Vice President of Systems Advancement

The Texas Alliance for Child and Family Services

Vice President of Systems Advancement

FLSA Status – full time, exempt

Location – remote (Central Texas resident highly preferred)

Background: The Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services (TACFS) is Texas’ leading network of mission-driven organizations that have embraced the call to serve vulnerable children, youth and families in their communities.  TACFS members across Texas work to prevent and address child trauma through services including prevention and early intervention, family preservation, residential/foster care services, adoption, post-adoption, youth runaway and transition services, mental health, education, substance abuse and other programs designed to promote safety and reduce risk for children, youth and families. 

Our mission is to strengthen and continuously improve the services, practices, and care for at-risk children, youth and families.  We achieve this mission through research and education, collaboration, and advocacy.

The TACFS team is mission driven, highly motivated, energetic, and supportive of new and different ways of meeting the needs of the organization and our vast and diverse network of member organizations.  The organization was established in 1976, but we are continuously evolving and changing in response to the dynamic nature of the work we do.  Our overall strategic aim is to support our members so they can do what they do best…care for children and families. 

Reporting: The Vice President of Systems Advancement (VP of Systems Advancement) will work under the immediate direction of the TACFS Chief Executive Officer. The VP of Systems Advancement will serve as part of the TACFS Executive Team and lead a strong team of systems experts in their roles. This position will work closely with the TACFS Board, Center Board, TACFS staff and membership, and with other community and national partners.

Responsibilities: The VP of Systems Advancement provides strategic leadership to advance initiatives that strengthen Texas' child and family services system. This executive-level position leads the development, implementation, and growth of the organization's key strategic initiatives, ensuring they remain responsive to emerging needs, aligned with organizational priorities, and positioned for long-term sustainability.

Working closely with the CEO and executive leadership team, the VP of Systems Advancement cultivates strong relationships with state and national partners, funders, policymakers, member organizations, and subject matter experts to identify opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and systems improvement. The position serves as a connector across sectors, translating emerging trends into actionable strategies that strengthen services and improve outcomes for children, youth, and families.

The VP of Systems Advancement oversees the design and expansion of initiatives that support member organizations, elevate best practices, and advance statewide systems change. This includes identifying opportunities for new programs, partnerships, and funding; convening stakeholders around shared priorities; ensuring the organization delivers meaningful value to members and the broader child and family services community.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, this position contributes to organizational strategy, represents the organization in high-level state and national forums, and helps to keep the organization in a position of a trusted leader and catalyst for innovation across Texas and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Initiative & Leadership

• Lead the strategic vision, growth, and continuous advancement of the organization's priority initiatives.
• Identify emerging trends, policy developments, and system needs to inform new opportunities and organizational priorities.
• Develop innovative initiatives that strengthen services, build member capacity, and advance systems change.
• Ensure initiatives are aligned with the organization's strategic plan and long-term sustainability goals.

Partnership Development & External Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with state agencies, national organizations, philanthropic partners, academic institutions, and other strategic partners.
• Represent the organization in statewide and national workgroups, advisory committees, conferences, and collaborative initiatives.
• Foster cross-sector partnerships that expand the organization's influence, impact, and opportunities for collaboration.
• Serve as a trusted thought partner to external leaders working to improve outcomes for children, youth, and families.

Program Development & Systems Innovation

• Lead the development and implementation of new initiatives that address emerging needs across the child and family services continuum.
• Work in partnership executive leadership to identify opportunities to expand organizational impact through strategic partnerships, grants, and innovative funding opportunities.
• Support the design of scalable models, communities of practice, learning collaboratives, and technical assistance efforts that strengthen the field.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement across organizational initiatives.

Organizational Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to organizational strategy, culture, and cross-functional leadership.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure strategic initiatives are well coordinated and effectively implemented.
• Support organizational communications, member engagement, and advocacy efforts by providing subject matter expertise and strategic insight.

Qualifications:

• Relevant bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years’ experience working within child welfare, public health or another related field related.
• Demonstrates a strong alignment with the organization's mission, vision, and values by leading with integrity, fostering meaningful partnerships, embracing innovation, and advancing collaborative solutions that strengthen organizations, communities, and systems serving children, youth, and families across Texas.
• Demonstrated understanding of the state’s complex foster care system including working knowledge of child welfare best practices, data, policies, and system issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to deliver complex content clearly and succinctly.
• Demonstrated ability to:
• Manage highly skilled staff and multiple projects;
• Mange complex initiatives designed to improve the system;
• Secure funding for desired projects and/or generate revenue to ensure ongoing sustainability of key projects;
• Provide consultative services internally and externally to member organizations;
• Creatively solve problems and take the lead on exploring new opportunities as they come along;
• Foster strong relationships with public and private partners; including seeking out new partnerships. 

This is a full-time, remote position in Texas with a flexible, accommodating work environment.  Some travel will be required.  TACFS offers a competitive benefits package and has an unlimited PTO policy.

TACFS values our employees and aims to provide compensation and benefits commensurate with experience. TACFS is an equal opportunity employer. TACFS does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.