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Safe Passage seeks new leader

KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 5 months AGO
by KAYE THORNBRUGH
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | July 28, 2021 1:00 AM

COEUR d’ALENE — Safe Passage Violence Prevention Center is hiring an executive director to help carry out its mission of protecting and empowering survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

With an operating budget of $1.1 million and 24 employees, Safe Passage is one of the largest victim services agencies in the state of Idaho.

Each year, Safe Passage provides confidential victim services and emergency shelter to 1,600 survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child victimization.

Programs include 24-hour crisis line services, an emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, sexual assault intervention services and more.

The executive director is critical to continuing those services.

“We truly need a leader — someone who does a great job in a trauma-informed, compassionate environment,” said Skye Mercer, Safe Passage’s HR consultant.

Chauntelle Lieske, who served in the role for about five years, was recently named the new executive director of the Spokane chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

The Safe Passage executive director manages the nonprofit’s day-to-day operations through the direct oversight of a six-person leadership team.

The role also involves developing and managing Safe Passage’s strategy, annual plan, budget, fundraising and program delivery.

The position pays $75,000 - $95,000 per year, depending on experience, and comes with paid time off and benefits.

A bachelor’s degree in education, social work, business or a related field plus four years of related experience — or an equivalent combination of education and experience — is preferred.

After successful onboarding, the executive director can work remotely one day per week.

Mercer said that flexibility is in keeping with the organization’s values.

“This position really does value work-life balance, especially in a trauma-informed nonprofit,” she said.

An ideal candidate would embrace Safe Passage’s mission and embody the nonprofit’s values, Mercer said, which include compassion, integrity and centering survivors.

Mercer encouraged potential candidates to reach out to her via email.

“If somebody is interested in the role, I would love to talk with them about the awesome work that Safe Passage does,” she told The Press.

To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected] by Aug. 4 at 5 p.m.

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