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Executive Director Position Description (2025)

Mental Health Virginia (MHV) is a nonprofit mental health advocacy organization founded in 1937. Our mission is to educate, empower, and advocate to improve the mental health of all Virginians. As the Virginia affiliate of Mental Health America, MHV works for a person-centered, accessible continuum of mental health services from prevention through recovery, and public awareness that mental health is part of everyone’s health. Direct services include recovery education and peer support to empower self-advocacy and wellness.

Position Title: Executive Director

Supervisor: Accountable to the Board of Directors, with the Board President as direct supervisor.

Application Form: https://forms.gle/rQBcowM7poGjX11S8

Summary: This is a full-time position based in Richmond, VA that serves as the agency’s hands-on leader under direction of the Board. The ED manages the agency’s strategic direction, day-to-day activities, and resources. The ED has ultimate responsibility for overall business and financial management, organization leadership, human resources, programs, partnerships, development, marketing, and advocacy.

Schedule: 40 hours weekdays, some evening, weekend hours as needed. Opportunity for hybrid in-office/at-home work.

Salary and Benefits:

  • Flexible schedule with the option for a combination of in-office and telework
  • Health insurance, short and long-term disability and life insurance
  • Matching Simple IRA retirement plan
  • Generous PTO
  • Paid time off for all state holidays
  • Office closed between Christmas and New Year’s
  • Support for attending national Mental Health America conferences
  • $80,000 annual salary

DUTIES

The Executive Director has the responsibility to either perform directly or work with staff, officers, board members, and volunteers to ensure the following duties are carried out:

Strategic Leadership and Planning

  • In partnership with the Board and other staff members, develop, implement, and monitor a strategic plan aligned with the organization’s mission and vision.
  • Communicate effectively with the Board and agency staff, providing necessary information for decision-making.
  • Promote principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion across all organizational activities.

Financial and Operational Management

  • Oversee fiscal management, day-to-day operations, budget preparation, financial reporting.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of a private, non-profit organization, including filing of tax returns, SCC report, charitable solicitation, etc.
  • Ensure compliance with grant contracts, third-party oversight and financial audits, government, foundation and corporate grant reports.

Program Development and Oversight

  • Conduct formal and informal needs assessments in planning for agency services and how services are provided.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate programs to address community needs and advance the mission.
  • Oversee volunteer and intern recruitment, training, and supervision to support programs.

Community Engagement

  • Serve as the public face of the organization, representing its mission and activities to stakeholders and the general public.
  • Build and sustain collaborative relationships with peer recovery organizations, service providers, community organizations, government and corporate representatives, and other nonprofits.
  • Develop and maintain a positive agency brand and public presence throughout Virginia, through an intentional communication strategy, including website, newsletter, social media, traditional press, promotional literature, as well as speaking engagements and interviews.
  • Maintain positive relationships with national Mental Health America (MHA) staff and promote MHA public education resources.
  • Oversee organizational public events, including annual advocacy and fundraising events, and outreach programs throughout the year.
  • Represent agency on the Behavioral Health Advisory Council and maintain BHAC finances.

Advocacy

  • Advocate for mental health awareness and policy improvements, engaging in legislative and community initiatives.
  • Educate government agencies, other advocacy organizations, policymakers and the media on the needs and concerns of people with mental health challenges.
  • Meet with legislative representatives on an ongoing basis about identified health policy issues.
  • Provide policy/legislative information to other MHA affiliates in Virginia, and obtain their input on their priorities for policy and legislative action.
  • Participate in coalitions with other advocates, peers, mental health professionals, providers and the public to advance common priorities.

Fundraising and Resource Development

  • Develop and manage revenue streams through fundraising, grants, and donor relations.
  • Work with members of the Board to prepare and present an annual development plan for the agency to have sufficient funds to carry out its mission.
  • Develop and oversee an annual campaign and special fundraising events and initiatives.
  • Maintain and utilize an effective donor database.

Human Resources Management

  • Supervise and support staff, volunteers, and contractors, fostering a collaborative environment.
  • Provide staff with professional development opportunities and performance evaluations.
  • Oversee personnel policies, ensuring legal compliance and alignment with organizational goals.

Board and Governance Relations

  • Support the Board’s work and meetings, providing necessary reports and resources.
  • Collaborate with the Board to establish organizational policies and frameworks.
  • Ensure board committees have structure, information and staff support to be effective.
  • Facilitate board recruitment, orientation, and training to ensure diversity and effectiveness.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • College degree preferably in a health or human services related discipline; Master’s preferred.
  • At least 5 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, or mental health advocacy.
  • Previous experience in a non-profit organization, healthcare, human services, and/or fundraising is highly recommended.

Knowledge and Skills

  • Knowledge of principles and practices of non-profit governance, board development, fundraising, planning, program development, interagency collaboration, personnel management, fiscal management, and volunteer management.
  • Knowledge of other health care providers, human service agencies, and community resources.
  • Familiarity with mental health issues as a professional, advocate, or peer with lived experience.
  • Strong leadership, organizational, advocacy, and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication for engaging with stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in financial management, strategic planning, and nonprofit operations.
  • Competence with technology, including Microsoft and Google platforms.
  • Proven ability to develop and manage programs, fundraising strategies, and donor relations.
  • Experience working with Boards of Directors and leading governance initiatives.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and mental health advocacy.
  • Ability to work well with diverse constituencies, including healthcare professionals, hospital administrators, agency directors, board members, volunteers, and peers with lived experience in varied settings.

Personal Attributes

  • Passion for the organization’s mission and commitment to improving mental health systems.
  • High ethical standards and integrity in leadership.
  • Creative, adaptable, and resilient, with a robust work ethic and sense of urgency.