Job Title: Executive Director, Maryland Chapter

Department: Chapter Impact

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Reports to: Vice President, Chapter Impact & Outposts

Direct Reports: Yes

Classification: Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range At Commencement of Employment: $106,000 - $146,000

Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families is the largest nonprofit dedicated to making military life better for families. Each year, we support over 1.5 million military- and veteran-connected family members through a national network of 450,000+ members and local chapters in communities across the country.

Our mission is simple and bold: We make military life awesome for families.

We listen, share, partner, and act to deliver evidence-based, data-driven solutions that work for real people. We’re a lifestyle organization, a friend and neighbor, and a trusted partner. Our approach is collaborative, human-centered, and designed with the whole family in mind.

A Blue Star Family is one with an immediate family member — a spouse, parent, or child — actively serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Guard and Reserves. These families face unique challenges: frequent relocations, deployments, career disruption, and isolation. We respond with research-informed programs that create connection, build resilience, and foster a true sense of belonging.

We serve with urgency but build trust over time — because change happens at the speed of trust. Whether we’re driving spouse employment, supporting caregivers, or helping communities welcome military families, we strive for upstream solutions.

Who We’re Looking For:

Bold thinkers. Fast movers. Smart collaborators. People who want to build, lead, and drive measurable change — and who care deeply about making an impact that matters.

What You’ll Do Here:

Solve complex challenges with data, heart, and humility
Build cross-sector partnerships that get things done
Help military families feel at home wherever they live

If you're ready to work in a high-performance, mission-driven environment — and to make life better for those who serve — Blue Star Families is where you belong.

General Description

The Executive Director (ED) is the senior-most leader of the Chapter, responsible for local strategy, sustainable revenue, community impact, and team performance. The ED leads a metropolitan region (Maryland) and supports satellite program delivery in adjacent locations.

Reporting directly to the VP of Chapter Impact & Outposts, the ED oversees staff, volunteers, budget, fundraising, program execution, community engagement, and the Chapter’s long-term sustainability. This role requires a high-capacity, externally focused executive who excels at strategic partnerships, six-figure fundraising, board leadership, and cross-functional coordination.

The ED ensures BSF’s mission is delivered with excellence, inclusion, belonging, accountability, and measurable outcomes that align with the organization’s strategic goals and national KPIs.

This is a high-visibility, high-trust, executive-level role—ideal for a leader who thrives in complex ecosystems, navigates multiple stakeholders, and drives meaningful change.

As a fully remote organization, we rely on scheduled in-person gatherings to foster alignment, collaboration, and organizational culture. This role requires the ability to travel out of town overnight several times per year for staff offsites, planning retreats, and company-wide events. These gatherings are essential for connection, brainstorming, and staying strategically aligned across teams. Participation is required as a core part of the role.

Residency Requirement: Must reside within the Chapter’s primary metropolitan area (minimum three consecutive years) or have extensive experience in the area and be willing to relocate to reside in the area .

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Revenue Leadership

Develop and execute a Chapter Sustainability Plan tied to annual revenue, long-term growth, and metropolitan-market opportunity.
Secure major gifts from corporations, philanthropies, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWI).
Partner with the Development Team and National team on joint fundraising strategy and pipeline development.
Lead stewardship and storytelling efforts that reinforce BSF’s virtuous circle: deliver → measure → communicate → fund → scale.
Expand diversified revenue streams: corporate sponsorships, foundations, workplace giving, government opportunities, and community campaigns.
Own annual fundraising goals; oversee stewardship that increases renewal rates and multi-year commitments.

Executive Leadership & Chapter Operations

Lead the Chapter’s full operational portfolio, including staff, volunteers, programs, budget, and community partnerships.
Serve as the senior BSF representative in the metropolitan region—driving a high standard of professionalism, visibility, and community trust.
Manage, coach, and develop the Program Director/Manager and volunteer corps; ensure program delivery is aligned, supported, and resourced.
Manage and facilitate excellence in national program execution (Welcome Week, MFLS, NTS/Nourish the Service, etc.).
Implement BSF’s data-driven evaluation model in partnership with National Programs & Applied Research teams.
Ensure compliance with BSF operational policies, fiscal management, KPIs, and risk mitigation practices.

Advisory Board & Stakeholder Engagement

Recruit, develop, and steward a high-performing, strategic local Advisory Board that supports fundraising, visibility, and community leadership.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with VIPs, elected officials, military installation leaders, philanthropic champions, and corporate executives.
Leverage senior-level relationships to open doors, advance BSF’s strategic priorities, and elevate the Chapter’s regional presence.
Represent BSF at community events, convenings, coalitions, and multi-sector partnership tables.

