Executive Director

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter describing your qualifications as well as your interest in the position to EDsearch@nvms.us. Please submit your materials in a single PDF document labeled “Last Name, First Name_ED_Application_2026” Interviews are being conducted on a rolling basis beginning in early September. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications by September 30, 2026; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. This position is slated to begin no later than January 2027.

NVMS is seeking an executive director to oversee the organization’s operations. The Executive Director will serve as the organization’s sole full-time leader, working closely with the Board and a small group of staff, volunteers, and interns to sustain and grow impact.

Role Overview

Directly reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the primary leader responsible for the organization’s overall management, sustainability, and external relationships, including partnerships and affiliations with colleges, local governments, organizations, businesses, and lawmakers. The Executive Director oversees revenue generation across fee-for-service programming, fundraising, and grants, while ensuring effective day-to-day operations in a small, resource-constrained environment. In the near term, the Executive Director will focus on sustainable revenue generation in response to changes in government and foundation grant making and collaboration with other regional dispute resolution providers across Virginia. In the longer term, the Executive Director will lead and implement the next strategic planning effort for the period 2027 to 2031.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Operations

Oversee the fiscal and financial affairs of the organization, including budgeting, financial tracking, and cash flow management, in compliance with audit standards
Manage day-to-day operations and administration of a small organization with the support of staff, volunteers, interns and contractors
Recruit, supervise, and develop the NVMS staff, contractors, volunteers, and interns
Ensure the quality of all programmatic activities and advocacy including PR, awareness campaigns, marketing and outreach, and networking
Foster good working relationships with volunteers, clients, practitioners, and partners
Lead, envision, and engage in strategic planning and execution in collaboration with the Board of Directors
Lead, envision, and engage in strategic planning and execution in collaboration with the Board of Directors
Update policies and procedures

Fundraising & Revenue Generation

Identify and develop new fee-based and other revenue-generating business opportunities
Lead fundraising efforts, including grants, individual giving, partnerships, and fundraisers/friendraisers

Board Engagement and Support

Serve as ex officio member of the Board, actively participating in governance discussions and strategic direction
Attend the Board’s Executive Committee meetings, contributing to high-level planning and organizational oversight
Engage regularly with Board committees to support their work, ensure alignment, and facilitate effective collaboration
Provide timely, relevant, and well-prepared information for Board and committee meetings to support informed decision-making
Help identify prospects for Board recruitment

Core Competencies

This is a hands-on leadership role within a small organization. The Executive Director will be expected to balance strategic leadership with direct execution across operations, fundraising, fee-based activities, and external engagement, with support from staff, contractors, and the Board.

Leadership & Initiative: Ability to operate independently, take ownership, and create a collaborative team culture to drive organizational outcomes
Ethics & Compliance: Understanding ethical behavior and professional practices and ability to ensure compliance with values and policies of the organization
Financial Stewardship: Experience managing budgets and operating within limited and variable resources
Strategic Thinking: Ability to balance long-term vision with day-to-day operational realities, including foreseeing and planning for risks and opportunities
Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders
Communication: Clear and effective written and oral communication skills
Adaptability: Flexibility and skilled problem-solving in a dynamic, resource-constrained environment

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
5+ years of professional experience, with increasing leadership responsibility
3+ years of supervisory experience
Strong organizational, financial management, and operational skills
Comfort using standard office tools and managing basic administrative and technology needs
Experience in fundraising, grant solicitation, and revenue generation

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree
Experience in mediation, conflict resolution, training, or a related field
Virginia mediator certification or familiarity with court-connected mediation programs
Familiarity with office and accounting software, (e.g., QuickBooks, Microsoft Office Suite), social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Constant Contact, blogging), and CRM platform (outcome tracker)
Familiarity with website content updates or content management systems
Skills necessary to support basic communications and outreach efforts, including social media

HOW TO APPLY:

Check below for a PDF of the Job Description.

NVMS ED Announcement – 2026 Download

Volunteer Opportunities

To apply for job openings: submit cover letter plus resume to info@nvms.us. Current openings, including Internship opportunities, are listed below.

FAMILY MEDIATION PROGRAM VOLUNTEER

Volunteer time commitment: Up to 8 hours/week through December 2025

Description: NVMS holds a contract with Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court to provide mediation services for child support cases with the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) is a party to. The mediation is referred by the court, free of charge for parties, and is coordinated by NVMS. In addition, NVMS offers private mediation services to individuals with a family dispute. The Family Mediation Volunteer will support program implementation of court referred cases.

