Chief Executive Officer - Refuge of Hope

Careers /

Chief Executive Officer

Posted

July 24, 2026

Type:

Supervisor:

Board of Directors

Are you an executive leader looking to match your professional excellence with a deeply purposeful mission?

Refuge of Hope is searching for our next Chief Executive Officer to lead our organization into its next chapter of community transformation. Based in Stark County, Ohio, Refuge of Hope is a non-profit Christian ministry dedicated to providing emergency services, shelter, support, and opportunities for lasting transformation to the homeless and hungry.

This is an incredible opportunity to guide a high-impact, faith-based organization with a strong operational foundation:

👕 Essential Support: Through our food, clothing, shelter, and healthcare ministries, we seek to embody God’s love by serving those who face poverty, homelessness, and other dire situations.

🛏️ Expanding Shelter Operations: Currently operating a 66-bed shelter for men, with a brand-new 32-bed shelter for women opening in the fall of 2026. In addition, we will be opening our shower and laundry service in the fall of 2026 as well.

🍽️ Vital Community Nutrition: A meal ministry that serves over 100,000 meals a year to those in need.

📊 Financial Stewardship: Leading a robust organization with a current operating budget of approximately $3 million supported by a proven development leader and team.

The leader of this mission will get to call a truly remarkable community home. Beyond its global recognition as the “Hall of Fame City,” Canton is a region defined by resilience, innovation, and deep-rooted generosity. It features a robust local economy driven by leading healthcare systems and manufacturing, a thriving Downtown Arts District, a low cost of living, and an incredibly philanthropic-minded network of residents.

Duties & Responsibilities

As our CEO, you will hold the top leadership role at Refuge of Hope, steering all operations, staff, finances, programs, and fundraising. This is a position for a visionary who leads from a Christian, servant-leadership perspective—ensuring our day-to-day work directly aligns with our faith-based mission to glorify God and compassionately transform lives through Jesus Christ.

Organizational Leadership: Manage our team and shape a healthy, high-performing culture rooted in biblical principles and operational excellence.
Strategic Growth: Work hand-in-hand with the Board of Directors to execute long-term planning, especially as we scale our ministries—including our upcoming women’s shelter expansion.
Fundraising & Community Voice: Serve as the public face of the mission. You’ll partner with our Development Director to champion our cause, build donor relationships, and engage with local churches, corporations, and foundations.
Financial Stewardship: Oversee our $3 million operating budget ensuring legal compliance and careful, responsible management of the resources entrusted to us.
Program & Board Collaboration: Continually evaluate our shelter, meal, and clothing programs to maximize their physical and spiritual impact, while keeping our Board fully informed and supported.

Special Requirements

Must have a demonstrated commitment and adherence to understanding and implementing the mission, vision, core values, and philosophy of Refuge of Hope, a strong commitment to individuals experiencing homelessness, hunger, and those living in poverty, and professionally represent Refuge of Hope in a variety of settings and diverse communities.

Required Physical Functions

Lift/Move Objects: Occasionally lift, carry, or move office supplies, boxes, or equipment weighing up to 25 lbs.

Required Skills

Leadership Depth: A minimum of 5-10 years of senior management experience.
Mission Alignment: Ideally, 5 years of leadership within a rescue mission, faith-based nonprofit, or similar ministry environment.

Required Education

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, non-profit management, human services, or an applicable field.

Required Experience

A minimum of 5-10 years of senior management experience.

Application