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Exec Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Executive Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Executive Director Friends of the Children - San Diego San Diego, California The Moran Company is pleased to partner with Friends of the Children-San Diego to recruit the organization's first ...

Executive Director

Stockton, CA · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Executive Director Friends of the Children - Stockton Stockton, California The Moran Company is pleased to partner with Friends of the Children - Stockton to recruit the organization's next Executive ...

As the Executive Director, you are responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the community, including service provision, financial, human resources, licensure compliance, clinical, sales ...

The Executive Director also provides directions and guidance to the Yurok Council as it carries out its governance functions. Under guidance of the Yurok Tribal Council the incumbent is responsible ...

Executive Director

Klamath, CA · On-site

$128K - $194K/yr

The Executive Director also provides directions and guidance to the Yurok Council as it carries out its governance functions. Under guidance of the Yurok Tribal Council the incumbent is responsible ...

As the Executive Director, you are responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the community, including service provision, financial, human resources, licensure compliance, clinical, sales ...

Executive Director/Administrator - Assisted Living Facility Position Overview: We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Director Director/Administrator to lead our dedicated team and ...

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ABOUT STEAM:CODERS STEAM:CODERS expands access to high-quality science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education for young people from diverse backgrounds. Based in ...

$257K - $313K/yr

About the Position The Solano Transportation Authority (STA)is seeking an Executive Director, appointed by and serves under the general policy direction of the Authority's Board to plan, organize ...

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TOBERMAN NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER Toberman Neighborhood Center (TNC) is a community non-profit organization with $3-5 million of annual expenses, 50-60 employees, and a large operating ...

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ABOUT STEAM:CODERS STEAM:CODERS expands access to high-quality science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education for young people from diverse backgrounds. Based in ...

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ABOUT STEAM:CODERS STEAM:CODERS expands access to high-quality science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education for young people from diverse backgrounds. Based in ...

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Exec Director information

What is the difference between Exec Director vs Program Manager?

AspectExec DirectorProgram Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in business, nonprofit, or related field; advanced degrees preferredBachelor's degree in relevant field; certifications like PMP can be advantageous
Work EnvironmentExecutive offices, boardrooms, nonprofit or corporate settingsProject sites, office environments, client meetings
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, large corporations, associationsVarious industries including tech, healthcare, nonprofit
Primary FocusOverall organizational strategy, governance, fundraisingManaging specific projects, timelines, and deliverables

The main difference between an Exec Director and a Program Manager lies in scope and responsibilities. The Exec Director oversees the entire organization, focusing on strategy, governance, and high-level operations. In contrast, the Program Manager handles specific projects within the organization, ensuring successful execution. Both roles require leadership skills and relevant credentials, but their focus areas and impact levels differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an executive director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Director, you need strong leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and organizational expertise, often supported by an advanced degree in business, management, or a related field. Familiarity with budgeting software, CRM systems, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and relationship-building skills help set successful Executive Directors apart. These abilities are vital for driving organizational success, ensuring operational efficiency, and fostering a positive and productive workplace culture.

What does an executive director do?

An Executive Director is the senior leader responsible for overseeing the daily operations, strategic planning, and overall management of an organization or nonprofit. They work closely with the board of directors to set goals, manage staff, ensure financial stability, and represent the organization to stakeholders and the public. Executive Directors play a vital role in fundraising, policy development, and ensuring that the organization's mission is effectively carried out.

What are some typical challenges executive directors face when leading a nonprofit organization?

