Valor RVA- Executive Director

A little bit about us…

Valor RVA exists to stand beside the first responders who stand up for the Greater Richmond community every single day. Through financial assistance, recognition of extraordinary courage, and meaningful community engagement, Valor RVA supports the people behind the badge and the families who support them.

At its core, Valor RVA is built on a deep belief that service matters and that the individuals who protect our communities deserve to be seen, supported, and celebrated. The organization brings together public safety professionals, civic leaders, businesses, and community members to strengthen the connection between those who serve and the region they call home. From moments of crisis to moments of recognition, Valor RVA plays a meaningful role in honoring sacrifice, uplifting public servants, and building a stronger Richmond community through trust, partnership, and shared purpose.

A little bit about the role…

Valor RVA is seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven leader to serve as its Executive Director. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, this individual will lead the organization's strategy, fundraising efforts, financial stewardship, and regional partnerships while helping shape the next chapter of the organization's impact across Greater Richmond.

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity at the intersection of public safety, philanthropy, and community engagement. You will serve as the face of the organization, building authentic relationships across a broad network of stakeholders while driving meaningful progress against the organization's mission and goals.

Success in this role means deepening trust across the first responder ecosystem, expanding and diversifying funding opportunities, and delivering programs and events that leave a lasting impact on the community, most notably the annual Valor Awards. This is an opportunity for a leader who can inspire people around a shared mission, turn vision into action, and bring both heart and execution to the work. 

The Executive Director will be responsible for:

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Direction

• Lead and implement strategic initiatives aligned with the organization's strategic plan, translating vision into clear priorities, execution, and measurable progress. 
• Ensuring alignment between board direction and day-to-day execution

Fundraising & Business Development

• Growing and diversifying revenue through corporate sponsorships, individual giving, and partnerships
• Building and maintaining relationships with donors, sponsors, and community supporters
• Identifying new opportunities to expand funding and organizational reach

Partnerships & Regional Relationship Management

• Serving as the primary ambassador to Chiefs, first responder agencies, and regional public safety leaders
• Strengthening connections across the Greater Richmond first responder network
• Building trust across public and private sector stakeholders

Event Leadership & Community Engagement

• Planning and executing of the annual Valor Awards event
• Increasing public visibility and deepening community engagement by launching and implementing events and programs that support the organization's strategic goals.
• Representing Valor RVA at regional and community events throughout the year, including both daytime and evening engagements.

Financial Oversight & Operations

• Managing the organizational budget and ensuring strong financial stewardship
• Overseeing day-to-day operations and ensuring organizational effectiveness
• Partnering with the Board to ensure transparency and accountability

Board Partnership & Governance

• Working closely with the Board of Directors to support organizational priorities
• Organizing and leading quarterly board meetings
• Providing regular updates on performance, financials, and strategic progress

We are excited about you because you…

Are an experienced leader

• Have demonstrated success in fundraising, sponsorship development, or business development
• Have experience managing budgets and financial oversight
• Have operated in leadership roles with ownership over outcomes, not just execution

Know how to operate and get things done

• Translate strategy into execution and measurable results
• Balance big-picture thinking with day-to-day operational follow-through
• Are comfortable leading in a high-visibility, relationship-driven role

Navigate people and partnerships with intention

• Build strong, trust-based relationships across diverse stakeholders
• Communicate effectively with executive leaders, board members, and community partners
• Represent organizations with professionalism and credibility

We're especially excited if you…

• Have experience working with public safety, government, or regional stakeholders
• Bring experience leading or supporting high-profile events
• Have existing relationships within the Greater Richmond community

To be successful at Valor RVA, you must be:

Mission-Driven + Community-Centered: You are deeply motivated by supporting first responders and strengthening community connections, and you bring that purpose into your work every day.

Relationship-Oriented + Influential: You build trust quickly, maintain strong partnerships, and know how to engage stakeholders across sectors.

Autonomous + Self-Directed: You are comfortable operating independently within a lean organization, take initiative without needing heavy oversight, and know how to effectively move work forward as a team of one. 

Strategic + Execution-Focused: You can set direction while also rolling up your sleeves to ensure the work gets done.

Professional + Adaptable: You represent the organization with credibility while navigating a dynamic, event-driven environment.

Reasons it pays to work at Valor RVA (in addition to the pay itself)...

• Healthcare + Financial Support: We offer health insurance and retirement benefits to help support your wellbeing now and in the future.
• Time to Recharge: We know sustainable work matters. Team members receive paid time off and paid holidays to rest, recharge, and take care of life outside of work.
• Flexible + Trust-Based Culture: We value professionalism, communication, and autonomy, while creating an environment where people are trusted to manage their work and responsibilities effectively.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every. single. qualification. At Valor RVA, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and just workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with 100% of the qualifications listed, we encourage you to still apply. Our hiring philosophy looks to weed people INTO our process, not weed them out! Who knows, you may be just the right candidate for a future role. Just go for it... submit your resume!