Deputy Director Position

Job Title: Deputy Director
Job Category: Exempt
Department/Report to: CEO
Travel Required: None
Location: 801 73rd Street, Windsor Heights
Work Hours: 8:30 am – 5 pm (generally). Minimum of 40 hours/week. Some weekends and evenings may be required.
Level/Salary Range: $90,000 – $115,000
Position Type: Full-Time

The Deputy Director plays a critical leadership role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of St. Vincent de Paul Des Moines (SVDP). Reporting directly to the CEO, the Deputy Director ensures that all programs, departments, and internal systems function efficiently and align with SVDP’s strategic goals. This role provides cross-functional leadership in operations, staff development, financial management, program execution, and fundraising support. As second-in-command, the Deputy Director helps translate vision into action, drives accountability, and maintains a culture of excellence and collaboration across the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  1. Operational Leadership
    • Oversees daily organizational operations, including program delivery, HR, finance, and administration.
    • Ensures operational efficiency and alignment with strategic goals.
    • Manages internal workflows, processes, and systems to optimize productivity.
  2. Deputy Leadership Role
    • Serves as the primary operational leader when the CEO is unavailable.
    • Ensures seamless continuation of daily functions and decision-making.
    • Acts as a key liaison between staff, board, and external partners in the CEO’s absence.
    • Supports leadership transition and organizational stability.
  3. Staff Management and Development
    • Supervises department heads or team leads, ensuring effective team collaboration and accountability.
    • Leads staff hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management.
    • Fosters a strong internal culture aligned with organizational values.
  4. Financial Oversight
    • Partners with finance team to manage budgets, financial reporting, and compliance.
    • Monitors cash flow, expense controls, and resource allocation.
    • Ensures operational decisions are fiscally responsible.
  5. Program and Impact Oversight
    • Ensures programs are delivered effectively, meet goals, and align with mission.
    • Tracks key performance indicators and impact metrics.
    • Leads continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.
  6. Strategic Implementation
    • Translates CEO’s vision and board direction into operational plans and measurable objectives.
    • Monitors progress and course-corrects as needed.
    • Serves as second-in-command and acts as CEO in their absence.
  7. External Relations (as delegated)
    • Represents the organization at select community events or funder meetings.
    • Maintains relationships with operational partners, vendors, and local stakeholders.
  8. Fundraising Support (as needed)
    • Supports the CEO and development team by identifying opportunities and sharing relevant insights.
    • Prepares background materials and data for donor and funder meetings.
    • Stands in for the CEO at fundraising events or meetings when needed.
    • Assists with grant reporting, donor communications, and database management as requested.

General Job Duties:

  • Promote and uphold SVDP’s mission, vision, and values in all activities.
  • Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information.
  • Stay informed on relevant laws, regulations, and best practices affecting nonprofit operations.
  • Participate in board meetings, preparing reports and presentations as needed.
  • Maintain a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging throughout the organization.
  • Lead or participate in special projects or committees as assigned by the CEO or board.
  • Support crisis management and problem resolution as they arise.
  • Ensure effective internal communication to keep staff informed and engaged.
  • Encourage innovation and identify opportunities to improve organizational effectiveness.
  • Maintain professional development and stay current on trends relevant to the nonprofit sector.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience, preferably in nonprofit operations or social services.
  • Proven ability to manage complex operations, staff, budgets, and programs effectively.
  • Strong financial acumen, including budget development and financial reporting.
  • Experience with strategic planning and operational implementation.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain community partnerships and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of fundraising principles and donor stewardship preferred.
  • Commitment to the mission and values of St. Vincent de Paul Des Moines, including equity and inclusion.
  • Proficiency with technology and software relevant to nonprofit management (e.g., CRM, financial software).
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally as needed.

PREFERRED SKILLS

  • Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
  • Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  • Ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams.
  • Proficient in data analysis and using metrics to drive improvements.
  • Effective public speaking and presentation skills.
  • Skilled in conflict resolution and fostering a positive workplace culture.
  • Familiarity with nonprofit fundraising platforms and grant management.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Collaborative leadership style with a focus on relationship-building.
  • Experience with change management and process improvement initiatives.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position manages employees in the areas of operations, social services and education and is responsible for the performance management and hiring of the employees.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel; crouch or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift up to 50 pounds and/or move up to 50 or more pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

HOW TO APPLY: Please apply below or submit your resume and a cover letter (up to 500 words) outlining your qualifications and interest in the Deputy Director position to: c.halls@2ttop.com. Your cover letter should speak to your leadership approach, your connection to the mission, and how your experience equips you to help guide St. Vincent de Paul Des Moines into its next chapter.

DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted until noon Friday, September 5, 2025 and finalists are expected to be interviewed Wednesday, September 11, 2025.

Final candidates will be subject to a background check prior to an offer of employment. This may include verification of employment history, education, criminal record, and other relevant information.

Apply Now

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    St. Vincent de Paul of Des Moines: 100 Years of Change

    Can you believe St. Vincent de Paul started 100 years ago in Downtown Des Moines (DSM)?

    Over our 100 years of dedicated service to our friends most in need, we have worked together to serve hundreds of thousands of people suffering from one form of poverty or another (emotional, relational, financial, etc.) The rich history of this organization is what has inspired our growth and increasing impact over the last century, and the incredible Greater Des Moines (DSM) community is what makes it all possible.

    Just in the last nine years we have created two nationally replicated program models (Back2Work workforce training and Immersion Prisoner Reentry) that are in multiple locations nationwide. We have also grown from one site to three, with our fourth service center opening at Polk County Life Services this fall. This center will be in partnership with Polk County to open an innovative sobering center that will provide jail diversion, connections to community resources and referrals to treatment for our friends suffering from substance use challenges.

    We are also partnering with the University of Iowa and Health and Human Services to help babies that are in foster care stay safe and get connected with healthy families through the Safe Babies Court Team, as well as working towards providing much more in-depth reentry services in the Polk County jail. It is our dedication to listening to neighbors we serve, impactful results, data and the engagement with all our volunteers and supporters that make this possible. As a result, we have grown from serving around 7,500 people annually to now serving over 35,000 in less than a decade.

    As we have grown as an organization, we are seeing first-hand the challenges and changing needs in our community. Unfortunately, inflation continues to disproportionately impact lower income residents as rent prices, interest rates, gasoline prices and access to affordable food are reaching a crisis level. We know that many of our neighbors and their families are being forced to choose between paying rent or utilities and feeding their families. We also have seen first-hand the impact and fallout from isolation during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Substance use challenges are increasing, wages are not keeping up with inflation and the world seems to be in a place of uncertainty in nearly every aspect of daily life.

    To be responsive to these challenges, the approach of St. Vincent de Paul is multifaceted and intentionally diversified. Our goal is to treat the symptoms that have caused our clients to experience poverty, not just patch the problem. As such, our programs work together to provide access to resources for those in need. These resources may include, but are not limited to:

    Back2Work

    The Back2Work program is a nationally replicated workforce development model (developed through St. Vincent de Paul of Des Moines) that focuses on two weeks of employment preparation and training, a potential internship and job placement at an employer paying at a livable wage.

    Prisoner Re-Entry (IMMERSION)

    The IMMERSION program is a nationally replicated reentry program developed in Des Moines! Through statewide partnerships, we teach courses in the jails and prisons on healthy relationships at home and work, financial literacy, provide mentors, case management and can utilize our other resources to meet people’s basic needs to successfully transition from jail or prison to society. Reentry services not only provide a second chance to those that we serve, but also enhances the tax base of DSM through reducing recidivism (it is extremely expensive to incarcerate people), but also by helping participants attain livable wage employment and pay taxes.

    Food, Clothing and Hygiene Pantries (Two Locations)

    Guests may be eligible to receive free hygiene products, infant needs, food, clothing and furniture. SVdP emphasizes access to healthy foods that assist in health and well-being so that our guests are more likely to become self-sufficient. Weekly recipes are provided to these families as well.

    Adult Basic Education

    Through our modern Education Center, we focus on delivering meaningful educational offerings to help our neighbors gain skills and resources to become self-sufficient. Some of these offerings include Financial Literacy, Digital Literacy, courses on healthy relationships at home and work and individualized career coaching. Learn more about the Education Center below:

    Thrift Stores

    Open to the public, individuals from all over central Iowa come into our store and purchase secondhand items at low cost such as furniture, clothing for men, women and young adults, shoes, appliances, beds and much more. Our thrift stores not only provide cost-effective goods to the public, but also mitigate waste in landfills and focus on recycling and reusing.

    Safe Babies Court Team

    Safe Babies is an approach that surrounds families and their infants with services and supports to ensure that infants are developmentally on track, health needs are met, resources are allocated to families regarding the varying needs of the families and additional support for parents so that they can reunite with their children.

