Executive Director, Hampton Roads Chapter

Fundraising & Revenue Leadership

• Develop and execute a Chapter Sustainability Plan tied to annual revenue, long-term growth, and metropolitan-market opportunity.
• Secure major gifts from corporations, philanthropies, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWI).
• Partner with the Development Team and National team on joint fundraising strategy and pipeline development.
• Lead stewardship and storytelling efforts that reinforce BSF’s virtuous circle: deliver → measure → communicate → fund → scale.
• Expand diversified revenue streams: corporate sponsorships, foundations, workplace giving, government opportunities, and community campaigns.
• Own annual fundraising goals; oversee stewardship that increases renewal rates and multi-year commitments.

Executive Leadership & Chapter Operations

• Lead the Chapter’s full operational portfolio, including staff, volunteers, programs, budget, and community partnerships.
• Serve as the senior BSF representative in the metropolitan region—driving a high standard of professionalism, visibility, and community trust.
• Manage, coach, and develop the Program Director/Manager and volunteer corps; ensure program delivery is aligned, supported, and resourced.
• Manage and facilitate excellence in national program execution (Welcome Week, MFLS, NTS/Nourish the Service, etc.).
• Implement BSF’s data-driven evaluation model in partnership with National Programs & Applied Research teams.
• Ensure compliance with BSF operational policies, fiscal management, KPIs, and risk mitigation practices.

Advisory Board & Stakeholder Engagement

• Recruit, develop, and steward a high-performing, strategic local Advisory Board that supports fundraising, visibility, and community leadership.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with VIPs, elected officials, military installation leaders, philanthropic champions, and corporate executives.
• Leverage senior-level relationships to open doors, advance BSF’s strategic priorities, and elevate the Chapter’s regional presence.
• Represent BSF at community events, convenings, coalitions, and multi-sector partnership tables.

Community Building & Cross-Sector Partnerships

• Become recognized as a ‘Thought Leader’ in the local community, solving problems for military families with systemic solutions.
• Build a robust ecosystem of civic, military, corporate, nonprofit, and philanthropic partners that strengthens military family belonging.
• Serve as the Chapter’s chief ambassador to advocate for military-connected families using MFLS insights and BSF research.
• Work closely with the Program Director/Manager to connect families with relevant resources and community supports.
• Identify strategic opportunities for regional expansion, innovative programming, and alignment with partnerships.

Communications, Storytelling & Brand Stewardship

• Deepen BSF’s local presence through compelling storytelling, brand-consistent communications, and partnership visibility.
• Collaborate with Marketing/Comms to amplify Chapter impact through digital content, media, and thought leadership.
• Serve as a strong, articulate voice for military families in public forums and local media (as appropriate).

Required experience, skills, background

• Bachelor’s degree or 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in community development, nonprofit leadership, or strategic partnerships.
• 5+ years of management experience, including direct staff leadership.
• Proven ability to secure significant philanthropic gifts (six-figure required).
• Demonstrated success in growing an organization, business unit, or major initiative.
• Exceptional executive communication skills—written, verbal, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience managing an advisory board or similar governance structure.
• Strong organizational management capability: budgeting, planning, KPI accountability, and team development.
• Ability to work effectively across diverse groups, cultures, and sectors.
• Mission-driven mindset with integrity, humility, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of urgency.
• Willingness to work nights/weekends for essential community events;
• Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 30 lbs.

Desired experience, skills, background

• Experience using CRM systems; Salesforce a plus.
• Understanding of military culture and the lived experience of military families.
• Knowledge of the Blue Star Families ecosystem and/or BSF programs.
• Understanding of the collaborative network of nonprofits in the Hampton Roads area.