OUR STORY

Bolton Refuge House, Inc (BRH) is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit that provides services for individuals affected by domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. We are the only emergency shelter agency in Eau Claire, WI with support staff available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Locations in Buffalo, Eau Claire, and Jackson Counties provide services to thousands of adults and children each year.

Many people who know about Bolton Refuge House will tell you about our emergency shelter, but the majority of our services are provided to people who do not stay in the emergency shelter.

Take a look at our Services page to learn about all the ways we serve survivors.

MISSION

Bolton Refuge House Inc. creates safe space through programs and services for all persons impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault, and advocates for social change.

VISSION

 Bolton Refuge House Inc. envisions a world in which all persons have the right to safety, dignity, respect, and self-determination.

 

VALUES

All people have the right to feel safe and exercise control over their lives. Emotional and physical safety enable the work to begin. Respect begins where the other person is and recognizes the inherent dignity of the other.

 

DAY OF UNITY PROJECT

Preserving the History of Bolton Refuge House, Inc.

Every year, Bolton Refuge House hosts the Day of Unity to commemorate Officer Robert Bolton, who was killed attempting to intercept an abuser on October 6th, 1982.

On the anniversary of this event, we take a moment to honor the memories of the many victims of domestic violence, especially those whose lives were taken by these horrific crimes.

 

THE PROFILE

• Mission-centered executive with the presence and judgment to partner effectively with the Board while advancing a clear vision for survivor safety, organizational sustainability, and long-term community impact.
• Credible external ambassador who builds trust with funders, public officials, donors, and community stakeholders, and who can strengthen the organization’s visibility, influence, and reputation across the region.
• Strategic nonprofit leader with demonstrated success aligning programmatic excellence, financial stewardship, and operational discipline to support high-quality, trauma-informed services.
• Skilled people leader who fosters accountability, compassion, and resilience across teams, while building a healthy culture that supports staff development, sound supervision, and mission execution.
• Experienced fundraiser and relationship builder with the ability to secure resources, guide grant strategy, and position the organization for thoughtful growth in service of survivors and the broader community.

THE ROLE

The Executive Director is responsible for overall management and operation of Bolton Refuge House (the agency).  This includes the development and implementation of strategic plans and organization policies, determination of staffing needs, oversight of all aspects of grant processes and fundraising, victim/advocate program development, adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, and financial management. The Executive Director serves as the liaison of the agency to funding sources, government officials, donors and the community at large.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Directly responsible for the day-to-day operations of the agency under the direction of the Board of Directors (the Board):

• Represent the agency in all dealings with external organizations, companies, individuals, and in the community to promote good public relations.
• Primary fundraiser for the agency and must authorize all grant applications, proposals, fundraising events, or funding requests.
• Direct the preparation of the annual Agency Budget and submits it to the Board for approval.
• Has the authority to make decisions that are not in conflict with the law or policy, including all matters of administrative/supervisory details in connection with the operation and maintenance of the agency.
• Prepare the agenda for regular Board meetings, initiates and directs the development of policies for Board approval with the assistance of the Board President.
• Attend and participates in all Board meetings and Board Committee meetings.
• Supervise the implementation of all Board approved policies.
• Report regularly to the Board about progress on strategic objectives, financial health of the agency, and other issues of concern and provides adequate information to make informed decisions and establish policies.
• Develops short-range (one-year) goals for the organization and works with the Board to prepare long range plans for the agency.
• Responsible in part for recruitment, performance management, and off-boarding of all staff.
• Lead administrative staff in their assignments and supervises all other staff members in the performance of their duties (through other supervisory staff when applicable) and is primary supervisor of the Senior Aides, Community Service Workers, and Interns.
• Provide leadership for the oversight of management and operational support of storage, maintenance, and destruction of required agency records
• Signature authority required for all agency checks and charge accounts and make bank deposits on behalf of the agency.
• Direct, approve and inform the Board of purchases and expenditures within the limits of the Board approved budget.
• Ensure there is back-up for the program, shelter, and facilities staff. Must authorize shelter stays and is allowed to take/pick-up victims from their home with a police officer on standby.
• Provide and supervise information and referral and supportive listening to crisis telephone callers, shelter coverage, options counseling, safety planning, transportation, and advocacy with other community agencies/resources and accompany clients to appointments and supports their decisions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work and/or Human Services; 10+ years of diverse programming experience.
• Progressive leadership experience in providing oversight to lean but mighty team.
• Proven track record with implementing best practices for a high-performing dedicated team.
• Technical acumen in compliance, regulations and systems associated with mission driven institutions.
• Experience working at the state, federal level for the fight in domestic violence and/or sexual assault programs; strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Experience with financial statements, grant writing, and fundraising.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & WORKFORCE MODEL

Our compensation range for the Executive Director is $80-95k.  Bolton Refuge House offers a competitive benefits package:

• Monthly Benefit Stipend
• Retirement plan with 5% employer match
• Employer paid Life Insurance and Short-term Disability
• Vacation and Sick Time off
• Paid holidays

 

TO APPLY

Please send note of interest and resume to Recruiting@boltonrefuge.org