Community Building & Cross-Sector Partnerships

Become recognized as a ‘Thought Leader’ in the local community, solving problems for military families with systemic solutions
Build a robust ecosystem of civic, military, corporate, nonprofit, and philanthropic partners that strengthens military family belonging.
Serve as the Chapter’s chief ambassador to advocate for military-connected families using MFLS insights and BSF research.
Work closely with the Program Director/Manager to connect families with relevant resources and community supports.
Identify strategic opportunities for regional expansion, innovative programming, and alignment with partnerships.

Communications, Storytelling & Brand Stewardship

Deepen BSF’s local presence through compelling storytelling, brand-consistent communications, and partnership visibility.
Collaborate with Marketing/Comms to amplify Chapter impact through digital content, media, and thought leadership.
Serve as a strong, articulate voice for military families in public forums and local media (as appropriate).
Perform other duties as assigned.

Required experience, skills, background

Bachelor’s degree or 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in community development, nonprofit leadership, or strategic partnerships.
5+ years of management experience, including direct staff leadership.
Proven ability to secure significant philanthropic gifts (six-figure required).
Demonstrated success in growing an organization, business unit, or major initiative.
Exceptional executive communication skills—written, verbal, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement.
Experience managing an advisory board or similar governance structure.
Strong organizational management capability: budgeting, planning, KPI accountability, and team development.
Ability to work effectively across diverse groups, cultures, and sectors.
Mission-driven mindset with integrity, humility, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of urgency.
Willingness to work nights/weekends for essential community events; <25% travel.
Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 30 lbs.

Desired experience, skills, background

Experience using CRM systems; Salesforce a plus.
Understanding of military culture and the lived experience of military families.
Knowledge of the Blue Star Families ecosystem and/or BSF programs.
Understanding of the collaborative network of nonprofits in the Hampton Roads area

More About Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families empowers military and Veteran families to thrive by connecting them with their civilian neighbors — both people and organizations — to create strong communities of mutual support. We believe we're all stronger when we take care of one another.

Our groundbreaking research is raising the nation's awareness of the unique challenges of military family life. With the help of neighbors across the country, Blue Star Families is overcoming the isolation and alienation of frequent moves, deployments, and reduced support from the government. Our innovative programs are solving specific challenges for military families, including fighting economic insecurity with resources that foster spouse career development, creating family strength with rich family programming, and providing critical peer support for caregivers, whose numbers are only increasing.

Blue Star Families is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

EEO Policy

Blue Star Families is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Why Blue Star Families?

Virtual/remote nonprofit organization that moves with you (position specific)
Career growth opportunities
Excellent benefits (403(b) with matching, Flexible Spending, Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Communications Allowance, and more)
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave for Active-Duty Military Spouses
On-the-job professional development training
Front-line opportunity to positively impact the military experience
Competitive salaries
Workplace flexibility

About the company

Blue Star Families is a national nonprofit that supports and strengthens America’s military families by building community connections between military households and civilian neighbors, organizations, and partners. It delivers programs and services such as virtual events, summer camps, career support, and community engagement activities to help families thrive. These initiatives are implemented through a network of volunteers, partnerships, donations, and grants, with funding from fundraising events, corporate sponsorships, and individual contributions. Unlike groups that focus on a single service, Blue Star Families combines family support with broad community integration to create robust support networks across the United States. Its goal is to empower military families to thrive while contributing to local resilience and national security through stronger civilian-military ties.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$1M

Headquarters

Encinitas, California

Founded

2012

Get referred to Blue Star Families

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

September 2026 Welcome Week expands brand reach across hundreds of communities and military installations.
August 2026 leadership hires and advisory board additions deepen governance, partnerships, and operational muscle.
Target-backed pantry-kit events address food insecurity, strengthening relevance with relocating families immediately.

What critics are saying

September 2026 corporate sponsors fund visibility; one pullback squeezes expansion and programming.
Military families' recommendation fell to 37%; mission urgency signals persistent unmet needs and demand risk.
Rapid national growth into Colorado Springs strains fundraising, chapter execution, and service quality by 2027.

What makes Blue Star Families unique

Blue Star Families pairs research with chapters and outposts nationwide, reaching 1.5 million annually.
September 2026 Welcome Week mobilizes Target, Starbucks, Macy's, and 100s of local events.
August 2026 hired Charles Plummer as president, sharpening enterprise strategy and scalable growth.

