Executive Director

For more than 40 years, our client has been changing the story of children and youth in foster care. They are focused on delivering impactful services and programs that allow kids to experience moments of joy and achieve self-sufficiency. Our client's organization is dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth in foster care by creating opportunities that build self-esteem, inspire hope, and support long-term success. Through enrichment, education, and transition-to-independence programs, they help young people experience joy, belonging, and confidence, building a brighter future. Deeply connected to the foster care community, the organization is guided by individuals with firsthand experience and a shared commitment to empowering foster youth. Executive Director (ED) This leadership role is an opportunity for a mission-driven executive dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth in foster care. The position blends strategic vision with hands-on leadership, guiding organizational growth, strengthening operations, developing high-performing teams, and expanding long-term impact across Arizona. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED serves as the organization's primary ambassador, leading fundraising efforts, shaping culture, and ensuring programs continue to deliver meaningful outcomes for foster youth. The ED advances strategy across three core priorities:

Impact:

High-quality, youth-centered programs with meaningful outcomes

Culture:

Trust, communication, inclusion, and shared accountability

Capacity:

Strong internal systems, data, people management, and financial stewardship Our Client Strongly Encourages Applicants with experience in the Foster Care System. Our client enthusiastically welcomes candidates who bring lived experience or direct professional experience with the foster care system , including: Leaders from organizations serving foster children, youth, or families CASA volunteers or guardian ad litem Professionals who have worked within child welfare or dependency systems Former foster youth Foster or kinship parents

Best-in-Class Benefits and Culture:

Our client values their employees' time and efforts. Their commitment to your success is enhanced by competitive compensation of $130,000 - $180,000 annually, plus up to 5% base salary annual bonus, depending on experience, and an extensive benefits package including: Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance provided Well-being and work-life balance: 12 days of

PTO + 11

paid holidays and 1 floating holiday Robust retirement planning: 401(k) plan available with 100% employer matching up to 3% Company phone or monthly phone allowance Mileage reimbursement for business travel Plus, they work to maintain the best environment for their employees, where people can learn and grow with the company. They strive to provide a collaborative, creative environment where everyone feels encouraged to contribute to their processes, decisions, planning, and culture.

Responsibilities:

Lead with values centered on empowerment, integrity, responsiveness, and relationships. Build strong internal systems, team structure, and organizational effectiveness. Manage, coach, and support staff while fostering collaboration, accountability, and well-being. Promote a positive, psychologically safe workplace culture that supports resilience. Serve as the organization's primary fundraiser, spokesperson, and community ambassador. Build relationships with donors, partners, and community stakeholders. Represent the organization through public speaking, media, and events. Use storytelling, data, and lived experience to inspire support and engagement. Execute strategic goals and translate vision into measurable outcomes. Partner with the Board of Directors on governance, strategy, and organizational leadership. Communicate organizational performance, opportunities, and risks clearly and consistently. Oversee key programs supporting foster youth and families. Maintain high standards for program quality and impact. Ensure youth voice, dignity, and well-being are reflected in decision-making and program design. Oversee financial health, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. Balance organizational growth with long-term fiscal sustainability and responsibility.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree required. Minimum of 6 years of leadership experience in a nonprofit organization or similar experience. Demonstrated experience building internal structure, systems, or teams. Proven ability to manage and support teams of 8 or more staff. Fundraising, partnership-building, and board-relationship experience. Background connected to the foster care system is highly valued and encouraged. Must be willing to travel within the state of Arizona and available to work after hours to attend various events.

To Apply:

If you feel called to lead with heart and structure, they invite you to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment.