Chief Executive Officer

Fahrenheit Advisors
is proud to be leading the search for the next
CEO
of
Communities in Schools in Richmond VA.
This is an incredibly high-impact role leading a well-respected and highly functioning organization doing critical work in Richmond and Henrico public school systems.

Position Summary

Communities In Schools of Richmond (CIS Richmond) seeks a visionary, community-rooted, and equity-driven leader to serve as its next President & CEO. The CEO will lead a trusted, high-impact organization that partners with Richmond and Henrico public schools to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. The CEO will be responsible for executing a bold five-year strategic plan focused on deepening student-centered services, expanding regional reach, and strengthening organizational sustainability. This position reports to the Board of Directors and is based on-site in a beautiful office in Richmond, Virginia. This position reports to the Board of Directors and is based on-site in a beautiful office in Richmond, Virginia. CIS is currently serving 20,000 students / 2,400 case managed across 42 schools with their dedicated team of 65. This CEO will be responsible for a $5.3M budget

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Key Responsibiliti**

esStrategic Leadership & Visi

• onLead the implementation of CIS Richmond's 2023–2028 Strategic Plan, ensuring alignment with mission, values, and measurable outcome
• s.Champion a student-centered service delivery model that integrates social-emotional development, data-informed practices, and long-term engagemen
• t.Foster a culture of innovation, empathy, and excellence across the organizatio

n.Relationship Building & Community Engageme

• ntBuild and sustain trust-based relationships with school district leadership, principals, families, donors, city and county officials, and community partner
• s.Serve as a connector across sectors to broker resources and drive collective impac
• t.Represent CIS Richmond as a credible, visible, and respected voice in education and youth developmen

t.Fundraising & Advoca

• cyLead fundraising strategy in partnership with the development team, maintaining and growing relationships with public and private funder
• s.Advocate for CIS Richmond with city council, school boards, and other government entities to secure appropriations and policy suppor
• t.Leverage board relationships and networks to expand philanthropic and strategic partnership

s.Operational Excellen

• ceOversee day-to-day operations, ensuring program fidelity, financial health, and staff well-bein
• g.Build and maintain a high-performing, mission-driven team with a strong culture of trust, recognition, and accountabilit
• y.Ensure compliance with all regulatory, financial, and data reporting requirement

s.Board Relatio

• nsPartner with the Board of Directors to set strategic direction, monitor progress, and cultivate a culture of philanthropy and governanc
• e.Engage board members in meaningful ways, including potential reactivation of school-based partnership

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Candidate Prof**

ileRequired Experience & Ski

• llsProven leadership experience in education, nonprofit management, or a related field, ideally with urban school systems or trauma-informed youth servic
• es.Demonstrated success in fundraising, advocacy, and stakeholder engageme
• nt.Deep understanding of Richmond's racial, political, and educational landscape—or similar urban conte
• xtsPolitically savvy and comfortable navigating government systems and community dynami
• cs.Strong operational and financial management skills, including HR oversight and data-informed decision-maki

ng.Preferred Qualificati

• onsUndergraduate and graduate degree requi
• redMinimum of 7+ years of executive leadership experien
• ce.Experience working with public schools, especially in Virgin
• ia.Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of leadersh
• ip.Empathetic, accessible, and hands-off management style that empowers staff and honors their lived experienc

es.Personal Attribu

• tesPassionate about youth and educati
• on.Bold, optimistic, and resilie
• nt.Excellent communicator and relationship build
• er.Not seeking a stepping-stone—committed to long-term impa
• ct.While the CEO role demands high visibility and availability—including evenings and weekends—the organization prioritizes a healthy work-life balance for staff and expects the CEO to lead with empathy and respect for those boundar

ies*** Job is being posted now for review, but interviews will not officially begin until January 20

26.