Executive Directors in nonprofit organizations often encounter challenges such as balancing limited resources with program demands, managing diverse stakeholder expectations, and maintaining consistent fundraising efforts. They also need to foster a positive organizational culture, ensure compliance with regulations, and build strong relationships with the board of directors. Navigating these challenges requires strong leadership, adaptability, and excellent communication skills to keep the organization focused on its mission and long-term sustainability.
What are the most commonly searched types of Exec jobs in California? The most popular types of Exec jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Exec Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Exec Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Exec Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Executive Director Friends of the Children – San Diego San Diego, California   The Moran Company [https://morancompany.com/] is pleased to partner with Friends of the Children-San Diego to recruit the organization's first Executive Director.   Friends of the Children is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization with a powerful mission to impact generational change by empowering youth who face the greatest obstacles through relationships with paid professional mentors—12+ years, no matter what. For more than three decades, the Friends of the Children model has produced measurable outcomes for children and families across the country. Friends of the Children’s impact is evident - a longitudinal study by the Harvard Business School Association of Oregon confirmed that for every $1 invested in Friends of the Children, the community benefits over $7 in saved social costs. Now, Friends of the Children is bringing its proven model to San Diego.   Friends of the Children–San Diego is launching with extraordinary momentum. Rather than building from scratch, the organization's first Executive Director will inherit a remarkable opportunity to accelerate an already well-established vision. Over the past 18 months, Friends of the Children National and local community leaders have worked together to establish a strong foundation for the organization's long-term success. Multi-year seed capital has already been secured, relationships have been cultivated with philanthropic, civic, and nonprofit leaders throughout the region, and the model has been enthusiastically welcomed into collaborative efforts, such as the United 4 Youth Collaborative.   Friends of the Children–San Diego will intentionally enroll children ages 4 to 6 and their caregivers who face the greatest challenges to long-term stability and well-being, with an initial focus on former foster youth who are parenting and families most at risk of child welfare involvement. The chapter will launch as an independent 501(c)(3) supported by Friends of the Children National, benefiting from a nationally proven operating model, extensive leadership resources, and a network of successful Executive Directors across the country.   Friends of the Children–San Diego seeks a highly relational, entrepreneurial, and community-centered Executive Director to lead the successful launch and long-term growth of this new chapter. As the organization’s chief executive, chief fundraiser, strategic leader, and primary ambassador, the Executive Director will build trusted relationships across San Diego County, expand philanthropic investment, hire and support the founding staff team, and work closely with the founding Board of Directors and Friends of the Children National. The Executive Director will ensure excellence and fidelity to the Friends of the Children model while strengthening the visibility, capacity, and sustainable funding needed for the program and the children and families it serves to thrive. This opportunity is ideal for an accomplished nonprofit executive or senior advancement leader with strong fundraising success, entrepreneurial business acumen, and a deep commitment to building a high-impact organization in a new market.   The Executive Director will provide enthusiastic leadership, strategic direction, and long-term vision while serving as Friends of the Children–San Diego’s lead fundraising champion, spokesperson, ambassador, and advocate. They will build trust across staff, board members, community partners, families, donors, and Friends of the Children National, while recruiting and developing a high-performing team and fostering a collaborative, children-first culture. The Executive Director will lead all fundraising and resource development efforts, personally cultivate major donors, foundations, corporations, and public funding opportunities, and strengthen the organization’s visibility throughout San Diego’s philanthropic, civic, business, and nonprofit communities. They will develop and execute strategic plans, annual operating plans, budgets, growth initiatives, and risk management strategies in partnership with the Board and National leadership. The Executive Director will ensure fidelity to the Friends of the Children model, support excellent program delivery and outcomes, provide sound financial and administrative stewardship, and build the organizational capacity needed for long-term sustainability.   The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, with an advanced degree preferred, and ten or more years of progressively responsible executive leadership experience in nonprofit or related environments. They will bring a deep appreciation for child development, youth outcomes, and long-term mentoring models, along with significant fundraising experience and a demonstrated ability to secure major gifts and diversify revenue streams. Strong candidates will offer executive presence, credibility with donors and community stakeholders, and either established relationships within San Diego County or a proven ability to quickly build trusted relationships with philanthropic, business, civic, and community leaders. The successful candidate will be a strategic, collaborative, and empowering leader with experience building and scaling organizations, leading across fundraising, operations, finance, strategy, and people, and motivating teams with cultural competence, sound judgment, accountability, and strong communication skills.   The salary range for this position is $145,000–$165,000, including incentive compensation, depending on qualifications and experience. Friends of the Children offers a benefits package and a culture that values collaboration, belonging, professional growth, and work-life harmony.   The search for the Friends of the Children-San Diego Executive Director is being conducted by The Moran Company. Questions about the position can be directed to Angie Heer, The Moran Company: angie (at) morancompany.com. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Angie Heer, The Moran Company. The resume should include all professional education and experience, examples of nonprofit leadership and fundraising accomplishments, dates of employment (month and year), position/title, and organization names. The cover letter should highlight your relevant experience, passion for Friends of the Children-San Diego’s mission, fundraising experience, and your approach to building and scaling an organization. Applications should be submitted by July 31.   To view full position profile and APPLY: https://apptrkr.com/7310197