Executive Director - Virginia Children's Partnership

Warren Whitney; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Children's Partnership (VCP) seeks an entrepreneurial Executive Director to lead a newly established nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of Virginia’s children and families. The ED reports to the CEO and is responsible for launching and scaling programs, building a high-performing team, and securing sustainable funding.

As a founding leader, you will shape program strategy, cultivate partnerships, and advance trauma-informed, evidence-based services with an annual budget

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, public administration, nonprofit management, human services, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years in child welfare or related nonprofit work with at least 5 years in leadership.
• Track record of launching or scaling programs and securing diverse funding (grants, contracts).
• Knowledge of Virginia's child welfare system, laws, policies, and providers.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to launch and scale programs.
• Build and guide a high-performing team while securing sustainable funding.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and diverse stakeholders to advance mission.
• Oversee budget management and financial performance with focus on growth.
• Represent VCP in Virginia child welfare reform and partnership development.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Public Speaking

Board Governance

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, public administration, nonprofit management, human services, or related field

Job description

The Opportunity

The Virginia Children's Partnership (VCP) is a newly established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Virginia, dedicated to improving the lives of children and families across the Commonwealth through systemic reform and programming to support families and children. VCP addresses critical needs in Virginia's child welfare by advocating for system improvements and delivering evidence-based programs that promote safety, permanency, and well-being for Virginia's most vulnerable children. As a start-up organization, VCP offers a unique opportunity to build programs, partnerships, and culture from the ground up and shape the future of Virginia's child welfare system.

The ED provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the organization. Reporting to the CEO, the ED is responsible for launching and scaling the organization's programs, building a high-performing team, securing sustainable funding, and establishing VCP as a trusted leader in child welfare reform and improvement in Virginia. This is an action-oriented founding leadership role requiring an entrepreneurial mindset, deep commitment to child and family well-being, and the ability to translate vision into measurable impact. The initial annual budget is approximately $750,000, focusing on these key responsibilities with estimated timeframes. Learn more at www.vachildrenspartnership.org.

• Organizational Leadership & Strategy 20%
• Program Development 25%
• Fundraising & Financial Management 15%
• Team Building & Human Resources 15%
• Community Engagement & Partnerships 25%

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, public administration, nonprofit management, human services, or a closely related field; combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in child welfare, human services, or a related nonprofit sector, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in launching or significantly scaling programs or organizations.
• Proven track record of securing diverse funding, including grants, government contracts, with experience managing budgets of $1 million or more; ideally within Virginia.
• Knowledge of Virginia's child welfare system, including relevant laws, regulations, policies, and the network of public and private service providers.
• Strong understanding of evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches to child and family services.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors in a governance capacity.
• Promotes and adheres to the organization's mission, vision and values, policies, and applicable laws in a fair and equitable manner.
• Maintain current Virginia driver's license and clear DMV record due to state-wide travel.
• Successfully complete pre-employment background screening including professional references.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential.
• Experience founding or serving as a start-up leader of a nonprofit organization.
• Familiarity with Virginia's legislative process and experience in policy advocacy.
• Established relationships with key stakeholders in Virginia's child welfare ecosystem.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency.

Apply with your resume and cover letter.

Warren Whitney (The Firm) is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm on behalf of its client will not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical condition), disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, citizenship, or any other class protected by applicable law. The Firm reserves the right to alter, change, modify, and/or terminate this job posting at any time without notice, or obligation, to any party.