Chief Executive Officer

The Opportunity

For over 60 years, The Arc of Northern Virginia has been a cornerstone of support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, The Arc represents more than 39,000 individuals across Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, and Arlington. Its mission is to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities and ensure their full inclusion in the community.

The Arc provides a comprehensive suite of life-changing programs that meet the evolving needs of individuals with disabilities at every stage of life. In recent years, it has:

• Expanded its programming and reach to better inform, educate, and serve the community.
• Grown into a powerful advocacy force within local and state governments.
• Managed the region’s only pooled Special Needs Trust, helping families secure their financial future without losing essential public benefits.

As The Arc’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), you will lead an organization committed to systemic progress and achieving its vision – “A Life Like Yours” for all Virginians with disabilities and their families.

The CEO will be a visionary and empathetic leader with a proven record in nonprofit management at a comparable scale and deep commitment to the IDD community. The Arc is seeking a strategic executive who seamlessly balances fiduciary stewardship with bold advocacy, ensuring its organization and programs continue to thrive. The successful candidate will be an expert relationship builder who can authentically represent The Arc of Northern Virginia and the diverse needs of those it serves.

Strategic Leadership: The CEO serves as chief strategist for the organization, collaborating with the Board of Directors to expand The Arc’s reach and redefine what is possible for the IDD community. By aligning long-term vision with mission priorities, the CEO ensures The Arc remains a respected leader in promoting the rights of individuals with IDD and their inclusion throughout the community.

Fiscal Stewardship & Resource Development: The CEO advances the organization’s mission and protects its financial and long-term sustainability. This involves direct oversight of a $3 million annual budget, effective cash flow management, and the leadership of a diversified revenue plan spanning major events, philanthropic donations, grants, and partnerships. In collaboration with the Board Treasurer and external consultants, the CEO champions fiscal transparency by delivering clear monthly financial reports and providing executive leadership for annual independent audits.

Organizational Leadership & Operations: The CEO cultivates an inclusive and high-performance culture among a team of approximately thirty (30) professionals. Through recruitment and active mentorship, the CEO ensures staff at all levels possess the skills and resources required to be leaders in the field and the best at what they do. The CEO also provides executive oversight for all core functions – including Human Resources, Finance, Legal, Marketing, and IT – to maintain a modern, mission-aligned infrastructure.

Programmatic Strategy & Impact: The CEO serves as a strategic advisor for The Arc of Northern Virginia’s programs, ensuring every initiative delivers measurable, life-changing outcomes for the IDD community. This involves leading vision, execution, and continuous optimization for the following areas:

• Advocacy – Driving systemic change at the state and local levels to safeguard human rights and ensure the full community inclusion of Virginians with disabilities.
• DD Waiver Support Coordination – Leading the delivery of critical support coordination for individuals navigating the Developmental Disability Medicaid Waiver system.
• Information and Referrals – Overseeing a high-volume resource hub that manages over 2,000 requests annually, empowering families to overcome the complexities of the disability landscape.
• Public Guardianship – Managing essential guardianship services for indigent individuals, providing a vital safety net for…