Executive Director

Are you driven to improve the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families? Do you want to help foster a community that embraces, supports and inspires individuals with Down syndrome to live healthy and fulfilling lives of their choosing? Do you have the leadership skills and experience to lead a nonprofit organization that educates, empowers and engages families? If yes, then read on!

The mission of VDSA is to benefit the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families through individual and family support, education, community awareness and advocacy. We envision a community in which individuals with Down syndrome are fully included and valued members. We support families in 52 counties and 16 cities, stretching from our home base in Richmond to Charlottesville, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, the Central Shenandoah Valley and all the way down to the Virginia State Border. 

We believe that all individuals with Down syndrome:

• Are important members of society
• Are persons in whom all things are possible
• Will achieve great things
• Deserve full opportunities and support



With internal and external equity as the cornerstone of his or her work, the next Executive Director (ED) will have the opportunity to support VDSA’s strategy to promote:

• Education of families and the community
• Empowerment of individuals with Down syndrome to live a life of their choice
• Engagement of the community to provide equitable opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome

Please see www.Virginiadsa.org for more information about VDSA; links to our Annual Reports are available on this website.

Priorities for the ED include:

• Advancing VDSA’s mission by providing strategic vision and leadership
• Expanding the influence and effectiveness of VDSA as a leading voice of the Down syndrome community through advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels and through program development and innovation
• Leading, coaching, and mentoring a staff that brings passion, experience, and diverse perspectives to the important work of the organization
• Working with staff to execute the Strategic Plan as defined by the Board of Directors
• Building organizational capacity by increasing and diversifying revenue streams and strengthening partnerships throughout the community
• Positioning the organization to be successful in advocating for policies to support individuals with Down syndrome, with an eye toward supporting social justice
• Managing VDSA’s financial and organizational growth through the effective and efficient oversight and management of operations and resources
• Serving as the outward face of the organization to articulate and promote community awareness of VDSA and to cultivate, maintain, and energize relationships with key stakeholders, including individuals with Down syndrome and their families, our extensive volunteer network, leaders of national Down syndrome organizations and relevant health, education, employment, and civil rights professionals

Successful candidates will:

• Have a strong background in nonprofit management, including fundraising, collaboration, marketing, public relations, use of social media and budget management
• Demonstrate success in effectively leading change and organizational growth through strategic planning
• Demonstrate experience fostering a diverse and inclusive community, upholding VDSA’s belief that all people are valued and have the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures
• Demonstrate person-centered thinking with a passion for individuals with Down syndrome and an understanding of the central and complex issues that help or hinder their success
• Model an understanding of and respect for the culture and various dimensions of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion to enhance the daily work and sustainability of the organization
• Exhibit superior levels of interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Have the ability to think strategically, tactically, and creatively within budget limits
• Have the agility to respond to unexpected events and compassion for the impacts of those events on others
• Model the qualities of grace, patience, imagination, good judgment, flexibility, and a sense of humor
• Have experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities
• Have experience in advocating for a cause at any level
• Possess a bachelor’s degree or higher (master’s degree preferred)

The Executive Director is a full-time management position with flexible work hours; weekend and night work surrounding programs, events, and some activities is expected.

VDSA offers a competitive annual salary with benefits that include schedule flexibility, PTO, and 40 hours vacation for the first year and 80 hours every year thereafter.

The need for confidentiality is understood. Finalist candidates should expect background and reference checks. This position will remain open until filled. 

To Apply:

Please attach your resume, cover letter, and professional references to your application on the Virginia's.org website linked above. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your expertise can contribute to the continued growth and success of VDSA. 

For best consideration, please submit your information by June 1st, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

We recognize the importance of confidentiality and that an expression of interest may be purely exploratory in nature.

VDSA is Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, gender, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. VDSA is committed to building a healthy, diverse, and inclusive culture where all are treated equitably and are empowered whether receiving or delivering services.