Responsibilities:

Assist with coordinating mediators for Fairfax Small Claims Court mediations each Friday.
Compile case files to be processed and submitted to the Virginia Supreme Court for payment and recordkeeping.
Track program results in NVMS database.
General office duties: filing, answering phones, organizing.

Qualifications:

Spanish or Arabic language fluency is a plus.
Currently enrolled in an undergraduate, master’s or a law degree program.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to work with a diverse work force and client base. 
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.

How to apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to info@nvms.us. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

INTERNSHIPS

The NVMS Conflict Resolution Center offers opportunities for students to perform unpaid, credit-based internships, throughout the year. All positions are also available as externships and volunteer opportunities.

Interns develop skills in mediation and conflict resolution, communication, client service, administration, case management, training design and delivery, marketing and non-profit management. Interns also have the opportunity to work closely with a dedicated group of staff, mediators, and trainers.

COMMUNICATIONS INTERN

Internship duration: (Part-time: Up to15 hours/week); college credit available.

Internship Description:
The Communications Intern will work closely with the Executive Director to promote NVMS services. NVMS is seeking a highly creative, motivated and organized intern who is interested in contributing to a greater cause. The ideal candidate would support website content design, social media outreach as well as fundraising ideas.

Responsibilities:

Prepare content for social media outreach and marketing activities.
Update NVMS online presence through its website, social media tools, and outreach materials.
Develop communication themes and messages.
Assist with developing marketing and fundraising ideas.

Qualifications:

Specialization in: Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Business or relevant field.
Strong written and communication skills.
Social media savvy.
Experience maintaining website content on WordPress platform.
Previous experience with marketing and or communications desired.
Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator is a plus.
Strong organizational skills and great attention to detail.

How to apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to director@nvms.us. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

TRAINING PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT INTERN

Internship duration: (Part-time: Up to 20 hours); college credit available.

Description: NVMS has been designing and delivering intensive skill-based workshops on collaborative practices since 1990. From mediation (one-on-one conflict resolution) to large-group facilitation and consensus-building, our workshops offer a wealth of practical training. NVMS offers over 30 different workshops on alternative dispute resolution, mediation, facilitation, and negotiation. Our training program provides learning opportunities to many organizations, both governmental and private, and thousands of individuals. As an intern, you will be gain first-hand experience in developing effective conflict resolution trainings for a variety of audiences. You will have a chance to work with subject matter experts from fields of conflict and peacebuilding, mediation, law, education, human resources, management, and organizational development.

Responsibilities:

Supporting the program through collaboration with NVMS colleagues and partner organizations.
Contributing to the creation of instructional materials (e.g. manuals, activities, handouts, etc.).
Supporting program manager in developing strategies that will enhance the learning experience across various groups of trainees.
Daily administrative tasks such as: answering client phone and email inquiries printing and preparing materials for ongoing workshops.

Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or a master’s program.
Pursuing a degree in education, instructional design, education technology, conflict resolution or any related field.
Excellent skills in Microsoft Office programs.
Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator preferred, not required.
Experience working with the creation of educational materials highly preferred, not required.
Team player with excellent communications skills.
Strong passion for community engagement and conflict resolution.

How to apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to info@nvms.us. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

COURT MEDIATION INTERN

Internship duration: (Part-time: Up to 20 hours); college credit available.

Description: NVMS holds contracts with local courts in Fairfax County, Loudon County, Arlington County, and the City of Falls Church to provide mediation services. Our mediators appear in each of these courts to mediate for plaintiffs and defendants who elect this option as an alternative to a traditional hearing. The court mediation process is free of charge for parties and is coordinated by NVMS. The Court Mediation Intern will support program implementation for all four contracts. In addition, the intern will support the data management for NVMS’s restorative justice program the Alternative Accountability Program.

Responsibilities:

Assist with coordinating mediators for Fairfax Small Claims Court mediations each Friday.
Compile case files to be processed and submitted to the Virginia Supreme Court for payment and recordkeeping.
Track program results in NVMS database.
General office duties: filing, answering phones, organizing.

Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate, master’s or a law degree program.
Excellent skills in Microsoft Office programs.
Familiarity with Access database preferred.
Ability to work independently.
Team player with excellent communications skills.
Strong passion for conflict resolution.

How to apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to info@nvms.us. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.