Executive Director

The Haven Project Executive Director
Lynn, Massachusetts

Introduction
Youth homelessness comes in many forms.

The Haven Project is the only organization north of Boston dedicated exclusively to serving young adults ages 17–24 experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Founded in 2011, Haven provides age-appropriate, trauma-informed services that address both immediate needs and long-term stability.

Haven implements its mission through six integrated focus areas:
● Basic Needs
● Housing
● Employment
● Education
● Health
● Community Engagement

From a drop-in center offering safety and connection, to supportive housing, to a mission-driven social enterprise café providing workforce development, Haven has grown into a recognized regional leader in youth homelessness response.

With an operating budget exceeding $2 million, joint venture ownership of 24 apartment units, a long-term lease of nine Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units, and Land of a Thousand Hills—our social enterprise—alongside strategic plans for expanded housing and regional growth, Haven stands at a pivotal moment.

The Board of Directors seeks a visionary, strategic, and relational Executive Director to guide the organization into its next phase of impact.

Mission
Equip and Empower Homeless or Imminently Homeless Young Adults with the Skills and Support They Need to be Safe and Self-Supporting

Vision
Our vision is for a healthy and thriving community where every young adult person has a home and access to opportunity.

A Pivotal Moment

Haven has evolved from a grassroots drop-in program into a multi-dimensional youth-serving organization.

Today, the organization operates:
● A youth drop-in center serving basic needs and connection
● Transitional and supportive housing initiatives
● A social enterprise café serving as a job-training site
● Case management and wraparound support services
● Community partnerships across housing, employment, education, and health systems

As Haven expands its housing portfolio and refines its social enterprise strategy, the organization requires visionary, steady, strategic leadership to:
● Position Haven as a leading voice in youth homelessness
● Deepen community partnerships
● Sustain a strong staff culture
● Expand revenue generation
● Strengthen operational systems

The next Executive Director will guide Haven through this evolution.

Position Overview

The Executive Director (ED) serves as Haven Project’s chief executive and strategic partner to the Board of Directors.

The ED will:
● Shape and implement the organization’s next strategic plan
● Serve as Haven’s primary ambassador and fundraiser
● Ensure financial sustainability and operational excellence
● Lead and support a mission-driven staff team, directly supervising senior leadership staff and overseeing a multidisciplinary team of more than 12 people
● Oversee housing, program, and social enterprise growth
● Strengthen Haven’s regional leadership in youth homelessness
● Have overall responsibility for the strategic, financial, and operational leadership of the organization
● Report to the Board President and Board of Directors