About Children First
Children First (formerly Public Citizens for Children and Youth) is a leading child advocacy and policy organization dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Headquartered in Philadelphia and working across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Children First champions policies and programs that expand access to quality health care, education, and family supports for children and youth in the Greater Philadelphia region.
For more than four decades, Children First has been a trusted voice for children by turning data into action, mobilizing communities, and driving systemic change that advances racial and economic equity. Through rigorous research, coalition-building, and strategic advocacy, the organization has helped shape landmark policies in early childhood education, mental and physical health access, and support for vulnerable youth and families.
Children First focuses its efforts in three interconnected areas:
- Child Health: Ensuring every child can access quality health and mental health care.
- Education: Expanding access to affordable, high-quality early learning and ensuring strong public schools for all children.
- Vulnerable Youth: Advancing policies that protect and empower children impacted by poverty, foster care, and the juvenile justice system.
At its core, Children First is driven by a belief that when every child has what they need to grow, learn, and succeed, entire communities are stronger. The organization partners with policymakers, educators, funders, and advocates to dismantle barriers and build a more just and equitable future for Greater Philadelphia’s children.
Learn more about Children First at https://childrenfirstpa.org/.
The Opportunity
Children First stands at an exciting moment in its long and respected history as the organization prepares for the transition of its longtime leader. As a trusted, nonpartisan voice for Philadelphia’s children, the next Executive Director (ED) will advance policies that strengthen education, health, and family stability through thoughtful advocacy, data-driven insights, and coalition-building. With a $5.2M budget, a team of 30 talented and deeply committed staff, and a powerful reputation for impact, the organization is entering its next chapter from a position of real strength and ready to build on its legacy and shape a new era of leadership and influence.
The next ED will be a driven and thoughtful leader who thrives on bringing clarity and alignment amid complexity; they will be nimble, opportunistic, and able to work well with partners. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will identify and implement strategic solutions that drive meaningful results while remaining true to Children First’s mission and values. The ideal candidate will bring political savvy, strong team leadership, and the ability to navigate nuanced environments with sensitivity and diplomacy. As the organization’s chief spokesperson, the ED will represent Children First through media engagements, public speaking, and partnerships with aligned organizations and coalitions by further elevating the organization’s visibility and impact across Pennsylvania.
The ED will leverage Children First’s bipartisan credibility to advance policy and systems change at the local and state levels. The next leader will inspire and guide a mission-driven team, fostering an inclusive and empowering culture where staff can bring their authentic selves to work. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the Commonwealth’s most influential child advocacy organizations at a moment when the need for courageous, collaborative leadership has never been greater.
Candidate Profile
We recognize that there is a spectrum of experience that will set candidates up for success in this role. While no one candidate will have every experience outlined in the position description, ideal candidates will display the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
Commitment to Mission, Policy, and Advocacy
- Champions initiatives to ensure every child has access to essential resources, aligning action with Children First’s mission
- Navigates the political landscape with integrity and nonpartisan credibility
- Data-driven leader who can draw from community insights to execute actionable policy priorities that improve outcomes for children and families across the five-county Greater Philadelphia region
- Experience working on large scale advocacy and engagement campaigns and initiatives and legislative agendas
External Ambassador and Fund Development
- Serve as a genuine thought-leader for the organization in public settings and events and participate on behalf of Children First at selected tables or in collaborative efforts
- Develops and maintains relationships with nonprofit, community, and state leaders to advance initiatives and vision
- Partner with development staff and board members to identify and cultivate prospective donors and funding opportunities
- Support fundraising efforts by representing Children First in donor meetings, grant discussions, and community engagement initiatives
Strategic and Visionary Thinker
- Collaborates with the Board and staff to implement and advance a strategic plan that drives measurable impact for children and families across Greater Philadelphia
- Translates organizational strategy into clear, actionable initiatives that align mission, resources, and community outcomes
- Able to simultaneously advance big picture strategic thinking with on-the-ground execution
- Inspires and motivates staff, partners, and stakeholders to think creatively, embrace innovative solutions, and take thoughtful, mission-driven risks
- Harnesses and advances staff talents and energy
Organizational Leadership
- Ability to lead a complex, mission-driven organization with a focus on operational excellence, financial stewardship, integrity, and accountability
- Builds strong systems, clear communication, and a healthy culture that supports staff and staff development
- Oversees all operational and administrative functions, ensuring resources, programs, and initiatives are aligned, effective, and efficient
- Fosters collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement across the organization
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $225,000 to $275,000.
Children First offers an excellent benefits package that includes full family medical (including contributions toward the deductible), dental, and vision, as well as other great benefits such as four weeks’ vacation and 17 paid holidays.
Contact
DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Alicia Salerno and Tenley Bank. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.
DSG | Koya is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email NonprofitSearchOps@divsearch.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
Children First is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, gender, or sexual identity.
About DSG | Koya
DSG | Koya, a DSG Global company, is the nation’s premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, DSG | Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. DSG | Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
DSG Global is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms” and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.
Learn more about DSG | Koya via the firm's website.
This position was originally posted by Children First / Koya and has been curated by PurposePhil Career. To apply, please visit the original listing on the "apply" link on the side. We are not affiliated with the employer organization of this job ad or consultancy, and provide this curated listing as a service to our users.