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Benefits

Remote Work Options
Wellness Program
Flexible Spending
Career growth opportunities
Competitive salaries
Workplace flexibility
403(b) with matching
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave for Active Duty Military Spouses
On-the-job professional development training

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth

Nexstar Media Group

Oct 17th, 2026

Military families invited to outdoors day at Eastwood MetroPark.

Military families invited to outdoors day at Eastwood MetroPark. Posted: Oct 17, 2026 / 12:40 PM EDT Updated: Oct 17, 2026 / 12:40 PM EDT Previous local military coverage above. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - The Blue Star Families Dayton and Wilderness Inquiry are hosting a Military Families Outdoors Community Day this Saturday. The Oct. 17 event is being held at Eastwood MetroPark from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is open to military / veteran families and their civilian friends. Activities include canoeing, yoga and exploring nature. "Military Families Outdoors supports the health and wellness of military service members and their families through positive, accessible engagement with nature. This program brings together two premier organizations, Blue Star Families and Wilderness Inquiry, who are working together to provide military families consistent, no-cost access to nature-based experiences that foster belonging and build community no matter where families are stationed," wrote organizers. Looking for veteran resources? The following list may be helpful. Eastwood MetroPark is located at 1385 Harshman Road.

Blue Star Families

Oct 8th, 2026

Blue Star Families expands support for military-connected families with new Carolina East Chapter.

Blue Star Families expands support for military-connected families with new Carolina East Chapter. New chapter will connect military and veteran families with local resources, support, and opportunities to build community throughout the Jacksonville region. JACKSONVILLE, N.C. - October 8, 2026 Blue Star Families, the nation's largest military and veteran family support organization, continues its chapter expansion strategy with the launch of its newest location in eastern North Carolina on October 9. The new Carolina East Chapter will give military and veteran families in the Jacksonville, Goldsboro, and Havelock areas a new local resource for connection, support, and community. The chapter will provide opportunities for military-connected families to discover local resources, participate in family programs, and become more connected to the communities they call home. The Carolina East Chapter builds on Blue Star Families' presence in North Carolina, where its Fayetteville Chapter serves military-connected families in the Sandhills Region. The addition of a second chapter recognizes the size and geographic reach of the state's military community and allows Blue Star Families to provide more localized support and programming, including career development workshops for military spouses and peer support circles for caregivers, to families in eastern North Carolina. To support the chapter's opening in North Carolina, Craig Newmark, founder of Craig's List, and craig newmark philanthropies have committed to matching donations made at dollar-for-dollar, up to $500,000. "Military-connected families have unique needs that are best addressed close to home," said Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet. "Expanding into eastern North Carolina, an area the Marine Corps asked for Blue Star Families support, allows us to reach more families with the relationships and resources that can make a difference during military life. We invite military-connected families and community members alike to get involved, attend events, and help ensure every military family feels connected and supported." North Carolina is home to nearly 110,000 active-duty family members and more than 24,000 National Guard and Reserve family members. Through the Carolina East Chapter, military and veteran families will have access to local events and programming. The chapter will work with businesses, nonprofits, schools, civic organizations, and other community partners to strengthen relationships between military families and the communities where they live. "Military families are an important part of eastern North Carolina, and creating opportunities for families to connect with one another and their neighbors is an important part of building a strong community," said Tate Johnson, Executive Director of the North Carolina Chapters. "The new chapter reflects the size and geographic reach of North Carolina's military population, enabling Blue Star Families to provide more localized support and programming to military and veteran families across the state." In addition to the Carolina East Chapter, Johnson will continue to serve as executive director of the Blue Star Families Greater Fayetteville Region Chapter, providing leadership across both chapters to strengthen Blue Star Families' reach throughout the region. The Carolina East Chapter is part of Blue Star Families' continued effort to make local support more accessible to military and veteran families. By creating opportunities to connect with neighbors, access trusted resources, and participate in their communities, the chapter will help military families build stronger relationships in eastern North Carolina. About Blue Star Families Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation's largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A "blue star family" is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts.

PR Newswire

Sep 23rd, 2026

As more than 600,000 military-connected families relocate each year, Blue Star Welcome Week helps communities open their doors.

