Executive Director
Compassionate leadership. Lasting impact. A next chapter of growth.
Good Shepherd Gracenter is a licensed drug and alcohol treatment center that provides the important next step in a woman’s recovery. Based in a quiet neighborhood in San Francisco, Gracenter offers women a safe place to find a pathway to hope and an opportunity to transform their lives. It is a unique program that integrates transitional housing and recovery. With support from Gracenter, women are pursuing education, finding jobs, building financial stability and creating lasting connections with one another to support their recovery. Our residents have a high rate of success. Many have gone on to become successful in their personal lives, in their families and in their careers.
“Doing the work of recovery takes time and effort. But if I never do the work, then I am never going to know. I know my future looks good. Gracenter showed me the way.”
– Rose, a Gracenter resident
The Opportunity
Good Shepherd Gracenter is a small but mighty organization with a tremendous positive impact for the Bay Area women in recovery. We served over 800 women since we were founded in 1989. Gracenter is part of the work of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, who have a 200-year-old global mission of serving women. While our roots are faith-based, we warmly welcome leaders of all backgrounds and beliefs. Religious affiliation is neither required nor expected for this role.
The next Executive Director (E.D.) will build on our programmatic successes by sustaining the essentials while stewarding the next chapter of sustainable growth. Gracenter’s 2026 budget is just under $1 million, which is supported by the Good Shepherd Guild, generous individual donors, trusts and bequests, and grants, and a gala that raises 15% of our annual revenue.
The ED is responsible for the overall management of Gracenter. The E.D. provides leadership that upholds the values and mission of Gracenter, while ensuring the sustainability of the organization. With a staff of 17, the E.D. directly supervises three professional staff: the Director of Programs, the Office Manager/Bookkeeper, and the Executive Assistant; as well as a Contract Grantwriter.
What You Will Accomplish
Fundraising and Resource Development (40%) – The E.D. will work in partnership with the Board, staff and the Good Shepherd Guild to maintain our current relationships and collaborations with our individual donors, local businesses, and charitable foundations, while developing new ways to increase our capacity and efficiency to meet the growing need for critical transitional services for women in recovery.
Organizational Leadership and Management (25%) – Lead, coordinate, and motivate the team, including nurturing the professional development and collegiality of staff. Ensure financial health, as well as full compliance with nonprofit business, legal, and HR policies and procedures
Community Building & Marketing (25%) – Serve as the voice of Gracenter—amplifying the needs of those we serve, building new relationships, and inspiring people to get involved. You’ll partner with donors, foundations, community organizations, and advocates to sustain and grow our work.
Board Partnership and Governance (10%) – Support the work of the Board to set direction, provide transparency, and uphold organizational health and compliance.
The Ideal Candidate
As Good Shepherd Gracenter’s Executive Director, you’ll lead with compassion, strong organizational skills, and strategic vision. With a track record in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and team development, you’ll bring both head and heart to the role—balancing vision with hands-on execution to help Gracenter grow stronger.
Required Qualifications
● Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive senior nonprofit leadership experience, including:
● Direct supervision of professional staff
● Budget oversight and organizational decision-making
● Operational leadership, HR, and compliance management
● Significant role in Board Partnership and Governance
● Oversight of programs for vulnerable populations
● Proven success with individual and institutional fundraising
● Demonstrated team-building and leadership experience
● Experience building and maintaining community partnerships
● Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
● Strong communication skills, including public speaking, writing, and storytelling
● Knowledgeable, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn, about state and federal laws and regulations related to substance abuse programs
Desired Qualifications
● Executive Director experience
● Program management experience in the field of substance use treatment
● Possess, or working towards, drug and alcohol certification.
● Familiarity with faith-supported organizations and programs
● Experience working with programs that serve women-only
● Knowledgeable about other nonprofit social service providers in the Bay area
Qualities We Value
● Strategic thinker who can keep their eye on the big picture
● Receptive to Feedback and Learning
● Supportive and passionate leader
● Willingness to tackle complicated problems with flexibility, creativity and persistence
The Details
This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position with a range of $135,000–$145,000, depending on experience. Good Shepherd Gracenter offers employer-subsidized health benefits including dental and vision, and a matching retirement contribution up to 5%. The role requires regular in-person presence on-site at the center, ideally at least four days a week, with occasional evening or weekend events.
Let Us Know You’re Interested
To apply, please send a single PDF that includes your resume and cover letter to: EDSearch@GSGracenter.org. In your letter, please describe how one of Gracenter’s core values (Individual Worth, Mercy, Reconciliation, or Zeal) has manifested in your work or life. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, with the goal of selecting our new Executive Director no later than June 30. Early applications are encouraged. Due to the anticipated volume of applicants, please do not contact us by phone or in person.
We Welcome You
Good Shepherd Gracenter is committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community. We welcome all applicants, including leaders who identify themselves as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+; have personal experiences of poverty, substance abuse, or homelessness; leaders with disabilities, and people of any faith. As a Good Shepherd agency, our hiring philosophy emphasizes that to be a “Good Shepherd” and/or “Mission-Oriented” it is not necessary to be either Catholic or Christian. Even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match every qualification, we encourage you to apply. You may be exactly who we’re looking for.
Job Announcement, updated 5-23-26