Job Description

Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV) is Now Hiring: Executive Director (Full Time, Hybrid, Northern Virginia area)

The Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families by providing essential resources, support, programs, and events that foster inclusion, enhance well-being, and promote meaningful participation in the community. 

Since 1972 DSANV has grown to serve over 1,000 individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the communities we serve in the Northern Virginia area. 

DSANV has a history of success in: 

• Helping families celebrate the birth of a child with Down syndrome; 

• Providing individuals with Down syndrome and their families with educational, financial, medical, legal and social support and resources; 

• Providing social and educational events for individuals with Down syndrome and their families to meet, interact and learn; 

• Increasing community awareness of the capabilities and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome; 

• Providing financial support to families in need with camp and conference scholarships; 

• Partnering with local, national, and international organizations that provide services to individuals with Down syndrome. 

What You'll Do:
DSANV is currently seeking a dynamic Executive Director with a passion for supporting individuals with Down syndrome, and the broader intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) community, to lead our organization in achieving its mission and expanding our impact in the Northern Virginia area. 

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the DSANV Executive Director takes a hands-on approach, identifying and implementing strategies for enhanced efficiency and growth across all facets of the organization. They assume responsibility for overseeing and managing the entirety of the organization's operations, including the execution of fundraising events, program development, financial management, and supervision of contract staff. 

In addition to these operational responsibilities, the Executive Director plays a pivotal role in engaging and nurturing relationships with existing and potential members, donors, sponsors, and grantors. Their mission extends beyond sustaining to actively elevating the overall annual contributions to DSANV, advancing the organization's mission. The Executive Director not only guides strategic initiatives but also spearheads efforts to identify and implement measures that enhance operational efficiency and organizational growth. 

Business Operations Management and Administration 

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for DSANV and be the professional public face of the organization. 

• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and effective execution of processes, programs and services while fostering a success-oriented culture of collaboration. 

• Manage the organization’s budget, ensuring financial stability and sustainability. 

• Provide direct leadership and supervision to DSANV staff and volunteers in alignment with the organization’s mission, strategic plans and objectives. 

• Collaborate with our finance team to ensure comprehensive oversight and compliance with the rules and regulations of all contracts, funding sources, as well as with applicable federal and local laws and regulations. 

• Work with staff and volunteers to develop and maintain databases that facilitate the effective operation of each area of DSANV to meet its strategic plan objectives.  

• Oversee and maintain the organization’s website to ensure timely and accurate updates on events, programs, and initiatives. 

• Other duties as requested by the Board of Directors. 

Fundraising, Event Planning and Development 

• In partnership with the Board of Directors and staff, develop, implement and execute fundraising strategies and systems to support the organization’s financial needs and strategic growth plans to carry out programs and operations. 

• Organize, manage, and execute annual DSANV fundraising events including but not limited to the Buddy Walk™, World Down Syndrome Day, Century Bike Ride, and Year-End Campaign. 

• Manage staff and volunteers in designing and executing focused fundraising campaigns of various sizes. 

• Drive the organization's financial growth by actively seeking and securing new funding opportunities through grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and fundraising activities. Simultaneously, foster and sustain relationships with both existing and new donors, partners, and sponsors. 

Board Relations and Governance 

• Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the DSANV Board of Directors. 

• Create and maintain a system/process for sharing information that enables the Board of Directors to effectively carry out its governance role. 

• Support the Board of Directors to develop appropriate policy and fundraising strategies. 

• Collaborate with and provide regular updates to the Board of Directors; contribute to the development and implementation of strategic plans, and report on progress toward organizational goals at board meetings. 

Strategic Planning, Communications and Community Leadership/Advocacy 

• Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with constituents, community partners, donors, government agencies, and other stakeholder groups to foster engagement, build trust, and strengthen support for DSANV’s mission and strategic goals. 

• Continuously working with the Board of Directors to build on the existing strategic plan. 

• Lead the implementation and ongoing alignment of organizational activities with the strategic plan, ensuring goals, initiatives, and resources are consistently guided by its priorities. 

• Lead communications efforts by ensuring the organization’s website is consistently updated with real-time information on events, programs, and initiatives to effectively engage the community and stakeholders. 

• Serve as a passionate advocate for DSANV’s mission, effectively promoting the organization to stakeholders, partners, and the broader community to increase visibility, build strategic relationships, and enhance support for its programs and initiatives. 

What We're Looking For: 

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required; advanced degree preferred. 

• At least five years of progressive responsibility and experience in an organizational leadership and management role in a related environment.  

• Excellence in building, leading and supervising a diverse, high performing team.  

• Demonstrated sound business and fiscal management skills to ensure short- and long-term organizational growth and stability.   

• Knowledge of working with community resources and federal and local funding sources.   

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.   

• Proven ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds.  

This is a full-time salaried exempt position based in the Northern Virginia area (non-relocatable). Local travel will be required in support of furthering DSANV’s mission in the Northern Virginia communities served (Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford Counties); occasional evening and weekend work will be necessary including attendance (virtual or in-person) at DSANV board meetings. 

What We Offer:

Salary is commensurate with experience and is expected to range between $85,000 -$90,000. Holidays and PTO will be provided.  

DSANV is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.  

Job Tags

Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Casual work, Local area, Immediate start, Afternoon shift,

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