    Purpose:

    • Services support the health and developmental needs of the child and promote safe solutions for families
    • Collaboration across systems and services, with a shared responsibility
    • Evidence-based and equitable practices guide decisions to meet child and family needs.

    Coming Soon

    St. Vincent de Paul is partnering with Polk County to open a Sobering Center to help provide critical services and resources to those struggling with alcohol-related issues. This center will serve non-violent individuals only, will provide diversion services and will operate as a unique model to best connect those we serve with the resources they need to get better.

    We can’t do all this alone, SVdP collaborates and partners with many community service organizations with similar missions to ours. It is also important to know that St. Vincent de Paul serves anyone who walks through its doors, without any requirements to be eligible for services.

    Whether it is providing a second chance to someone returning to society from incarceration, getting their first livable wage job, meeting their basic needs with dignity or providing affordable good while keeping quality goods out of landfills, St. Vincent de Paul has been the “First Step to a Second Chance” for the last century in DSM!

    To celebrate a century of impact and service, we are hosting a gala on Thursday, Sept. 26 at Des Moines Golf and Country Club, with cocktail hour starting at 5:30 p.m. A program, great dinner, entertainment and an evening of fun and celebration will follow. If you are interested in attending, please consider sponsoring the event or purchasing tickets on our website. Please

    Help Us, Help Others!

    Improving the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community through volunteering and community service is a priority for many. Thanks to community engagement opportunities and leadership connecting local businesses to causes that provide services to improve the region, DSM continues to be a place that provides support for those who live, work and play here.


    July 2024 FuseNews

    Dear FuseDSM Members,

    July already? This year is zipping by. We hope your year is going well!

    Thanks to many of you for inquiring about Trish. Our executive director is on the mend and starting to get back involved so hopefully by the time you read this, you’ll see her soon!

    It is hard to believe we are almost as close to our next annual dinner as the last, but again, time flies!

    Please check the FuseDSM website for upcoming events and we have some great ones coming up. Things are always a little quieter in the summer, but we do hope to see you at lunches, breakfasts, ribbon cuttings, and other opportunities to network with your fellow members!

    Read More


    Making a Global Difference – The Society of St. Vincent DePaul

    They say that being “in the moment” is important because you never know what opportunity might pop up. That is exactly what happened when I answered an email sent to our city by Steve Havemann from the Society of St. Vincent DePaul. Several years ago I spoke to a local chamber and met a volunteer of the organization so I was somewhat aware of what they do…but wanted more.


    Executive Director Steve Havemann on the Mission: Employable Podcast

    Join the conversation as we highlight St. Vincent de Paul, an organization that has programs to help underserved populations build job skills and find pathways to employment. Executive Director Steve Havemann talks about how St. Vincent de Paul of Des Moines works with the community to help people overcome barriers and connect with new job opportunities.


    St. Vincent De Paul In The Community

    As we continue to provide food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, and education to over 33,000 Iowans during this global pandemic, other businesses in our community are noticing our efforts. Check out this St. Vincent De Paul Blog just posted by Broken Arrow T-Shirt Printing and Embroidery. The blog lists three ways people visiting their website can help support St. Vincent De Paul during these difficult times.


    SVdP Reflection – July 2017

    If we look at the definition of summer, one of its meanings would describe this season as “a time of fulfillment”. It is a time to witness and enjoy the presence of god through a gentle breeze, a turbulent storm, or as the temperature has testified, some very warm days.

    You know, summer seemed younger when we were young. Summers were more fun then, maybe because life was more fun. There was swimming, riding our bikes all day long, hanging out with friends, and having to come home only to eat, sleep, or maybe when it rained. It seems that the older we become, we have to work at catching summer lest it slip through our hands like a hard ball grounder through our glove in the field of our soul. Adult summers are less fun than kid summers. Yet each year summer does come back to life, and life does come back to summer. Summer allows us time. The days are longer, the temperatures are warmer, and the earth’s treasures are nurtured from their spring birth. Summer can break the bonds of logic and allow us to enter into the beauty of god’s creation. It can be a time to let loose of the inhibitions that the other three seasons seem to protect. These short three months invites us to play and relax.

    to become mature and developing disciples of Jesus’ demand we take time to rest and enjoy the fruits of god’s creation. Most of our days are filled with busy work and activity. We meet ourselves coming and going in every direction. Some of that is placed upon us by life and circumstances beyond our control, some we place on ourselves to keep our esteems highly recognized. Playfulness, watching the sun rise and set, and savoring the moments in between may be less stressful, but we say it won’t pay the bills, keep the home and property in order, or secure our futures. Workaholism and activity addictions leave us with the temptation that we have plateaued if we do and get “more” done. You know, the Christian life blesses human labor and endorses its dignity, but work that is balanced with leisure and recreation. Without that balance we are not much different than robots who go wherever led. Our cultural value of busyness proves that out.

