Executive Director

The Executive Director is responsible for guiding the initiative’s ongoing strategy development, including the co-creation of a common agenda for the initiative and the implementation of associated strategies for impact;

and serving as FirstSpark’s full-time champion and liaison for external audiences. The Executive Director will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including, but not limited to, organizations such as early care and education service providers, public school divisions, departments of social and human services, private funders, and the health departments, in each of the sixteen jurisdictions in the Ready Region geographic area.

The Executive Director hires and manages staff members and reports to the FirstSpark Board of Directors.

Job Duties

Leadership and Vision

Ability to guide and inspire a team, and develop and implement strategic initiatives to further the organization’s mission.

Read on to fully understand what this job requires in terms of skills and experience If you are a good match, make an application.

Oversees daily operations, including communicating challenges, opportunities, and achievements to appropriate audiences

Oversees FirstSpark’s core infrastructure, including budget, administrative processes, and other support functions

Drives FirstSpark’s overarching strategy and long-term goals, recognizing patterns and challenges.

Oversees implementation of projects and ensures that they have clearly articulated goals and objectives that correspond to the initiative’s common agenda and stated outcomes.

Monitors the initiative’s progress, working with the Board and working groups to ensure goals are met.

In collaboration with the Board of Directors, manage the implementation of FirstSpark’s strategic plan

Cultivate opportunities to work in partnership with stakeholders and engage community members

Effective in conveying the organization’s goals and engaging with diverse audiences, including policymakers, community leaders, educators, and parents

Experience in securing funding and building relationships with donors and stakeholders.

Identify potential funding sources to support FirstSpark goals and priorities.

Provide support and guidance to partner organizations in aligning resources to achieve FirstSpark’s overall strategies and outcomes

Cultivates relationships with potential donors

Strong understanding of budgeting, financial planning, and management.

Passion for Early Childhood Development

A deep commitment to, and history of, improving early childhood care and education systems, with a preference for an understanding of Virginia’s early childhood system.

Cultivate and nurture strategic community partnerships that advance our mission, namely our local school division partners to promote kindergarten readiness and the successful transition of children to elementary school.

Community Engagement

Represent the organization fully through public engagement and speaking opportunities

Develop and steward deep relationships in the region with community members, regional representatives, and community partners.

Skill in engaging with the community to build support and awareness for the organization’s mission.

Skills Required

Experience in providing transformational leadership in an evolving environment.

Knowledge of nonprofit business practices.

Commitment to and passion for FirstSpark’s cause and collective impact approach.

Demonstrated success in leading staff and groups of stakeholders to achieve strategic goals.

Experience growing community engagement.

Deep knowledge and understanding of the field of early care and education.

Experience and success fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to think and problem-solve at a systems level.

Deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a context of change and ambiguity and to adapt to changing needs or momentum.

Excellent computer skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time, salaried position based in Newport News, Virginia. The position reports to FirstSpark’s Board of Directors and leads the leadership team, which includes the Deputy Director (lead for Ready Region Chesapeake Bay) the Finance and Operations Administrator.

The Director also supervises a part-time Development Coordinator. Executive Director may work at the FirstSpark office, remotely from home, or on-site at early childhood facilities and community spaces.

Must be able to provide own transportation in Ready Regions Chesapeake Bay area to early childhood facilities and across the state for meetings and trainings.

Additional Info

Benefits include paid Sick & Annual Leave, 12 Paid Holidays+ 1 for other, Health Insurance (50% of plan), IRA (3% company match), Group Life Insurance, access to Vision & Dental Insurance

FirstSpark provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

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