The Beacon, a Des Moines nonprofit that helps women who have experienced trauma and systemic inequity, is starting the search for a new leader.

Current executive director, Melissa Vine, will remain at the Beacon until her replacement is found, according to a social media update signed jointly by Vine and the Beacon’s board president, Shannon Sobek, on Monday. Sobek is a senior acquisitions consultant at Principal Financial Group.

“After a period of joint succession planning, Melissa Vine will be transitioning out of her position once we find her successor. We are so incredibly grateful for her time with the Beacon; she has truly helped our organization transform into one that is remarkable in its mission and impact. Through the past four years, we have seen the Beacon grow and change, sometimes faster than even we believed it could, into a vibrant and important organization outside of its own walls, and pushing itself to find more effective ways to do this work,” the joint statement on social media said.

Among its services, the Beacon works with women trying to construct new lives after leaving prison – about 85% of clients come after being released from the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville.

“It has been one of the greatest honors of my lifetime to lead The Beacon as we reached new heights, seeking best practice for both staff and client care,” Vine said in the social post. “Over the past four years, we doubled staff compensation packages (except my own) and fostered an environment of transparency, multi-directional accountability, and inclusivity. As a result, we have almost no staff turnover and have doubled our housing units, our staff, our client success outcomes, and our revenue.”

Last fall, Vine and her staff spearheaded a new jail diversion program. Rather than going to jail, some women can go right to the Beacon, which is located in the Sherman Hill neighborhood.

In July, the Beacon opened a 34-bed home for women who have experienced trauma in the Highland Park neighborhood on Des Moines’ north side.

The executive director job is listed on Indeed.com with a salary ranging from $85,000 to $105,000.