As more than 600,000 military-connected families relocate each year, Blue Star Welcome Week helps communities open their doors. Sep 23, 2026, 08:00 ET Hundreds of events nationwide will celebrate military families, build connections, and help military children feel at home in their new communities WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Blue Star Families, the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military and veteran families, will host Blue Star Welcome Week 2026 presented by Target from September 26 through October 4, bringing communities across the country together with hundreds of events to welcome and support the more than 600,000 military-connected families who relocate each year. The annual nationwide event raises awareness of the unique challenges military families face while inspiring neighbors, businesses, schools, and community organizations to help military families build connections and a sense of belonging in their new communities after permanent change of station (PCS) moves, the military term for a move to a new duty station. Through get-to-know-your community events like city tours and scavenger hunts, volunteer opportunities, and community partnerships, Welcome Week helps military families connect with the communities in which they live. Welcome Week will feature nationwide community experiences from coast to coast, bookended by two marquee "All Hands on Deck: To Nourish The Service" gatherings: one aboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego on September 28 and the other at the Virginia Air & Space Science Center in Hampton, Virginia, on October 5. Hosted by Blue Star Families, in partnership with Welcome Week Presenting Sponsor, Target, these events will bring together hundreds of volunteer employees from Target to assemble and distribute 1,000 pantry kits in each location filled with Target-owned brand food essentials for military families who have recently relocated to the San Diego and Hampton Roads areas and who, like many relocating families, face unexpected costs and challenges associated with moving. Communities nationwide will host events throughout the week, including block parties, scavenger hunts, community tours, outdoor experiences, and other activities designed to help military families connect with their new neighbors and learn about their new community. Highlights include: * The New England Chapter will host an event with the Navy Band Northeast at the USS Constitution Museum. * The Tampa Bay Chapter will welcome families to Legoland, a Tampa Bay Lightning game, and the largest Welcome Week event ever at the Florida Aquarium. * The Chicagoland Chapter will bring families to a multicultural fair and hold a Welcome Home Fall Festival. * The Maryland Chapter will host a train ride into Washington, D.C. and visit the Baltimore Museum of Art. * The Puget Sound Chapter will hold a scavenger hunt in Seattle and host families at the Woodland Park Zoo. * The Craig Newmark New York Tri-State Chapter will host a tour in the city. * The Dayton & Southwestern Ohio Chapter will tour the Sharonville Transmission Plant during Ford Family Day. * The Sheila and George Casey National Capital Region Chapter will host families for a Washington Nationals baseball game and D.C. United soccer game. * The Military Families Outdoors program will provide nature guides along with outdoor education kits to help families explore their new communities. In addition, Welcome Week sponsors will participate in events throughout the week. Macy's will host select military spouses for a private shopping experience in three store locations, and Starbucks Coffee Company will host more than 50 Coffee Connects at coffeehouses across the country. Expect OREO Cookie Challenges at all 14 Blue Star Families Chapter events donated by Mondelez International. A full list of events is available at the Blue Star Welcome Week website, welcomeweek.bluestarfam.org/events. A Longstanding Focus on Military Children This year, Blue Star Welcome Week will build on its longstanding focus on military children by highlighting the unique challenges they face as they move between communities and schools throughout their childhood. According to the Department of War's 2024 Active Duty Spouse Survey, military families move approximately every two to three years, three times as often as non-military families, and military children often attend multiple schools before graduating. Each move means leaving behind friends, teachers, and familiar routines and starting over in a new community. "Military families move frequently and uproot their lives as they follow the mission. We all have a role to play in making sure they feel welcome and connected," said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. "Blue Star Welcome Week is a chance for military families to find community and for Everyday Americans to discover how they can show up and do their part. Whether you're a military family or an Everyday American who wants to support those who serve, join Blue Star Families to find your place and learn how you can make a difference during Welcome Week and all year long." That sense of connection matters. Blue Star Families' research has found that military families continue to face significant challenges related to belonging, financial strain, and food security. Only 37% of military families say they would recommend military service to a young family member, down from 60% a decade ago, underscoring the importance of strengthening the communities that support those who serve. A National Moment As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, Blue Star Welcome Week provides an opportunity to recognize the families who serve alongside our nation's service members and turn gratitude into action. Blue Star Welcome Week 2026 is supported by presenting sponsor Target, as well as craig newmark philanthropies, CSX, Macy's, Starbucks, Chobani, OREO, Leonardo DRS, Morgan Stanley, T-Mobile, Amazon, along with other corporations, private foundations, local small businesses, and nonprofit partner organizations. Blue Star Families encourages Everyday Americans to Do Your Part to welcome military families during Welcome Week and beyond by joining or hosting an event, sharing resources to spread the word, or making a donation. For more information and to get involved, visit bluestarwelcomeweek.org. About Blue Star Families Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation's largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A "blue star family" is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts. Blue Star Families launched Blue Star Welcome Week in 2020 as a national week of activation designed to help military families feel welcome and inspire community members to do their part to support them. SOURCE Blue Star Families

KMTV 3 News Now

Sep 3rd, 2026

Connect with OPA: Free tickets and discounts for service members, vets and first responders.

