STAFF COUNT: 51 FT | 6 PT

Meet Lighthouse Mission

Founded in 1923 in Bellingham, Washington, Lighthouse Mission Ministries is a century-old, Christian-based charitable organization dedicated to healing homelessness with Christ’s power and love. The organization utilizes a boldly Jesus-centered, relational approach that seeks to treat the whole person across a three-part continuum of care: Rescue, Recovery, and Restoration. Through programs such as Base Camp, the Ascent Program, the Agape Home, Outreach, the Good Neighbor Project, and the Liminal Coffee Shop, the Mission provides immediate emergency refuge alongside long-term discipleship and life-skills support. To better serve the community, Lighthouse Mission recently completed a $28 million campus expansion in October 2024, bringing previously scattered operations under one roof to significantly increase its capacity. Operating with an $8 million budget and a dedicated staff of 51 full-time and 6 part-time employees, the Mission is widely recognized for its strong programmatic outcomes and stellar reputation, effectively filling a critical gap in local recovery services while providing a consistent, supportive presence for the most vulnerable members of the community.

About the CEO

The CEO of Lighthouse Mission Ministries provides overall leadership to the organization as it seeks to heal homelessness with Christ’s power and love. Reporting to and serving as an ex officio member of the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for executing the Board's vision and spearheading the implementation of a comprehensive 3-year strategic plan. Externally, the CEO serves as the main face and voice of the Mission to the public, taking the lead on major fundraising initiatives, community education, grant applications, and donor relations.

Internally, the CEO is responsible for the overall administration of the Mission's programs (including Base Camp, the Ascent Program, the Agape Home, Outreach, and the Liminal Coffee Shop), the finance department, and the day-to-day supervision of all personnel. The ideal CEO will balance being a highly relational, pastoral presence for both guests and employees with the strategic capability to diversify revenue and carefully guide ongoing internal projects.

The CEO's responsibilities include:

• Spearhead and implement a 3-year strategic plan and vision that charts the course of the Mission.
• Take responsibility for the overall administration of the Mission's programs, the finance department, and the supervision of all personnel.
• Serve as the main face and voice to the public, taking the lead on major fundraising, grant applications, and donor relations.
• Guide and encourage the Christian culture of the Lighthouse, providing a strong Christ-like example, using Scripture with wisdom, and upholding the highest ethical standards.
• Serve as an ex-officio member of the Lighthouse Mission Ministries Foundation.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the CEO:

Education and Experience

• A minimum of 5 years of comparable leadership experience is highly desired.
• Specific experience working with a homeless shelter is considered critical.
• A Bachelor's degree is required; a graduate degree in business and/or administration is strongly preferred. Advanced degree/training in Christian education, theology, and/or counselling is a definite plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Capable of managing a larger organization day-to-day and effectively managing a C-suite team.
• Strong relational and communication skills with the ability to build trust with staff, the Board, local churches, and the public, and to inspire residents, staff, and the community with the message of Christ’s healing love for the poor and homeless.
• A strategic thinker who can diversify revenue and effectively guide and follow through with ongoing projects.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• A pastoral personality with a shepherd's heart who leads with trust, grace, and truth.
• Deep humility, social awareness, kindness, and compassion, enabling and building confidence with staff to encourage personal growth.
• Dedicated to serving our community, the clientele, and the staff, demonstrating fairness and a passion for Christ's heart for people.

What it's like to live in Bellingham, WA

Located in Whatcom County, Bellingham is considered a jewel of the Pacific Northwest. Located in the Pacific Northwest, Bellingham boasts beautiful views, amazing hiking trails, and nearby ski mountains. Bellingham is home to Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College and Bellingham Technical College. North Whatcom County has six smaller cities that are known for their high quality of life: Ferndale, Lynden, Everson, Nooksack, with Blaine and Sumas bordering British Columbia, Canada.