Chief Executive Officer

About Safe Place For Youth

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is a prominent organization addressing youth homelessness in Los Angeles, serving young individuals aged 12 to 25 who are either experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The organization's overarching mission is to prevent and end youth homelessness by delivering supportive services, long-term housing opportunities, fostering community partnerships, and advocating for youth rights. SPY envisions an equitable society where all youth have the resources to live self-directed, safe, and empowered lives.

SPY offers a wide continuum of youth-centered programs including street outreach, a drop-in center, education, employment support, case management, health and wellness initiatives, healing arts, a community garden, pregnancy and parenting assistance, shelter, social enterprises, family reunification, and housing solutions. In 2025, SPY supported over 1,200 youth, relocated 315 youth into housing, and connected many more to vital services such as mental health counseling and workforce development.

Operating across 10 locations throughout Los Angeles County, SPY manages various housing programs—ranging from shelter to transitional and permanent housing—with 224 housing units available nightly. Supportive services are provided through multiple models, including field-based and drop-in centers.

Chief Executive Officer Role Overview

The CEO will lead SPY through its next pivotal phase involving scaling operations, fostering long-term sustainability, advancing housing programs, strengthening public advocacy, and spearheading strategic plans. This role requires a leader who deeply commits to SPY's mission and youth, can develop and support staff, manage complex fundraising and finance strategies, and oversee a substantial $15 million nonprofit operating 24/7 programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and implement strategic plans aligned with SPY’s mission, vision, and values, evaluating environmental trends and funding challenges to guide organizational growth.
• Represent SPY externally as an advocate, building robust partnerships with elected officials, funders, community groups, advocacy coalitions, and media to influence youth homelessness policy and secure resources.
• Oversee development and operation of SPY’s comprehensive continuum of care programs, encompassing outreach, drop-in services, case management, education, health and wellness, parenting support, advocacy, shelter, and various housing types.
• Lead fundraising initiatives by cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and other stakeholders to diversify revenue streams and maintain financial health.
• Develop expansion and business plans to grow programming and build alliances with political and funder communities in new regions.
• Manage financial operations collaboratively with CFO, Board Treasurer, and Finance Committee to ensure budgeting accuracy, cash flow stability, compliance, audits, and organizational risk management.
• Provide strong leadership and nurture a positive, inclusive culture among staff, volunteers, and consultants, promoting collaboration and accountability.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure proper governance, transparency, and informed decision-making through regular updates and strategic recommendations.
• Carry out additional duties supporting the organization's mission as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years in executive leadership roles.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant professional training preferred.
• Extensive senior leadership background in nonprofits, public agencies, social services, housing, youth-serving organizations, advocacy, or related mission-driven entities.
• Demonstrated dedication to racial equity, social justice, LGBTQ+ inclusion, trauma-informed care, and amplifying youth voices.
• Ability to embody and promote SPY’s core values: care, community, inclusivity, innovation, integrity, and sustainability.
• Proven skills in team leadership, managing organizational complexity, and infrastructure building.
• Experience in fundraising, public relations, securing public funding, and cultivating institutional partnerships.
• Strong financial acumen including budget oversight, audit readiness, contract management, and risk oversight.
• Adaptive, situational leadership capabilities along with mentoring and developing capacity within teams.
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated effectiveness working with Boards of Directors and fostering productive board relationships.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Primarily desk-based work involving prolonged computer use.
• Hybrid working model balancing office and remote engagements, including regular involvement at SPY sites.
• Occasional physical tasks such as lifting up to 15-20 pounds.

Special Employment Terms

As a mandated reporter under California law, the CEO must comply with child abuse and neglect reporting requirements as a condition of employment.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers a salary ranging from $210,000 to $230,000 annually, reflecting experience. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, a 403b retirement plan with employer contributions, vacation and sick leave, weekly mindfulness and meditation sessions, and personalized professional development opportunities to support career growth.

Equal Employment Opportunity

SPY is committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process, basing employment decisions on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs. The organization prohibits discrimination on any legally protected basis and embraces workforce diversity. Consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative, employment applicants with criminal histories will be considered in a fair and legally compliant manner.