Executive Director

THE OPPORTUNITY

The next Executive Director of the Sacred Heart Center (SHC) will have the opportunity to lead a vibrant, trusted organization that is making a real difference in the lives of Latino families in Richmond, VA. SHC connects our Latino community with resources, support systems, and each other. The next Executive Director will continue to build resources and connections to support our growing Latino community. This role will appeal to a visionary leader who has the drive to improve lives of others.

SACRED HEART CENTER

Sacred Heart Center, based in South Richmond, is a self-sustaining entity of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. It was established in 1990 by (what is now) the United States East Coast Jesuits and the Richmond Diocese. Its mission is to "connect Latino families with tools to thrive and flourish." Inclusiveness, justice, and community are at the heart of SHC. Programs are built around three areas:

• Adult Education & Career Services Education, citizenship, workforce and leadership programs.
• Youth & Children Education and enrichment programs.
• Community Hub Health care, tax, and legal services as well as community connections.

In recent years, SHC has grown to serve more than 15,000 individuals annually. For more information, please visit the SHC website.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, and financial sustainability of Sacred Heart Center. The ED will advance the mission of SHC by strengthening programs, expanding partnerships, and ensuring long-term organizational growth. This role requires a visionary and compassionate leader with a deep commitment to serving Latino communities and an understanding of the social, economic, and policy issues affecting immigrant families. The ED must be able to articulate the compelling need to motivate stakeholders to invest in the Center's programs. Specific responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership & Mission Advancement

The ED, in partnership with the Board, will provide visionary leadership rooted in Jesuit values and social justice, ensuring alignment with the needs of the Latino community. They will guide a strategic plan that strengthens programs and promotes long-term sustainability, while serving as the primary spokesperson and building strong partnerships to expand access to vital resources and services. Working with the board of directors, the ED will uphold and promote the Center's Catholic and Jesuit (Ignatian) identity.

Program Oversight & Community Impact

Working with the Director of Programs, the ED will ensure culturally responsive programs that meet the evolving needs of Latino families and adapt them based on data and community feedback. They will also expand SHC's reach through strategic collaborations that strengthen impact and visibility and foster leadership development within the Latino community.

Fundraising, Grants, Financial Management & Sustainability

SHC is a self-sustaining entity and, therefore, must generate all funding for its budget each year. The ED, working with the Director of Development, will lead SHC's fundraising efforts by securing grants, cultivating donors, and developing corporate partnerships. They will ensure financial health through effective budget oversight, grant management, and transparent reporting, while working closely with the Board to develop sustainable revenue strategies that support SHC's long-term resilience.

Organizational Leadership & Staff Development

The ED will inspire and support a diverse team of staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven culture. In conjunction with the Director of Administration, they will promote an inclusive and equitable workplace, while providing professional development to strengthen leadership and cultural competency. Additionally, the Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors, offering strategic guidance, timely updates, and opportunities for meaningful engagement in SHC's mission.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and works closely with Sacred Heart Catholic Church. There are three direct reports on the management team (Program, Development, and Administrative) and a full-time and part-time staff of 30. The compensation range is $125,000 to $150,000 based on experience, plus competitive benefits.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

A passion for the mission and fluency in Spanish and English are requirements for the position. Beyond those, the search committee understands that each candidate will bring a unique set of skills and qualifications. The following areas describe the types of experience the committee seeks.

• Familiarity with Catholic and Jesuit (Ignatian) mission and identity in nonprofits.
• Bilingual/Bicultural Requirement: Fluency in both Spanish and English is required, with the ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken forms across diverse audiences, including staff, community members, funders, and external partners.
• Proven track record in fundraising, including securing grants, cultivating major donors, corporate partnerships, and managing capital campaigns.
• Commitment to Latino Communities: Demonstrated dedication to serving Latino families and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and cultural challenges faced by immigrant communities, particularly in the Richmond area.
• Leadership & Nonprofit Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, community-based, or faith-driven organization, with a strong ability to lead diverse teams and oversee programmatic, financial, and operational functions.
• Expertise in budget development, active financial management, and ensuring long-term sustainability in a nonprofit setting.
• Exceptional public speaking and advocacy skills, with the ability to represent SHC in media, public forums, and community events.
• Strong leadership and human resources management experience, including staff recruitment, professional development, and fostering an inclusive and mission-driven workplace.

TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter, resume and three (3) references.

References will not be contacted until later in the process and with the candidate's knowledge. For questions, please contact Katherine Whitney at (804) 282-9566.

For best consideration, please apply by August 31, 2025.

Sacred Heart Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We aim to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented individuals from a diverse candidate pool and strongly encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Throughout the search process, we will make every effort to maintain a high degree of confidentiality for all candidates. Both the consultant and SHC recognize that many candidates may be deeply committed to their current organizations but are intrigued by this opportunity. Expressions of interest will remain confidential until the final stages of the search.