Executive Director

Description

About The Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation
The Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation (VBRSF) is a nonprofit organization committed to sustaining and strengthening the independent and vital Virginia Beach EMS rescue squad system—one of the largest in the country that relies on well-trained, skilled and dedicated volunteers. Supporting 10 independent rescue squads and more than 800 dedicated volunteers, the Foundation advances system-wide excellence through advocacy, strategic funding, volunteer recruitment and retention, marketing, community engagement, and program support. Working closely with Virginia Beach Department of EMS (VBEMS), the Rescue Council, city government, and community partners, VBRSF ensures that volunteer rescue remains a vital and respected component of public safety in Virginia Beach.

The Opportunity
The Foundation seeks a visionary, relationship-driven Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and impact. This is an exciting opportunity to amplify one of the nation’s most unique public safety models, rooted in civic engagement and volunteerism. The ED reports directly to the President of the Board of Directors and leads a small, high-performing team of four, including two direct reports (Director of Programs & Development and Director of
Administration).

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a confident and collaborative leader with a strong nonprofit management background and a passion for volunteer-driven systems. They will bring a balance of strategic vision, relationship-building skills, and operational expertise.

Job Duties

Key Responsibilities:
1. System Support, Advocacy & Community Outreach (~25%)
• Effectively partner with the board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs,
strategic planning and community outreach.
• Serve as a key liaison between the Foundation, VBEMS, Rescue Council, and the City of Virginia Beach.
• Advocate for the needs, visibility, and advancement of the volunteer rescue system.
• Serve as VBRSF’s primary spokesperson to all constituents, media, and the general public.
• Represent the enhancement of VBRSF’s image by being active and visible at community events and public forums; strengthen partnerships with stakeholders, civic groups, and other organizations.

2. Volunteer Recruitment, Program Management, and Staff Oversight (~35%)
• Oversee marketing and outreach strategies to promote awareness and drive volunteer recruitment for all 10 squads.
• Support retention strategies across all 10 squads that foster long-term engagement, recognition, and satisfaction.
• Collaborate with the Director of Programs and Development, who oversees recruitment/retention and marketing, and external partners to enhance the volunteer pipeline.
• Responsible for development of VBRSF’s programs that carry out the organizational mission.
• Responsible for strategic planning to ensure that VBRSF can successfully fulfill its mission and programmatic goals into the future.
• Evaluate and improve current initiatives and propose new mission-aligned opportunities for impact.

3. Fundraising & Financial Performance (~25%)
• Responsible, along with the Board, for fundraising including leading efforts to grow and diversify the existing donor base.
• Develop resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization.
• Cultivate donor relationships, oversee major gift strategies, and steward corporate and organizational support.
• Ensure sound financial management of VBRSF, including annual budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.

4. Board Governance (~15%)
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors.
• Support board committees and participate actively in their work.
• Responsible for leading VBRSF in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission and goals as defined by the Board.
• Support board development, governance best practices, and strategic planning.
• Ensure timely, transparent communication and reporting.

In addition to these key responsibilities, the ED is responsible for establishing and maintaining policies
and procedures for all functions and for the day-to-day operation of the organization. The ED serves as
the primary point of contact for all vendors serving the Foundation and will uphold other duties as
assigned by the Board of Directors.

Skills Required

Qualifications:
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience is required. This role demands a well-rounded
leader with strong critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills that are often built
through higher education and professional experience.
• Significant nonprofit experience, including at least 5 years in a mission-aligned leadership role. The
ideal candidate has led teams, overseen strategic initiatives, and worked directly with boards to drive
mission-aligned growth.
• Hands-on experience managing organizational budgets, including planning, analysis, and financial
reporting. The ideal candidate has been responsible for budgeting, forecasting, and working with staff
and board leadership to ensure an organization’s fiscal health.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor engagement. This role requires a confident and
authentic relationship builder who can cultivate individual donors, secure organizational or corporate
support, and speak compellingly about the mission.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. This role requires a connector who thrives on
collaboration and community-building. They believe in empowering staff and volunteers, nurturing
professional growth, and fostering trust and accountability.
• Familiarity with or deep appreciation for public safety, EMS, volunteerism, or municipal systems is a
plus. While prior experience in these specific sectors is not required, the most effective candidates will
understand—or be eager to learn—the unique culture, complexity, and importance of volunteer-
based emergency services. A genuine respect for civic duty and the value of public service is essential.
• Experience working with boards of directors, city government, and managing cross-sector
relationships. The ideal candidate is skilled at engaging volunteer leadership and aligning diverse
interests to move an organization forward. They understand how to navigate municipal structures,
foster productive partnership with public sector leaders, and align nonprofit goals with civic priorities.
• High integrity, transparent leadership style, and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
The ideal candidate leads with humility, build trust through openness, and approach challenges with
diplomacy. Their leadership fosters collaboration, inclusion, and mission-alignment in dynamic and
sometimes sensitive multi-stakeholder contexts.

Work Schedule

This is a hybrid role based in Virginia Beach and requires approximately 60% in-person engagement.
Periodic evenings and weekends are required for meetings, events, or public engagement.

Additional Info

To Apply
The Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation has retained The Curtis Group, a leading national fundraising consulting firm, to conduct this search in partnership with the Foundation.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit the following materials:
– A resume
– A cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications
– A list of three professional references
– Your salary expectations
Materials should be emailed to Rachel Kimble, Consultant at rachel@thecurtisgroup.com no later than Friday,
June 6, 2025.

For more information, please visit: https://vbrescuefoundation.org