Executive Director of CASA for Children of DC

CASA for Children of DC (CASA DC) is a leading voice in advocacy for court-involved youth in the District of Columbia. CASA DC connects specially-trained volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates to support vulnerable and at-risk youth in foster care and the juvenile justice system. CASA volunteers develop a mentor der the not-for-profit laws of the District of Columbia. It is qualified as a tax-exempt charitable organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)3 and is classified as a public charity.

We are looking for team members who are committed to the mission of the organization and whose values align with ours: Excellence, Compassion, Accountability, Inclusion, and Solution-Focused.

Position Overview

CASA DC seeks an Executive Director (ED) to enthusiastically steer its successful and in-demand model and establish a vision for organization’s next decade of impact in the District. The ED is responsible for the overall administration and management of CASA DC, including fundraising and partnership development, business operations, and youth-facing programs. The next ED will have experience and passion for leading organizations that serve marginalized communities and enable better outcomes for youth.

The position reports to a committed Board of Directors and manages a dedicated staff of twelve in Washington, DC that includes a leadership team made up of the Director, Program and Director, Operations and Finance.

Responsibilities

Like all leaders of small nonprofits, the next Executive Director should bring a balanced approach as a visionary and operational executive. CASA DC seeks an entrepreneurial leader who cultivates and seizes opportunities to expand our base for resources - both human and financial. They should have the capacity for organized, focused work, an ability to manage multiple projects, and an openness to changing situations and opportunities. Keen self-awareness and high emotional intelligence are also highly valued. Specific areas of responsibility include:

STRATEGY, VISION, AND LEADERSHIP

• Guide strategic direction for CASA DC’s mission, vision, and goals in collaboration with the Board of Directors, staff, and stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of care, mentorship, transparency, curiosity, fun, and effective internal communication among staff, students, volunteers, and the Board of Directors.
• Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout internal policies, operations, and organizational culture as well as programmatic initiatives.
• Maintain ongoing programmatic excellence, rigorous program evaluation, and consistent quality of finance and administration, fundraising, communications, and systems.
• Set measurable goals that reflect the needs of the organization; monitor and report key timelines, resources, and activities related to goals to the Board of Directors.
• Collaborate with staff and Board to develop strategies that expand financial and human resources as well as programs that benefit underserved and under-resourced youth.
• Maintain and expand CASA DC’s local and regional reputation for excellence through dynamic civic engagement and partnership development with area leaders, judges, and institutions. Through strategic community engagement, increase unrestricted funding, while also bolstering volunteer recruitment.
• Tell the powerful story of CASA DC. Re-introduce CASA DC to key stakeholders including volunteers, partners, and staff, after a period of transition.

FUNDRAISING, COMMUNITY, AND PARTNERSHIPS

• With the team and Board members, ensure a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes annual and long-term plans to expand fundraising and earned revenue activities that support existing and new programs, general operations, and long-term goals.
• Cultivate relationships with individual, corporate, and institutional funders, including identifying new prospects and engaging lapsed donors. Serve as the primary solicitor for support from major institutional, corporate, and individual donors.
• Public speaking to recruit volunteers, collect donations and promote community awareness.
• Manage the refinement of all aspects of communications—from digital presence to external relations—with the goal of creating a stronger brand and raising CASA’S visibility.
• Maintain appropriate communication between CASA and court personnel, child welfare agencies and the legal community.
• Promote cooperation among agencies that work with abused and neglected children.
• Serve as liaison with National CASA and other agencies.

BOARD LIAISON

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors on good governance, including recruiting and onboarding new Board members, and advising in key programmatic, management, and resource development activities.
• Prepare the agenda and notices for meetings, workshops, training, etc.
• Attend all Board meetings and prepare and share a monthly Executive Director report.
• Assist the Board in the formation and implementation of policies, procedures and activities for the effective and economical operation of the organization.
• Present a clear picture of challenges the organization is facing to the Board, including outlining possible solutions.
• Act as the official staff representative for CASA to the Board of Directors.
• Report to the Board President and confer with other officers or committee chairs as necessary.

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT

• Manage day-to-day operations, including human resources, finances, legal and regulatory compliance, and facilities management, in collaboration with staff.
• Build a strong and inclusive team culture grounded in CASA’s values that encourages retention of strong talent.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate qualified team members.
• Drive institutionalizing standard practices and refresh policies to ensure compliance with legal and grantor requirements, CASA National Standards, and best practices in nonprofit management. Implement Board-approved personnel policies and facilitate strong working relationships, clear communications, and effective decision-making among staff and volunteers.
• Manage day-to-day fiscal operations; Review and approve all monthly and quarterly reports with their documentation; Submit bills and expenditures for reimbursement and accounting.
• Submit monthly and quarterly financial reports to grantors (as required).
• Oversee the development of the organization’s annual budget and annual report.
• Ensure that legal obligations of the agency are met.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Oversee volunteer recruitment, training, supervision and recognition activities.
• Evaluate program services in relation to specified goals and standards and recommend modifications where appropriate.
• Report on program outcomes to the Board and funding sources.
• Lead CASA DC’s participation in the CASA National network, including reporting, compliance with network-established best practices, collaboration, and representation.
• Develop and administer professional development and education workshops and seminars for volunteers and staff.
• Keep abreast of legislation affecting children.

In accordance with CASA team philosophy, the person filling this position may occasionally be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the duties listed on this job description.

Knowledge & Skills

The position of Executive Director is an exciting opportunity that requires a diverse set of skills and experiences. The Board is seeking qualified candidates who can lead the organization with vision and skill. While we understand that no single candidate can possess every qualification listed below, the following are priority areas:

• No less than 5 years of leadership roles in nonprofit, public sector, or academic settings; experience leading in an organization serving youth impacted by the juvenile justice or foster care systems is highly valued but not required.
• A strong equity and justice frame, with high levels of emotional intelligence, integrity, cultural sensitivity, and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of the challenges facing the youth we serve and proven strategies to support them.
• Adept fundraising skills and the ability to secure long-term relationships with foundations, corporations, and individuals through annual giving and signature events. A broad network within the local youth-focused communities is considered a plus.
• A hands-on and approachable work style, comfort with technology and hybrid work, and an ability to work in a highly collaborative environment to build positive and mutual relationships with board members, staff, volunteers, and the community.
• A significant supervisory record coaching staff, developing high-performing teams, and setting an inclusive, positive workplace culture both virtually and in person.
• Enthusiasm for public speaking, with extensive skills and ability to interact with a variety of collaborators, including partner organizations, grantmakers, and local education and government leaders.
• Strong marketing, public relations, and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures.
• Experience implementing strategic plans and transforming systems, tools, and processes that sustainably take an organization to the next stage of growth.
• Excellent organizational management practices, including budgeting, financial management, human resources, grants, contracts, facilities management, and legal compliance.
• Past work with or serving on a nonprofit board. Understanding of the importance of governance, board development, and collective decision-making.
• Proven ability to engage and recruit high-quality volunteers.