Executive Director - Fire Family Foundation

This is a remote position. Candidates must live or work on Pacific Time zone hours. Western US candidates highly preferred.

Firefighters First Federal Credit Union has proudly been serving the firefighter community since 1935. We have built trusting relationships within the fire family as the nation’s largest exclusive firefighter credit union. Our commitment to providing our members with exceptional financial products and services, along with our legendary service, has allowed us to grow our membership nationally. Join a team that values its employees, invests in professional growth, and makes an impact in the firefighter community.

Currently, we have an immediate opening for an Executive Director to lead our Fire Family Foundation! The Executive Director (ED) will serve as the head of the foundation dedicated to supporting firefighter families by addressing the emotional, psychological, and overall well-being challenges they face due to the inherent stress of the firefighting profession. The ED will provide visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to ensure the foundation fulfills its mission. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of the psychological challenges in firefighter families with a passion for promoting mental health and wellness. Additionally, the ED will focus on developing relationships with stakeholders and expanding the foundation’s funding and community reach through advocacy and fundraising.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Strategic Planning:

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to support firefighter families with a focus on mental health, family dynamics, and emotional resilience.
• Lead with empathy and insight into the specific challenges faced by firefighter families, ensuring that the foundation’s programs are responsive to their unique needs.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to establish long-term goals and ensure alignment with the foundation’s mission.

2. Program Development and Oversight:

• Oversee the development and delivery of programs and events aimed at improving the well-being and mental health of firefighter families.
• Stay informed about emerging trends in psychological health, trauma, and stress management, especially those affecting first responder families.
• Partner with mental health professionals, social workers, and community organizations to offer effective services and support to firefighter families. 

3. Fundraising and Resource Development:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including grant writing, individual donor cultivation, corporate partnerships, and events.
• Actively seek out and secure new funding opportunities to ensure the financial sustainability of the foundation.
• Build and nurture relationships with existing donors, sponsors, and potential philanthropic partners. 

4. Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve as the primary ambassador for the foundation, advocating for the mental health and well-being needs of firefighter families at public events, media outlets, and industry forums.
• Cultivate relationships with fire departments, firefighter unions, community leaders, mental health professionals, and policymakers to advance the foundation’s mission.
• Engage firefighter families directly to better understand their needs and ensure the foundation’s services remain relevant and impactful.

5. Financial and Operational Management:

• Manage the foundation’s budget and resources to ensure efficient and effective program delivery.
• Oversee all financial operations, including budget preparation, financial reporting, and compliance with nonprofit regulations.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and operational frameworks that align with best practices for nonprofit management.

6. Board and Governance Relations:

• Serve as the key liaison between the Board of Directors and Council Members and the foundation’s operations.
• Collaborate with the board to ensure governance practices are in place, providing regular updates on the foundation’s progress, financial status, and strategic initiatives.
• Assist in the recruitment and orientation of new board of directors and council members as needed.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Regularly meeting with each team member to coach and mentor to ensure alignment around the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Providing team members with training, tools, and resources to successfully perform their jobs.
• Holding teams accountable for meeting all service level agreements, ensuring the team’s work is accurate/efficient, and providing coaching, feedback, or training as needed.  
• Providing and ensuring development opportunities are available for team members as part of their overall career path.
• Leading change by identifying opportunities that consistently raise the bar and improve service levels.
• Assisting with executing the business plan of the foundation.

Basic Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Nonprofit Management, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in a nonprofit, mental health, or first responder support organization.
• Deep understanding of the psychological and emotional challenges faced by firefighter families, such as trauma, PTSD, stress, and family dynamics.
• Proven experience in fundraising, with a successful track record in securing grants, sponsorships, and individual contributions.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff, volunteers, and partners.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to represent the foundation in public forums and media outlets.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors and building governance structures for nonprofit organizations.
• Compassionate, empathetic, and mission-driven with a passion for helping families in need.

Firefighters First Federal Credit Union is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, age, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Firefighters First Federal Credit Union is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources at careers@firefirstcu.org.