Chief Executive Officer

For over 40 years, Columbus House has worked tirelessly to provide shelter and connections to permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness in New Haven and across the state of Connecticut. As Columbus House embarks upon its next chapter, the organization seeks an experienced, collaborative, strategic, and innovative leader who is deeply passionate and knowledgeable about its housing-first, community, and client-centric mission to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Reporting to the Board of Directors and overseeing an annual budget of about $16M and 175 full, part-time, and seasonal staff, the CEO will be responsible for charting the organization’s strategic vision and facilitating its implementation. A tested and skillful manager of people and process, this CEO must be comfortable leading through change and facilitating a working environment that centers belonging and engagement for all. As the public face of Columbus House, the incoming CEO must remain abreast of changes in policies related to housing and homelessness and advocate for the well-being of the organization’s clients at the state and federal levels. As the discourse around shelters and permanent supportive housing shifts across the nation, the CEO should serve as a thought leader and convener, elevating the concerns of housing-first organizations to a broader audience. Partnerships are vitally important to Columbus House’s work, and this leader must continue to strengthen existing and facilitate novel partnerships to advance the organization’s mission.

Columbus House is committed to meeting clients “where they are”, and in FY24 the organization served 2,122 clients and placed 444 people in housing, leveraging a variety of programs across the state to provide innovative solutions for people experiencing homelessness.

TO APPLY

All correspondence, including applications, nominations, and general inquiries can be submitted electronically. Applications should include a letter of interest and a CV or resume. All correspondence will be held in strict confidence.

Donna Cramer is leading this search with Afi Tettey-Fio. 

Columbus House is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate in employment. No portion of this application is used for the purpose of limiting or excluding any applicant from consideration for employment on a basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Equal access to employment, services, and programs is available to all persons.