Job Opportunities

Join our DCRC Team!  Current openings and job descriptions are able to be found below.  DCRC is also looking for volunteers, application links are at the bottom of the page.

Executive Director

The Durham Crisis Response Center (DCRC) works with the community to end domestic, sexual and family violence and human trafficking through advocacy, education, support and prevention. For more than 31 years, DCRC has been the sole provider of comprehensive shelter and support services to survivors of domestic, sexual and family violence and human trafficking in the Durham area. DCRC’s continuum of service includes a 24-Hour Help Line; emergency shelter; safety planning; crisis intervention; information and referrals for job training, housing, and childcare; counseling referral and support groups; legal advocacy; assistance with filing for victim compensation; hospital accompaniment; community education and outreach.

All of DCRC’s services are confidential and free, and available in English and Spanish. DCRC also offers educational workshops and professional training for service providers, law enforcement, hospitals, faith-based organizations, schools, civic groups, and other community members. Our ultimate goal is to ensure every victim is a survivor.

The Candidate

The Executive Director role of Durham Crisis Response Center requires a compassionate leader, committed advocate, and creative problem solver. A professional with a collaborative focus and strong experience leading staff and working with a Board of Directors, the Executive Director will bolster organizational operations and represent the organization’s voice in the community, serving as a visionary partner, identifying and leveraging opportunities, and leading advocacy efforts internally and externally. Seen within both the organization and the community as respectful, trustworthy, and accountable, the Executive Director will be an empathetic, culturally competent, and knowledgeable leader.

Entrepreneurial, responsive, and adaptable, with an innovative approach to strategy, the Executive Director will act with integrity and convey passion for the mission throughout their work. As a key individual in the organization, they will sustain and enhance the work and embrace the values of DCRC.

The Position

The Executive Director leads and drives the vision and strategy for the DCRC’s overall organization goals, objectives, and initiatives. As Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Director works in partnership with the Board in developing and administering the agency with consistency, efficiency and transparency.  Critical to this role is unifying the staff, Board, and volunteer teams and leading and directing the development and implementation of domestic violence and sexual assault services for families and individuals.  The Executive Director is proactive in community building, coordination, training and education, and engaging community partners to cooperatively address the needs of domestic and sexual violence survivors in the Durham community.

The Executive Director is responsible for executing DCRC’s mission through developing impactful goals and objectives to ensure organizational excellence; establishing appropriate operational processes; ensuring strong community and partner relations; supporting and supervising staff; and overseeing the implementation of programs. These responsibilities will require a thorough understanding of core programs, operations, and strategic goals.

The Executive Director will be thoroughly committed to ensure fulfillment of DCRC’s mission to work with the community to end domestic and sexual violence through advocacy, education, support, and prevention.

The Executive Director is responsible for all aspects of DCRC’s operations, programs, and services. Significant responsibilities include:

Strategic and Organizational Vision

• Work with Board, staff, and community to create and develop a clear, shared vision for DCRC.

• Ensure ongoing programmatic excellence, evaluate programs for impact, and prioritize opportunities to address unmet needs

• Direct the organization in its goals of financial stability, community engagement and the meaningful impact of its programs.
• Identify opportunities for agency growth and development.
• Build understanding around the mission and develop appropriate goals and strategies to advance that mission.
• Initiate and oversee the agency’s strategic planning process and annual programmatic strategic plan in conjunction with Board, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Involve survivors, stakeholders, and staff members in the strategic planning process when appropriate.
• Develop community partnerships to implement agency goals and programs.
• Work with board, staff, and community partners to implement goals derived from the strategic planning process.
• Evaluate the results of strategic planning implementation.

 Fundraising and Resource Development

• Develop and implement agency fund development strategic plan in collaboration with staff and Board of Directors, including a balance of revenue sources from grants, corporate and individual contributions, earned income, and special events.

• Expand revenue generation opportunities to support existing program operations and future growth
• Strengthen donor information systems with the goal of improving process of donor engagement and retention
• Use external presence and relationships to garner new opportunities, build partnerships in new contexts, establish relationships with funders and political and community leaders

• Research diverse funding sources and submit appropriate requests as approved by the Board of Directors.
• Oversee the management and business plan of the Pennies for Change thrift shop.
• Participate in the development of an annual campaign strategy for contributed revenue.
• Serve as a resource on major corporate and individual donor interactions.
• Work collaboratively with the board and other ad hoc fundraising committees to ensure the success of their initiatives.
• Ensure communication with and recognition of donors.
• Provide oversight of capital campaigns, as needed.

Financial Management

• Stay current on all financial, reporting, and accounting issues that affect the budget, audit, and IRS 990, and reporting to funding sources, working directly with accounting staff on fiscal strategy and oversight.
• Possess a thorough understanding of all aspects of the organization’s financial condition, budget, and investments.
• Work with Finance Committee to draft an annual budget in a timely manner for approval by the Board of Directors.
• Establish financial policies in collaboration with the Finance Committee.
• Ensure implementation of financial policies, fiscal reporting, and accountability of finances.
• Act as liaison with independent auditor.

 Community Awareness and Advocacy

• Measure successes that can be effectively communicated to the community, board of directors, funders, and other constituents

• Develop and implement a communications/media plan to increase the public awareness of the needs, services, and programs of the agency.
• Ensure the provision of strong community awareness and education programs.

• Persuasively engage and actively energize others in achieving the mission and vision of DCRC
• Be an external presence that aids in advocating for services and support
• With the Board, act as spokesperson for the organization to the public and all stakeholders

• Represent the agency to the public and nurture positive relationships in the community.
• Serve as press contact and spokesperson for the agency.
• Lead community organizing and coalition building efforts to facilitate communication and collaboration between social service, healthcare, and criminal justice agencies.
• Participate on community task forces, committees, forums, etc., as appropriate to provide information on domestic and sexual violence, serve as a spokesperson for DCRC, and to ensure collaborative and participatory interaction within the community.
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials and communicate DCRC’s mission, goals, and activities.
• Communicate with funders to support grant requests and ensure supportive relationships.
• Ensure the development and appropriate implementation of a crisis communication plan.

Personnel Management

• Provide leadership and support to DCRC employees based on a model of staff empowerment, encouragement, and recognized value.
• Ensure clarity and equity in policies, procedures, and implementation.
• Ensure that grant-funded (when applicable) and agency goals and objectives of employees are met and reported appropriately.
• Encourage staff professional development and self-care.
• Follow agency policies in recruiting, hiring, and terminating employees.
• Assure employees have adequate supervision including orientation and training, review of their assigned duties, support for their work, regular performance appraisals, and individualized education and training opportunities.
• Address employee job performance and/or personal conduct problems according to DCRC personnel policies.
• Ensure regular staff meetings are held to encourage open communication and information sharing.
• Ensure that employees receive information on changes and updates on agency benefits plans.
• Initiate consultation regarding employee problems and/or developmental needs on a timely basis with the board chair, board of directors or executive committee.
• Present salary adjustments, benefits, cost-of living and/or merit increase proposals to the board of directors as appropriate.
• Assure that policies and procedures are in practice and kept up to date to ensure fair labor practices, access to employment for all populations and compliance with funders.

 Operations and Administration

• Oversee all operations of the agency in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, and the bylaws and policies as established by the board of directors.

• Manage daily operations, including administration, finance, communications, strategy, and work systems; recommend timelines and resources needed to achieve strategic goals

• Oversee management and maintenance of three facilities:  the administrative office building, the Shelter, and the thrift shop.
• Maintain safe and secure handling of corporate records and reports necessary for program evaluation, personnel management, financial management and legal requirements.

Partnership with the Board of Directors

• Serve as the primary contact for the Board of Directors.
• Provide recommendations and assistance to the Board in the formulation of policies for the effective operation of the agency and implement Board policies.
• Assure systems are in place for public accountability, maintenance of agency facilities, reporting to various bodies, and legal obligations.
• Ensure appropriate level of communication, advice, staffing, and information to support the Board in carrying out its duties and responsibilities.
• Work with the Board Chair to create an agenda for monthly meetings of the Board of Directors and executive committee.
• Ensure that Board Members are provided with staff reports, agency reports, financial reports, and other pertinent information prior to all monthly board meetings.
• Communicate with the board of directors of critical issues impacting the agency as necessary between regularly scheduled meetings.
• Meet regularly with Board, Executive Committee, Board Chair, and Vice Chair.
• Attend all Board meetings, Finance Committee meetings, executive committee meetings, and other committee meetings as needed. Ensure appropriate staff support for Board Committee meetings and to assist with accomplishing committee work.
• Coordinate required Board trainings and encourage on-going training on domestic and sexual violence, agency issues.
• Involve the Board in consensus-building and decision-making activities on DCRC issues including financial and organizational management, agency policies, planning, upcoming projects, and other issues.
• Engage Board members in fundraising.

 Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership in a nonprofit organization; track record of effectively working with a Board and leading a performance- and outcomes-based organization and staff.
• Ability to evaluate, adjust and innovate to produce results. Ability to think strategically without losing focus and without losing attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience with annual/multi-year planning. Demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Willingness to take initiative to accomplish multiple job responsibilities.
• Exceptional fiscal and personnel management experience. Ability to foster collaborative working relationship among staff and with Board of Directors.
• Ability to effectively brand the organization and promote the mission in diverse communities.
• Strong advocacy and community organizing experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in fund development (preference for experience with capital campaigns).
• Experience with post-award grants management.
• Exceptional written communication skills, public speaking, and community relations experience; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, dynamic meeting facilitation and presentation skills, and outstanding ability to build positive relationships.
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with individuals of all socio-economic, educational, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated passion, idealism, integrity, optimism, resourcefulness and self-direction.
• Knowledge of domestic and sexual violence issues, advocacy, and resources available to victims
• Experience as an Executive Director and working with a governing Board of Directors is preferred.
• MSW or related Master’s degree preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

The target hiring salary for this position is $90,000. DCRC offers a strong benefits package to include health, vision, and dental insurance, EAP, PTO and Wellness Days, and a retirement savings plan.

To Apply

Please submit 1) a cover letter outlining your experience needed to succeed in this position, specifically related to financial and grants management, personnel and operations management, and broad use of creative communication methods, 2) your resume, and 3) three to five professional references with complete contact information to:

ExecutiveDirectorSearch@theDCRC.org

Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted, beginning August 5, 2024. Early submission is encouraged. NOTE: Please adhere to the application instructions when submitting your materials for consideration.

DCRC offers equal opportunity to and prohibits the discrimination against or harassment of anyone based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, handicapping condition, or other reasons prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination and opportunity policy extends to employment, membership, board service and leadership, volunteerism, and participation in any of the organizations programs or services.

Legal Advocate

(2 positions available)

Durham Crisis Response Center (DCRC) is seeking a Legal Advocate to provide assistance to victims of intimate partner and sexual violence seeking assistance through the civil and criminal justice systems. This position is located at our Family Justice Center (FJC) program. DCRC staff at the FJC provide a range of services including crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, information and referrals and client focused safety assessments and risk management plans. Successful applicant will join a team of legal advocates to:

• Provide case management services and crisis intervention to victims and survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence.
• Assist with the electronic filing of protective orders.
• Provide assistance navigating civil and criminal justice systems.
• Provide Court orientation, criminal justice advocacy and support including accompanying victims during court proceedings

. ● Collaborate with Court personnel including clerks and judges, the DA’s office and other partners to ensure services are streamlined.

• Advocate on behalf of clients with the District Attorney’s Office, Civil Court, Durham Police Department, Durham County Sheriff, Department of Social Services and other social service agencies.
• Provide comprehensive safety assessments and client focused risk management plans.
• Participate in staff meetings, community meetings and relevant trainings and other professional development opportunities.
• Assist victims with filing claims for crime victim compensation.
• Serve as part of on-call rotation for lethality assessment program.
• Training/supporting volunteers assisting in providing advocacy in the court system.
• Maintain timely and accurate case records including data entry into a computerized case management system.

Required skills/experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field along with a minimum two years’ experience providing services to victims of domestic violence, sexual violence and/or other crimes and knowledge of legal advocacy. Strong collaboration, communication, and teamwork skills needed. Experience working effectively with a diverse population. Competency in Microsoft Office Suite required. Bilingual applicants (English/Spanish) are encouraged to apply.

Pay $41,000

To apply email a resume and cover letter to hr@thedcrc.org

Durham Crisis Response Center (DCRC) is not-for-profit agency that works with the community to end domestic and sexual violence through advocacy, education, support and prevention.

Volunteer Opportunities

DCRC is in great need for bilingual Spanish speaking volunteers &/or interns to assist with our Immigrant Services program. The primary need is assistance with our 24-hr helpline during the weekdays. The helpline is the main access point for client assistance. Calls can range from basic information and referrals to crisis intervention and case management. We offer on-site and remote training for those that are interested. Scheduling is flexible.

We are appreciative of your consideration in supporting survivors of domestic, sexual and family violence and human trafficking.

Internship Application

Volunteer Application