State Director - Youth Services

About the Role

As State Director, you'll own Thompson's Tennessee operations end to end: the strategy, the growth, the leaders you develop, and the outcomes for every child and family we serve. This is a builder's role for someone who sees a map of Tennessee and thinks what could we make possible here?

About Thompson

Founded in 1886 as an orphanage, Thompson is now one of the Southeast's leading providers of child and family services, working across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Our continuum of care spans Prevention Services, Mental Health Services, and Foster Care — every program trauma-informed, evidence-based or evidence-informed, and delivered both in person and virtually to children ages 0–18 and their families.

Five values guide everything we do: Excellence • Innovation • Commitment • Caring • Integrity

Responsibilities

• Statewide strategy and growth — set the direction and deliver on it
• Financial and operational performance — build a sustainable, scalable operation
• Foster Care expansion and new service lines — grow what's working, launch what's next
• Leadership development and succession — build the bench behind you
• Compliance and program quality — protect the standard that earns us trust
• Community and government partnerships — become Thompson's face across Tennessee

You'll partner directly with executive leadership and have real authority to build a culture defined by accountability, innovation, and exceptional service.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Mental Health, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field (Master's preferred)
• 10+ years in human services, behavioral health, healthcare, child welfare, or nonprofit work
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience
• Experience leading multiple programs or geographic regions (preferred)
• Proven strength in financial and operational management
• A track record of building partnerships with government agencies and community stakeholders
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel throughout Tennessee

Benefits

• Three weeks PTO in your first year, plus ten paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Tennessee State Loan Repayment eligibility
• Paid volunteer time
• Leadership development opportunities
• Company-issued technology

Pay

Salary: $90,000–$100,000