Executive Director VA Foundation for Healthy Youth

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Richmond, VA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) seeks a visionary and results-oriented Executive Director to lead one of the Commonwealth's most important prevention and youth wellness organizations. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Foundation and is responsible for advancing VFHY's mission to empower Virginia's youth to make healthy choices by reducing and preventing tobacco, nicotine, substance use, and childhood obesity while promoting lifelong wellness. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership, oversees organizational operations, manages public and private partnerships, and serves as the Foundation's principal ambassador across Virginia.

Requirements

Accomplished executive who can translate strategy into measurable results, build coalitions across diverse stakeholders, manage public resources responsibly and position VFHY as a leading voice on youth health and prevention.

Nice To Haves

Commitment to children and youth. This work is personal to you. You understand why prevention matters and you can articulate that case compellingly to any audience.
Senior leadership experience in a complex organization, whether it be nonprofit, government, public health, education, philanthropy, or a related sector. You have led something, grown something, or built something that required real strategic and operational skill.
A builder's instinct. You are not satisfied maintaining what exists. You see opportunity, you pursue it, and you know how to bring others along. You have expanded an organization's reach or impact in a measurable way.
Fundraising and revenue development experience. You have diversified an organization's funding base. You know how to make the case to foundations, federal agencies, and corporate partners.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a statewide strategy that advances youth health and prevention outcomes across Virginia.
Identify emerging public health challenges affecting young people and position the Foundation to respond effectively.
Establish measurable goals, performance metrics, and accountability systems that demonstrate impact and return on investment.
Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees and support long-term organizational planning.
Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, local governments, healthcare organizations, community groups, youth-serving organizations, philanthropic partners, and state agencies.
Serve as VFHY's primary spokesperson and representative before stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.
Lead statewide engagement efforts that increase awareness, strengthen partnerships, and expand the Foundation's reach.
Convene leaders and organizations around shared prevention and youth wellness goals.
Provide strategic insight to policymakers, stakeholders, and partners on prevention-related issues.
Provide executive oversight of VFHY grant-making, prevention initiatives, and community investments.
Ensure programs are evidence-based, outcomes-focused, and aligned with the Foundation's mission.
Monitor program performance and continuously improve strategies based on data and results.
Identify opportunities to scale successful initiatives and replicate best practices across Virginia.
Lead and develop a high-performing team committed to excellence, accountability, and innovation.
Oversee budget development, financial stewardship, contracts, and organizational operations.
Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Board policies.
Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and mission-driven service.
Position Virginia as a national leader in youth wellness and prevention innovation.