    One final thought. Some years ago our grandmother was visited by one of her 14 grandsons. I asked her if she could, what she would do different in her 99 years of life. Grandma said, “John, I would use my good dishes more and wear my best clothes not just on Sunday.” We, as faithful Vincentians, need to take care of ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. In doing this, our ministry of outreach and service will be beneficial to all we meet and give honor and glory to God.


    Helping juvenile offenders stay out of court system

    Three Des Moines area residents explain why they applaud the expantion of a mediation program that helps first-time, juvenile offenders understand the impact of their actions directly from their victims. Kathy Bolten/The Register


    St. Vincent de Paul Board Selects Andrew Gross as Tom Varilek Education Center Director

    DES MOINES – Andrew Gross, a former Catholic elementary school principal who was most recently an achievement coach and recruiter with the WTA-Connect program at Des Moines Area Community College, was named director of the Tom Varilek Education Center today.

    “Andrew brings a unique and extraordinary skill set to the Des Moines Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul,” said board president Jim Wachuta. “With a focus and commitment to walk with the center’s students on their journey out of poverty, we recognized that Andrew’s ability in the classroom combined with his strong administrative abilities and practical knowledge and extensive knowledge in the workforce arena made him the perfect candidate for this critical leadership position.”

    The Tom Varilek Education Center provides classes in basic computers skills classes (English and Spanish), Hi-SET, financial literacy and English as a Second Language. All classes and services are free and open to the public.

    Gross, who earned his bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Iowa, was an upper-elementary classroom teacher in urban and rural schools from 1975 to 1983. From 1983 to 1988, he was the director of religious education at St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Des Moines and earned his master’s degree in education from Drake University in 1985. He served as the principal of Holy Family School from 1988 to 1996, earning his specialist degree in education in 1994 at Drake University.

    Gross was superintendent of the Interstate Community School District in Truro and Sentral Community School District in Fenton between 1996 and 2000. From 2000 to 2010, he was a drug prevention/school safety lead coordinator, career advisor and teacher with the Des Moines Public Schools system. He was employed by DMACC from 2010 through the present.

    “DMACC was one of 10 sites across the country to be selected for a research study on the effects of wrap-around services to long-term employment and self-sufficiency,” Gross said. “The study, entitled WTA-Connect, gave me a firsthand opportunity in workforce skills assessment and development. We’re certainly not going to duplicate services or reinvent the wheel, but those are areas where the Tom Varilek Education Center can strengthen its special niche in the community to help people out of poverty and into better lives.”


    Volunteers Sought for Colorado Flooding Disaster Relief Efforts

    The Des Moines Council of St. Vincent de Paul Society is seeking disaster volunteers from the local conferences to work as caseworkers for disaster victims of the Colorado floods in the Boulder area. SVdP is currently on “standby” to perform this mission.

    Barbara Slaven, National VP for the Midwest Region (from Omaha) received the call from Ken Merlin, National Disaster Committee Representative, Midwest Region. She said, “According to Mr. Merlin, ‘Volunteers will be trained in casework management by a SVdP team from the South Central Region (SCR) who served during Hurricane Sandy (NJ/NY), the OKC tornadoes, and a fertilizer plant explosion in Texas – prior to assigning the Omaha volunteers to a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DAC). We are responding to a special request from Catholic Charities USA to provide the casework because of the excellent work provided by the St. Vincent de Paul Society in recent disasters.’”

    The DAC is a secure site located outside the disaster zone.

    Volunteers are encouraged to carpool to and from the Denver area, and will be assigned to the same work site, if possible. Commercial air is authorized.

    Anyone in the Des Moines area wishing to volunteer may contact Fern Klemm, Des Moines Council Social Services Director, at (515) 282-8328 or socialservices@svdpdsm.org with your name, phone, email, availability after Oct. 1 , and any experience/classes in disaster work. Minimum availability for this assignment is one week.