Executive Director

• Are you passionate about serving the homeless population of Greater Cincinnati?
• Are you an experienced leader who can inspire and empower a tenured and driven leadership team?
• Can you build and grow partnerships with key stakeholders and advocates throughout the community?
• Do you have experience engaging with a Board of committed and talented volunteers?

The Executive Director will lead a highly respected, financially strong, mission-driven nonprofit that plays a critical role in Cincinnati’s homeless services system. This is a visible, influential position— responsible for advancing Shelterhouse’s mission, ensuring operational excellence, and strengthening partnerships across the region. The ideal candidate will be a passionate advocate for people experiencing homelessness, a collaborative leader, and an effective strategist able to guide the organization through changing funding landscapes and growing community needs.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Shelterhouse, formerly known as the Drop Inn Center, is Cincinnati’s largest low-barrier homeless shelter for single adults. Since its founding in 1973, Shelterhouse has been a leader in providing emergency shelter, supportive services, and strong advocacy for people experiencing homelessness. A staff of 65 operate multiple year-round shelters as well as a 200-bed winter shelter to ensure that no one is left outside during extreme weather. The facilities provide a safe, accessible environment for single men and women, removing many traditional barriers to entry so that those most in need can access shelter and resources immediately.

It has long been a powerful advocate for the rights and dignity of people experiencing homelessness—working with city leaders, service providers, and policy makers to create systems that reduce barriers, expand housing access, and promote social justice.

Impact & Reach:

• Serves over 3,000 unique individuals annually.
• Provides tens of thousands of nights of shelter each year.
• Offers case management, housing placement, and supportive services to help guests transition to stability.
• Operates in partnership with local nonprofits, health care providers, and government agencies.
• Key partners include Strategies to End Homelessness, Neighborhood Hub, VA Medical Center, Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health, and Freestore Foodbank

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Serve as the chief champion for Shelterhouse, representing the organization to staff, partners, funders, public officials, and the media.
• Lead the development, execution, and evaluation of programs to meet the needs of single adults experiencing homelessness.
• Guide the organization’s strategic planning and ensure alignment with mission and community priorities.

Operations & Program Oversight

• Oversee shelter operations, ensuring safe, dignified, and effective services across multiple locations.
• Monitor program performance and adjust strategies to improve outcomes.
• Maintain Shelterhouse’s status as a low-barrier entry point for those in crisis.
• Ensure financial sustainability through strong fiscal management and diverse revenue streams.
• Work closely with the Board and development team to secure public and private funding, including grants, donations, and contracts.

Advocacy & Partnerships

• Continue Shelterhouse’s tradition of advocacy for policy changes that support homeless individuals.
• Strengthen and expand partnerships with service providers, housing agencies, and community organizations

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Proven leadership experience in a corporate, government, nonprofit or social services setting.
• Track record of building, motivating and developing effective teams
• Strong understanding of homelessness, housing, and supportive service systems a plus
• Track record of collaborating with diverse community partners to advance the mission
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• Ability to navigate complex funding structures and government contracts
• Strong financial and business acumen including budgeting and P&L management; data savvy
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and identifying diverse funding sources
• Experience engaging with or reporting to a nonprofit Board
• Willing to be “on call” 24/7 which is likely to happen 5-6 times per year
• Familiar with the challenges of attracting and retaining frontline staff

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Authentic relationship builder
• Visionary and strategic, able to see beyond today’s challenges
• Passionate, inspirational, and a good storyteller
• Thrives in a fast-paced, decisive culture making decisions on the spot often without complete information
• Visible and accessible to all staff and residents
• Hands on, willing to help where needed
• Driven and results-focused with an appetite for growth
• Community minded, seeking win-win solutions and outcomes
• Empowers the management team, not a micro manager
• Celebrates successes and has a sense of humor

THE PAYOFF

• Lead a cornerstone organization in Cincinnati’s homeless services network.
• Make a tangible difference every day for thousands of individuals in crisis.
• Work alongside committed staff, a dedicated board, and strong community partners.
• Guide an organization with a 50-year history of compassion, advocacy, and impact.
• Compensation includes a base salary in the $175K to $225K range plus a robust benefits package including a discretionary holiday bonus, up to 5% match on 401k immediately vested, HSA, and FSA.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CANDIDATES

Gilman Partners is committed to strengthening leadership teams and elevating talent in our communities—and that means all qualified applicants will receive consideration. You do not have to meet every qualification in this job description to apply. If you’re drawn to the position and believe your experience makes you a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

CINCINNATI, OHIO

The CEO will reside in Greater Cincinnati and be on site every day. Relocation assistance will be provided for an out-of-town candidate. For more information on Cincinnati, visit and discover what makes our community so vibrant and desirable.