Executive Director

Background: The Women’s Initiative, based in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a non-profit agency providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive mental health counseling and resilience programs for women who experience financial or other barriers to care. We also offer services designed to meet the unique needs of Black, BIPOC, Latine, and LGBTQ communities. We are committed to identifying each woman’s needs and strengths, providing compassionate care that maintains the highest standards of excellence in an environment that is welcoming, safe, and supportive.

From its founding in 2007, The Women’s Initiative has grown to serve more than 3,700 individuals annually. Services include many paths to healing and resilience — individual and group counseling, education and outreach programs, offerings for mind and body as well as arts and connection. Our financial foundation is strong with a wide-ranging and growing group of loyal donors who are committed to increasing our capacity to meet the community’s needs.

TWI has a staff of 26, bolstered by more than a dozen local therapists who support the agency, part-time, with counseling services. The annual budget is approximately $3M. Learn more about The Women’s Initiative at https://www.thewomensinitiative.org. Please view this job listing on our website to see the TWI Strategic Plan Outline and the Cultural Humility Commitment: https://www.thewomensinitiative.org/job-opportunities/executive-director

Essential Attributes: Successful candidates will demonstrate strong leadership qualities that engage and motivate staff and board and reinforce our Cultural Humility Commitment and Resilience Model of Care. Candidates must possess exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, as well as excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse constituencies. The position requires development expertise, budgeting and financial oversight, and strategic planning experience. Strong organizational skills are essential.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of eight years management experience, with at least five years in non-profit management. Experience leading a team through significant growth while retaining staff and maintaining values and culture is highly desirable. A minimum B.A. or B.S. degree is required and a background in mental health and human services is highly desirable — as a clinician, manager, or administrator.

Duties and Responsibilities: The Executive Director will work within the framework of the mission, vision, and values of TWI as well as the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the agency. The ED shall report to the Board of Directors. Specific duties are as follows:

• Commit to the TWI mission and embrace TWI’s Cultural Humility Commitment. The mission of The Women’s Initiative is to provide women effective counseling, social support, and education so they can transform challenges into positive change and growth. See attached for the Cultural Humility Commitment.
• Lead the staff and manage the organization. Work closely with the Deputy Director and the leadership team.
• Implement the current multi-year strategic plan and establish annual goals and metrics to assess the agency’s progress.
• Lead the fund-raising effort, participating in soliciting major gifts and supervising the work of the Development Director.
• Prepare the annual budget and exercise prudent management of the agency’s resources in accordance with the Financial Policies and Procedures.
• Partner with the Clinical Services Director and clinical team to ensure that programmatic needs are addressed and that programs are effective. Use evidence-based metrics/best practices to evaluate client outcomes.
• Build external relationships and serve as an advocate in the community, develop/nurture partnerships with other like-minded non-profit organizations, and engage in issues relevant to the mission of TWI.
• Support the board through dialogue and information; work with the Board Chair to plan and facilitate board meetings, and with committee chairs to plan committee meetings. Aid in the recruitment of board and committee members.
• Recruit, supervise, and evaluate employees annually in accordance with established personnel policies and procedures.
• Follow the highest ethical standards, ensure accountability, and comply with the law while promoting a work culture of collegiality, cooperation, and commitment to excellence.

The Executive Director role is an office-based position in Charlottesville, VA.

Compensation: Compensation for this role includes salary commensurate with experience (range $115,000 to $150,000), bonus eligibility, and a competitive benefits package.

To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter expressing interest in the work of The Women’s Initiative and describing key organizational leadership experiences to TWIED@thewomensinitiative.org. Applicants can expect acknowledgement of their submission within three business days. Preference given to applicants submitting materials by 14 March 2025.