State Director Youth Services

Thompson; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 weeks PTO in your first year

10 paid holidays

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Life and disability insurance

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

State Loan Repayment eligibility

Paid volunteer time

Leadership development opportunities

Company-issued technology

Job summary

Thompson leads statewide child and family services in Tennessee, guiding strategy, growth, and a culture of accountability across multiple programs. The State Director will develop leaders, expand Foster Care and new services, and build essential partnerships with government and community stakeholders to improve outcomes for children and families.

The role requires strong financial/operational acumen, travel across Tennessee, and a commitment to Thompson’s values of Excellence, Innovation,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Mental Health, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years in human services, behavioral health, healthcare, child welfare, or nonprofit work.
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience.
• Experience leading multiple programs or geographic regions (preferred).
• Proven strength in financial and operational management.
• A track record of building partnerships with government agencies and community stakeholders.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout Tennessee.

Responsibilities

• Statewide strategy and growth — set the direction and deliver on it.
• Financial and operational performance — build a sustainable, scalable operation.
• Foster Care expansion and new service lines — grow what’s working, launch what’s next.
• Leadership development and succession — build the bench behind you.
• Compliance and program quality — protect the standard that earns us trust.
• Community and government partnerships — become Thompson’s face across Tennessee.

Skills

Leadership

Financial and operational management

Partnerships with government

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Mental Health, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Lead the Future of Child & Family Services in Tennessee

Some roles fill a seat. This one shapes a state.

For nearly 140 years, Thompson Child & Family Focus has helped children and families find stability, healing, and hope. Now we’re growing across Tennessee — and we’re looking for the leader who will build it.

As State Director, you’ll own Thompson’s Tennessee operations end to end: the strategy, the growth, the leaders you develop, and the outcomes for every child and family we serve. This is a builder’s role for someone who sees a map of Tennessee and thinks what could we make possible here?

Why Thompson

Founded in 1886 as an orphanage, Thompson is now one of the Southeast's leading providers of child and family services, working across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

Our continuum of care spans Prevention Services, Mental Health Services, and Foster Care — every program trauma‑informed, evidence‑based or evidence‑informed, and delivered both in person and virtually to children ages 0–18 and their families.

Five values guide everything we do: Excellence

• Innovation
• Commitment
• Caring
• Integrity

What You’ll Own

• Statewide strategy and growth — set the direction and deliver on it
• Financial and operational performance — build a sustainable, scalable operation
• Foster Care expansion and new service lines — grow what’s working, launch what’s next
• Leadership development and succession — build the bench behind you
• Compliance and program quality — protect the standard that earns us trust
• Community and government partnerships — become Thompson’s face across Tennessee

You’ll partner directly with executive leadership and have real authority to build a culture defined by accountability, innovation, and exceptional service.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Mental Health, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• 10+ years in human services, behavioral health, healthcare, child welfare, or nonprofit work
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience
• Experience leading multiple programs or geographic regions (preferred)
• Proven strength in financial and operational management
• A track record of building partnerships with government agencies and community stakeholders
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout Tennessee

What You’ll Get

Salary: $90,000–$100,000

• Three weeks PTO in your first year, plus ten paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Tennessee State Loan Repayment eligibilityPaid volunteer time
• Leadership development opportunities
• Company-issued technology

Salary Description

$90k-$100k annually

Thompson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Thompson participates in E-Verify.