Vocal Virginia is Hiring

Network Program Director Job Announcement

Vocal Virginia

Remote within Virginia

About Vocal Virginia

Vocal Virginia is a statewide mental health advocacy and education nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges. Through organizing, education, and strategic advocacy, we work to transform individual lives, local communities, and Virginia’s mental health system. As the only statewide mental health organization in Virginia that is 100% staffed and governed by people with lived experience, we speak from experience and center our voices in every aspect of our work.

About the Vocal Virginia Network

The Vocal Virginia Network is the organization’s outreach, advocacy, and community engagement arm, serving more than 2,000 members across the state. The Network supports and uplifts adults with lived experience of mental health challenges, fosters emerging leadership, advances policy and systems change, and promotes wellness and recovery. Through advocacy, education, and connection, the Network plays a central role in strengthening Virginia’s behavioral health system.

Position Summary

The Network Program Director provides strategic leadership, coordination, and day-to-day management of the Vocal Virginia Network. In partnership with the Executive Director, Board, staff, and community members, the Director builds power among individuals with lived experience, advances policy and advocacy goals, and strengthens statewide engagement. This role is highly collaborative, public-facing, and central to shaping the future of mental health advocacy in Virginia.

Key Responsibilities

Advocacy & Systems Change

• Engage, support, and empower individuals with lived experience to participate in behavioral health planning, system transformation, and advocacy efforts.

• Assist in developing Vocal Virginia’s annual advocacy agenda; lead and oversee implementation across programs, campaigns, and initiatives.

• Track and analyze state legislative activity, regulatory developments, agency practices, and emerging issues related to behavioral health.

• Represent Vocal Virginia in coalition spaces, policy working groups, and public forums.

  
  

Community Engagement & Education

• Serve as a liaison between Vocal Virginia and individuals living with mental health challenges, community partners, and stakeholders across public, nonprofit, and private sectors.

• Represent Vocal Virginia at meetings, conferences, panels, and community events to share the organization’s work and stay informed on emerging trends.

• Provide community education through writing, online content, social media, training, workshops, and other formats.

• Build and maintain strategic relationships that advance advocacy goals and strengthen the Network’s statewide presence.

  
  

Program Leadership

• Lead and facilitate the Advocacy Committee, ensuring member engagement, coordination, and effective decision-making.

• Provide resources and referral support to individuals seeking guidance on mental health services or related issues.

• Lead the planning and execution of Vocal Virginia’s annual statewide conference.

• Collaborate with staff on outreach, engagement, and membership development strategies.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree preferred.

• Experience with public speaking.

• A deep commitment to Vocal Virginia’s mission, values, and peer-led model, and an ability to serve as an inspiring ambassador for the organization.

• Strong organizational, project management, and time-management skills; comfort managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong community organizing, relationship-building, and facilitation skills.

• Interest and/or experience in public policy, behavioral health systems, and social justice.

• Ability to use data to support advocacy, storytelling, and policy arguments.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively; flexibility, creativity, and resilience.

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and centering lived experience in all aspects of the work.

Because Vocal Virginia is a 100% peer-run organization, individuals with lived experience of mental health, coocurring, and/or trauma-related challenges are strongly encouraged to apply.

Reports To

Executive Director

Position Type

Full-time, exempt

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $50,000 – $55,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits include:

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance

• Retirement benefits

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance

• Flexible work schedule

• Paid vacation and sick time

A full benefits description is available in the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.

Location

Remote (Virginia residents only)

Travel

Frequent travel to Richmond during the General Assembly session (January–March) and occasional statewide travel throughout the year.

How to Apply

Email a cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references to network@vocalvirginia.org with the subject line “Network Program Director.”

Applications will be accepted until December 23, 2025. Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to provide a writing sample.

Vocal Virginia is an equal opportunity employer.