Executive Director

Executive Director

FLSA Status: Full-Time/Exempt

Reports To: Board of Directors

Location: Contra Costa & Solano Counties, CA

Compensation: $180,000 – $210,000 annually

Apply By: 9/30/25

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The Family Justice Center (“the Center”) seeks an emotionally intelligent, action-oriented, and inclusive bridge-builder as Executive Director to usher in an exciting new chapter. The Center is well-positioned to benefit from fresh vision and perspective after the over 11-year tenure of an outgoing Executive Director that helped spark growth from one temporary home and a team of five-to-five thriving locations across two counties, over 55 dedicated team members, and a powerful network of over 80 partner organizations. As part of this planned leadership transition, the Executive Director will work closely with a united and mission-driven 17-member Board and a compassionate and results-driven team to build upon the Center’s unique one-stop co-location model of holistic care for victims and survivors of interpersonal violence. This is a wonderful platform for impact for an exceptional team leader, relationship-builder, and community advocate with relentless commitment to survivor-centered innovation. Join the Center to build strong, trust-based relationships across multiple counties; broaden its visibility and voice; assess and strengthen organizational infrastructure; and strategically diversify funding to help end the cycle of violence and human trafficking.

The Family Justice Center

The Family Justice Center is a warm and welcoming one-stop center for victims of interpersonal violence (IPV) -- domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking. The Center serves victims and survivors regardless of their income, immigration status or location. We meet survivors where they are and help them through the process of healing and self-empowerment. The Center is a public-private partnership committed to creating a vibrant community free of coercion and fear. It supports five (5) operating Family Justice Centers: Solano Family Justice Center in Fairfield, West Contra Costa Center in Richmond, Central Contra Costa Center in Concord, East Contra Costa Center in Antioch, and South Contra Costa Center in Danville.

The Center serves as a backbone organization, created to lead, coordinate, and support the collective efforts of direct-service partner agencies, including law enforcement agencies, city and county agencies, and 50+ community-based organizations. All the programs and services we offer are client-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed, offering (1) crisis support, (2) long term safety and self-sufficiency, and (3) community building and education. The Center is operating on an $8.2 million budget in 2025.

The Executive Director Position

The Center seeks a transformative and mission-driven Executive Director who brings exceptional leadership, commitment to social justice, and passion for supporting survivors. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, complex environment; has a deep understanding of the IPV field; and demonstrates strategic creativity, optimism, and grit - even in challenging funding and political environments.

This individual must be comfortable building meaningful relationships and partnerships; be a skilled communicator and staunch advocate as the face of the Center; and be a collaborative leader with the ability to drive long-term regional impact. The Executive Director will lead Family Justice Centers in Contra Costa and Solano Counties with integrity, courage, and clarity while fostering an organizational culture rooted in equity, wellness, and empowerment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Lead the long-term vision and strategic direction of the Family Justice Centers across both counties, in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Identify unmet needs, emerging trends, and opportunities for programmatic growth and systems change.
• Serve as a thought leader and influential voice in the California Family Justice Network and other regional and statewide forums.

Organizational Management

• Manage and develop the Board of Directors, building and maintaining trusting, transparent relationships and communicating and partnering effectively on matters of governance, financial oversight, strategy, and fundraising
• Oversee all aspects of operations, programs, and fiscal stewardship, ensuring strong infrastructure to meet goals.
• Inspire, support, and supervise a high-performing and mission-aligned team, including enhancing role clarity, professional development, and training opportunities, as needed.
• Foster a culture of inclusion, accountability, and trauma-informed care.
• Ensure organizational sustainability and excellence in service delivery.

Fund Development & Financial Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy with a focus on major donors and corporate funding partners.
• Cultivate relationships with foundations, corporations, and public funders.
• Work closely with the Board and staff to meet revenue goals and diversify funding sources.
• Lead the development and implementation of competitive government grant proposals, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and compliance with grant requirements.

Strategic Communication & Advocacy

• Develop and implement a strategic communications plan that strengthens the visibility, voice, and reputation of the Family Justice Centers regionally and statewide.
• Represent the organization as a compelling spokesperson in public forums, media, and community events.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders including survivors, policymakers, donors, and partners.

Community & Systems Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with law enforcement, legal systems, community-based organizations, and healthcare providers.
• Champion the voices and needs of survivors in all stakeholder engagements.

Advocacy, Education & Outreach

• Promote public awareness and education on interpersonal violence and the Family Justice Center model.
• Advocate for policies that advance equity, safety, and justice.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will bring many of the following experiences and traits, along with other relevant lived and professional experiences and skills that you are welcome to highlight in your application:

• Communications & Relational Skills – Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to inspire trust and mobilize diverse stakeholders toward shared goals.
• Mission Alignment – Passion for justice and a personal calling to make a difference in this field; a relentless commitment to survivor-centered innovation; and deep alignment with the mission, values, and team.
• Relevant Leadership Experience – 15+ years of progressively responsible, visionary leadership experience in nonprofit, government, or social impact settings inclusive of leading teams and financial management at or near the scale of the Center.
• Family Justice Expertise – Deep understanding of trauma and systems of care with direct experience working with survivors of interpersonal violence.
• Fundraising Track Record – Proven track record of fundraising success at or near the scale of the Center ideally inclusive of government, corporate, and donor support.
• Battle-Tested Leadership – Demonstrated ability to lead in high-pressure, high-stakes environments with resilience and creativity centering hope and healing with strong follow-through, self-direction, and a “get stuff done” mindset.
• Stakeholder Engagement Experience – Demonstrated experience working in close collaboration with key stakeholders including law enforcement and public agencies.
• Education – Relevant post-graduate degree, such as a JD or MSW, is preferred or experience in excess of the minimum.

The Application Process

The Family Justice Center is partnering with Walker & Associates Consulting – a Black- and woman-owned strategic management consulting and executive search firm promoting equitable community impact – to facilitate this search. To apply, email a cover letter and resume that detail your experience, leadership philosophy, and what draws you to this role along with a list of three professional references (references will not be contacted without your advance notice) to cocofamilyjustice@walkeraac.com by Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 5:00 pm PT. Use the subject line: ED Application. Please submit PDF or Microsoft Word files only, preferably in one combined file. Resume review begins immediately. Questions or Nominations? Contact Jeannine N. Walker at jwalker@walkeraac.com.

People of color, women, immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ people, and/or those with lived experience with interpersonal violence are strongly encouraged to apply.

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We practice equity in all aspects of the organization and value diversity of culture, thought, and lived experiences. We seek talented, qualified individuals who will contribute to the culture of diversity and inclusion at the Family Justice Center.