Chief Communities Officer

Position Overview

• Department: Communities
• Location: Hybrid within the DC Metro area
• Reports to: President
• Direct Reports: Yes
• Classification: Exempt
• Position Type: Full-time
• Anticipated Pay Range at Commencement of Employment: $159,000 - $238,000

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 300,000 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.

• 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.

• 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

Blue Star Families is seeking a dynamic, strategic executive to lead the organization's national community engagement strategy, ensuring military families experience connection, support, and belonging wherever they live and serve.

As a key member of the executive leadership team, you will oversee and scale Blue Star Families' (BSF) national community ecosystem—including Chapters, Outposts, Volunteers, and expansion into new markets—driving measurable impact and sustainable growth.

Note: This role requires the ability to travel out of town overnight several times per year for staff offsites, planning retreats, and company-wide events. The successful candidate must reside in the National Capital Region.

• Define and execute a scalable, national model for community engagement.
• Expand BSF's presence in new and existing markets through Chapters, Volunteer engagement, and Outposts.
• Partner with the Chief Impact Officer, and Research and Evaluation team, to establish metrics to measure impact, growth, and engagement.

• Identify and prioritize new markets based on mission impact and sustainability.
• Launch and strengthen community infrastructure for long-term success.
• Increase BSF's national reach, visibility, and member engagement.

• Ensure strong performance, alignment, and sustainability across Chapters.
• Support local partnerships and funding strategies.

• Build and scale a national volunteer strategy.
• Strengthen recruitment, training, and integration of volunteers.

• Lead and develop a team of senior leaders.
• Partner cross-functionally with Development, National Programs, Strategic Alliances, and Research & Evaluation to ensure financial sustainability, strategic alignment, strong partnerships, and data-informed improvement across Chapters.
• Collaborate with Marketing leadership to align national messaging with local execution and engagement.

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10 years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit management, community engagement, or mission-driven organizations.
• Proven success scaling national programs, networks, or multi-market initiatives.
• Experience leading leaders and building high-performing teams.
• Strong track record of partnership development and fundraising alignment.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to 'think in white space', execute and drive measurable outcomes.
• Exceptional communication and executive presence.
• Willingness and ability to work nights, weekends, or holidays as required.
• Ability to travel overnight several times per year for required in-person gatherings.

• Familiarity with the military community.
• Familiarity with membership-driven or volunteer-powered organizations.

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.