and managing organizational resources.
Benefits
Full-time employees are eligible for a benefits stipend of up to $400 per month.
FLSA Status
FLSA- Exempt
Equal Opportunity Employer
Building Promise USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Pay: $75,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