Connect with OPA: Free tickets and discounts for service members, vets and first responders. Omaha Performing Arts is shining a light on programs which bring free and discounted opportunities to coincide with the anniversary of 9/11; however, most of the offers are available year-round. Posted 3:27 PM, Sep 03, 2026 and last updated 3:34 PM, Sep 03, 2026 OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) - Through partnerships with Blue Star Families, VetTix and 1stTix - Omaha Performing Arts provides opportunities to neighbors who are active duty, have served in the U.S. Military, or are first responders to see shows for free or at a reduced cost. Many classes and camps are also available - free or discounted. Also coming soon from the organization: Hero's Encore, which "will use the arts to guide military veterans, transitioning service members, and first responders on a transformative journey from peer to performer, utilizing musical expression as a tool for self-discovery, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose." Connect with OPA is a KMTV-exclusive series created to make the arts more accessible, often from within its neighborhoods, at little to no cost.

Blue Star Families

Aug 7th, 2026

The 2026 military family lifestyle survey is now live!

The 2026 military family lifestyle survey is now live! Blue Star Families adds new Advisory Board members to drive impact for military families. New Board of Directors and Advisory Board appointments bring expanded expertise, fresh perspectives and strategic leadership to support military and veteran families. Washington, D.C. - August 7, 2026 Blue Star Families (BSF), the nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to supporting military and veteran families, appointed eight new members to its National Advisory Board in the first half of the year. Together, these leaders bring deep expertise, fresh perspectives and a shared commitment to advancing Blue Star Families' mission of strengthening military and veteran families. Appointed National Advisory Board members include: * Carmen O'Shea, Operating Advisor at Goldman Sachs, joins Blue Star Families, Inc. with more than 25 years of leadership experience across Fortune 100 companies, startups, and nonprofits, with expertise in strategy, transformation, and stakeholder engagement. A U.S. Air National Guard Captain, she advises C-suite leaders on growth and workforce transformation and brings extensive governance experience and mission-driven leadership... * Alexander Niejelow, CEO of Hilco Global Cyber Advisors, brings extensive expertise in cybersecurity, financial technology, and digital policy from a career that spans leadership roles in the private sector and government. * Katie Roberts, Founder and CEO of RPR Strategies, has immense experience in government and national security roles and has led growth, talent, stakeholder engagement, and transformation initiatives at scale. * Brian Whiting, Sr. Executive Leader, Military & Veteran Advocate, Conservationist, has more than two decades of experience working alongside military members, veterans, and their families through leadership roles focused on service, support, advocacy, and community engagement. * Kelley McCormick, Founder, Original Strategies, brings experience as a senior communications executive, with more than 20 years of experience shaping strategy, narrative, and reputation for corporate and nonprofit organizations. * Katrina Isom, spouse of the 6th Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC) David Isom, brings a military spouse perspective, having navigated more than 15 years in family support roles, and has a background in business management. * Christopher Oprison, Partner at DLA Piper, is a former U.S. Marine Corps captain and Judge Advocate. He brings extensive experience in complex litigation and government investigations, along with a longstanding commitment to supporting service members, veterans, and military families through his legal and pro bono work. "We're honored to welcome this exceptional group of leaders - Carmen O'Shea, Alexander Niejelow, Katie Roberts, Brian Whiting, Kelley McCormick, Katrina Isom, and Christopher Oprison - to the Blue Star Families National Advisory Board," said Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet. "Each brings a unique combination of leadership, innovation, and service from across the public, private, nonprofit, and military communities. From business transformation and cybersecurity to communications, legal advocacy, and firsthand military family experience, their expertise will help strengthen Blue Star Families as we grow our programs, forge meaningful partnerships, and champion solutions that improve the lives of military and veteran families." About Blue Star Families Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation's largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A "blue star family" is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts.

Blue Star Families

Executive Director - Maryland Chapter

About the job

Fundraising & Revenue Leadership

About the company

Get referred to Blue Star Families

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

What critics are saying

What makes Blue Star Families unique

Benefits

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth