Executive Director

Together SC; Cheraw (SC); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

State retirement

Paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

Chesterfield County First Steps is seeking an Executive Director to provide visionary leadership, guiding program development and partnerships to improve school readiness for young children and families. The role oversees daily operations, ensures sound fiscal management, and advocates for the organization with the board and community.

Compensation band starts at $65,000–$75,000 annually for a full-time exempt position, plus health insurance, retirement, paid holidays, and PTO.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management or early education, public administration, business administration, or related field.
• Minimum of five years progressively responsible leadership or management experience.
• Experience managing budgets, grants, contracts, and organizational operations.
• Experience building partnerships and working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Valid SC Driver's License and reliable transportation.
• Must pass applicable background checks.
• Preference may be given to candidates residing in Chesterfield County.

Responsibilities

• Direct implementation of the strategic plan and annual program goals.
• Work with the Board to assess community needs and identify opportunities to improve school readiness outcomes.
• Develop recommendations, policies, and procedures for board consideration.
• Ensure compliance with all SC First Steps requirements, grant obligations, and applicable federal/state laws.
• Maintain strong understanding of early childhood trends, best practices, and emerging community needs.
• Reports directly to the Chesterfield County First Steps board.
• Lead Community Engagement, Partnerships & Resource Development activities.
• Oversee Program Oversight & Quality Assurance across all programs.
• Develop and manage organizational budgets and fiscal procedures.
• Partner with board on recruitment, orientation, training, and engagement.

Skills

Leadership experience

Budget management

Grants & contracts

Partnership development

Stakeholder collaboration

Background checks

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management or related field

Job description

The Executive Director of Chesterfield County First Steps provides visionary leadership and strategic direction to advance the organization's mission of improving school readiness and supporting the success of young children and families throughout the county. This role is responsible for guiding program development, fostering strong community partnerships, overseeing daily operations, and ensuring sound fiscal and organizational management. The Executive Director serves as the chief advocate for the organization, working collaboratively with the board, staff, funders, and community stakeholders to expand impact, strengthen resources, and promote high-quality early childhood initiatives that meet the needs of Chesterfield County.

Compensation band: starting $65,000 - $75,000 (full-time exempt) Benefits: Health insurance, state retirement, paid holidays, PTO.

Applications will be accepted until the close of business November 22, 2026 and interviews for qualified candidates will begin in early November.

Role and Responsibilities

• Direct implementation of the strategic plan and annual program goals
• Work with the Board to assess community needs and identify opportunities to improve school readiness outcomes
• Develop recommendations, policies, and procedures for board consideration
• Ensure compliance with all SC First Steps requirements, grant obligations, and applicable federal/state laws
• Maintain strong understanding of early childhood trends, best practices, and emerging community needs
• Reports directly to the Chesterfield County First Steps board

Community Engagement, Partnerships & Resource Development (20%)

• Serve as primary spokesperson and representative
• Build collaborative relationships with schools, childcare providers, healthcare organizations, government agencies, faith-based organizations, businesses, and nonprofit partners
• Coordinate fundraising activities and local match efforts in partnership with the Board
• Work with media and community organizations to increase visibility

Program Oversight & Quality Assurance (25%)

• Oversees the preschool director and assures quality assurance
• Leads the programmatic team which includes the Parents as Teachers team and oversees all programs
• Monitor program performance, outcomes, and compliance
• Ensure timely collection and submission of programmatic data and reports
• Support continuous quality improvement across all programs
• Work collaboratively with service providers and community partners

Fiscal Management & Administration (25%)

• Develop and manage organizational budgets
• Ensure sound financial practices and stewardship of public and private funds
• Prepare grant applications, budget revisions, procurement documents, and administrative reports
• Oversee office operations, technology, facilities, and administrative systems
• Ensure board compliance with nonprofit governance best practices and SC First Steps requirements
• Partner with the board on recruitment, orientation, training, and engagement

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management or early education, public administration, business administration, or related field
• Minimum of five years progressively responsible leadership or management experience
• Experience managing budgets, grants, contracts, and organizational operations
• Experience building partnerships and working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
• Valid SC Driver's License and reliable transportation
• Must pass applicable background checks
• Preference may be given to candidates residing in Chesterfield County

Physical Demands

Set up and break down materials at community events; lift up to 25 pounds; primarily office based with regular travel throughout the county and occasional travel to SC First Steps in Columbia.