Executive Director, Child Justice

Position Title: Executive Director

Organization: Child Justice

Reports to: The Board of Directors

Position: Full-Time, On-site. Exempt.

Location: Silver Spring, Maryland

Salary: $160,000-$190,000 (combination of base salary and annual performance bonus) 

About Child Justice

Child Justice, Inc. is a nonprofit legal advocacy organization dedicated to protecting children who have been abused or neglected and remain at risk due to failures within the legal and child protection systems. Through direct legal representation of non-abusive parents and caregivers, public policy advocacy, and systemic reform efforts, Child Justice works to strengthen accountability and improve outcomes for vulnerable children.

The organization partners with attorneys, social service providers, courts, government agencies, and community stakeholders to help ensure that children’s safety and well-being are prioritized within complex legal proceedings. Grounded in equity, justice, and trauma-informed practice, Child Justice serves as a critical voice for children by advancing strong legal advocacy for the protective adults in their lives and pursuing reforms that make child protection systems more responsive and effective.

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The Role

The Executive Director (ED) provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for Child Justice, Inc.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED advances the organization’s mission through programmatic excellence, financial sustainability, and effective organizational management. The Executive Director ensures alignment between strategy, operations, and impact while upholding Child Justice’s commitment to child advocacy and systemic reform.

Child Justice seeks an experienced executive with a track record of stabilizing performance, rebuilding culture and stakeholder trust, and strengthening financial health. The ideal candidate brings strong fiscal discipline and financial management expertise and is skilled at aligning strategy, people, and operations to restore mission momentum.

As the organization’s primary spokesperson and ambassador, the ED builds and sustains relationships with funders, legal professionals, policymakers, community partners, and media. In close partnership with the Board, the Executive Director will strengthen infrastructure, expand impact, and position Child Justice as a trusted leader in advancing justice and protection for children.

Impact Areas

Organizational Leadership

• Provide steady, mission-aligned leadership to strengthen culture, rebuild internal trust, and reinforce organizational values.
• Assess and refine organizational structure, policies, and internal systems to promote clarity, accountability, equity, and operational effectiveness.
• Lead disciplined strategic and operational planning in partnership with the Board to establish clear priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing, mission-driven team with defined roles, performance expectations, and professional development pathways.
• Foster a culture of transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and operational requirements.

Fundraising and Revenue Generation

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, diversified fundraising strategy that strengthens financial stability and long-term sustainability.
• Cultivate and steward strong relationships with institutional funders, foundations, major donors, and legal community partners.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities to expand and diversify revenue streams.
• Develop strategic partnerships—particularly within the legal community across the DMV region - to support program growth and influence.
• Explore and evaluate innovative and earned revenue opportunities to enhance financial resilience.
• Partner closely with the Board to advance a shared culture of philanthropy and resource development.

Advocacy and External Relations

• Serve as the primary public face and trusted spokesperson for Child Justice.
• Strengthen stakeholder confidence through visible, thoughtful, and consistent leadership.
• Lead advocacy initiatives that advance child protection policy and systemic reform.
• Build and deepen partnerships with courts, government agencies, nonprofits, legal professionals, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the organization in public forums, media engagements, and professional networks.
• Elevate awareness of Child Justice’s mission and impact to expand regional and national influence.

Financial Planning and Oversight

• Lead proactive financial planning and establish realistic, sustainable operating budgets aligned with strategic priorities.
• Strengthen fiscal controls, reporting systems, and internal financial processes to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Identify operational efficiencies and cost-management opportunities that improve performance without compromising mission impact.
• Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, and audit processes in partnership with the Board Treasurer.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources and long-term financial health.
• Align financial strategy with programmatic goals and organizational growth plans.

Requirements

• Minimum 5–7 years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit management, child advocacy, legal services, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in nonprofit operations, financial management, and organizational leadership.
• Proven track record in fundraising, donor engagement, and grant development.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit governance and Board relations.
• Knowledge of family law, child protection systems, and/or trauma-informed advocacy strongly preferred.
• Exceptional communication, public speaking, and relationship-building skills.
• Advanced degree preferred (JD, MPA, MSW, or equivalent experience).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to lead with integrity, empathy, and sound judgment.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience managing teams and fostering collaborative work environments.
• Understanding of compliance, risk management, and nonprofit legal frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to engage diverse stakeholders and build community partnerships.
• Proficiency with financial management, HRIS, and productivity tools.
• Excellent writing, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development support
• Flexible work environment (hybrid options where applicable)

To Apply

Child Justice has retained the services of Charity Search Group to coordinate the search for this position. To apply, please complete this online application. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Rae Gallagher at View email address on click.appcast.io ​or visit

Child Justice is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Child Justice does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.