Organizing Director (Paid Contract Position)

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Leadership and Development:

• Collaborate with the FHATX Leadership Group to assess progress to date and co-develop refreshed strategies that advance the coalition’s mission and objectives.
• Lead the implementation and day-to-day project management of strategic initiatives, ensuring clear coordination among stakeholders and alignment in messaging and actions across the homelessness response system.
• Continuously monitor the effectiveness of strategies through data analysis, partner feedback, and community input, providing regular updates to the Leadership Group and refining approaches to maximize impact.

Resource Mobilizing:

Design and execute a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy aligned with FHATX’s long-term goals and the broader vision outlined in the 2024 State of the Homelessness Response System report. Developed by ECHO in collaboration with the City of Austin and Travis County, this plan underscores the importance of equity, coordination, and data-driven decision-making in addressing homelessness.

• Strategic Philanthropic Alignment: Develop a fundraising framework that supports shared community priorities—such as the expansion of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and Rapid Re-Housing (RRH), reduction of racial disparities, and improved system coordination. Identify key donor segments and establish clear metrics to track alignment and impact.
• Donor Engagement and Stewardship: Cultivate meaningful relationships with current and prospective donors through transparent, customized outreach. Highlight FHATX’s work within the context of community-wide goals, including the addition of 1,000 PSH units and the transition to a new Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), to connect donors with high-impact opportunities.
• Impact Evaluation and Learning: Measure the outcomes of fundraising efforts in driving systemic change. Share timely, insight-driven updates with the Leadership Group to refine strategy, strengthen donor confidence, and ensure resources are effectively deployed to meet urgent community needs.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Foster strong partnerships with a diverse range of community stakeholders—including government entities, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individuals with lived experience—to advance collective goals within the homelessness response system.
• Serve as a connector across sectors, building trusted relationships with social service providers, advocacy groups, and local leaders to promote collaboration and drive aligned action.
• Oversee the implementation of FHATX’s communications plan, including managing media engagement and serving as a primary spokesperson for public-facing efforts.

Ideal Candidate

First and foremost, the ideal candidate is a passionate and principled leader committed to fostering a cohesive and effective homelessness response system in Austin. This role is a unique opportunity for a respected and experienced community leader seeking a high-impact, yet flexible commitment. The Organizing Director brings not only a deep understanding of the local landscape, but also a healing presence—someone who offers steadiness and clarity during moments of transition or challenge.

The ideal candidate has demonstrated leadership in homelessness, poverty, or related systems that affect Austinites. They are a respected bridge builder who can connect diverse stakeholders—policymakers, funders, nonprofit leaders, and community members—toward a shared vision. They bring credibility and trust within the region and understand Austin’s philanthropic landscape, whether through direct fundraising experience or work in a grantmaking institution.

A gifted communicator and storyteller, this individual can synthesize complex issues and speak with clarity and conviction across varied audiences. They lead with empathy and emotional intelligence, rallying support through both logic and inspiration. Strategic and entrepreneurial in spirit, they are proactive, self-directed, and comfortable navigating ambiguity. With strong project management skills, the next Organizing Director will be able to balance multiple priorities while keeping the coalition aligned and moving forward.

Qualifications

• Previous professional experience addressing homelessness and/or poverty in Austin
• Existing relationships and credibility amongst policymakers, funders, and service providers
• Familiarity with the funder landscape in Austin, either as a funder or fundraiser
• Strong written and oral communications skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and stakeholders
• High level of emotional intelligence
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple stakeholders.
• History of rallying support and partnership around a common cause.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the capacity to manage multiple projects and deadlines.