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Exec Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Executive Director is expected to provide leadership, strategic direction, and the management necessary to build upon OM's 33 years of programming while continuing its financial stability and its ...

Executive Director

Vista, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

The next Executive Director will build on this extraordinary momentum, championing creativity, collaboration, and civic pride while expanding MCF's impact. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS * Salary: $125,000 ...

Executive Director

San Jose, CA · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

As Executive Director , you will serve as the senior leader responsible for the overall operations, financial performance, resident experience, regulatory compliance, and team member engagement of a ...

Executive Director

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Become the Next Executive Director of Rolling Start, Inc. (San Bernardino, Inyo & Mono Counties) ABOUT ROLLING START, INC. Rolling Start, Inc. is a nonprofit Center for Independent Living (CIL) that ...

Executive Director

Torrance, CA · On-site

$140K - $155K/yr

Executive Director RCFE Salary Range: $140,000 - $155,000 Oakmont of Torrance is a premier senior living community located in Torrance, within Los Angeles County. Managed by Oakmont Management Group.

Executive Director

Orange, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Executive Director RCFE Salary Range: $130,000 - $150,000 Oakmont of Orange is a premier senior living community located in Orange, California . Managed by Oakmont Management Group. Based in Irvine ...

Executive Director

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

The Executive Director is responsible for the efficient operations and overall management and direction of the day-to-day functions of their Community in accordance with property policies and ...

Executive Director

Orange, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Executive Director RCFE Salary Range: $130,000 - $150,000 Oakmont of Orange is a premier senior living community located in Orange, California . Managed by Oakmont Management Group. Based in Irvine ...

Executive Director

Torrance, CA · On-site

$140K - $155K/yr

Executive Director RCFE Salary Range: $140,000 - $155,000 Oakmont of Torrance is a premier senior living community located in Torrance, within Los Angeles County. Managed by Oakmont Management Group.

Executive Director

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

As Executive Director, you will serve as the senior leader responsible for the overall operations, financial performance, resident experience, regulatory compliance, and team member engagement of a ...

Executive Director

Hayward, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

The Executive Director is responsible for the efficient operations and overall management and direction of the day-to-day functions of their Community in accordance with property policies and ...

Showing results 41-60

Exec Director information

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 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 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 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 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, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Executive Director

Other Minds

Berkeley, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Background Founded in 1992, San Francisco’s Other Minds (OM) is a leading national and international producer and presenter of New and Experimental music in all its manifestations. Now in its 30th year, OM’s signature event is its annual international festival of New Music in San Francisco. OM also presents other concerts throughout the year, PastForward: a series highlighting  retrospectives, including both neglected composers and important historical works, and The Nature of Music: a series featuring composers working at the intersection of contemporary art music and environmental advocacy. OM maintains over 10,000 hours of New and Experimental Music on its website, otherminds.org including works from its OM Archives, Annual OM Festivals throughout its past twenty nine years, OM concert series, OM Radio programs, OM Podcasts, and the OM Record Label. The OM Archives are an online archive (archives.otherminds.org) hosting thousands of hours of radio programs originally broadcast on KPFA FM Berkeley, California, as well as other venues. The OM record label features historical works alongside new releases, and broadcasts of music and interviews are presented on Music from Other Minds, its weekly two-hour roundup of new releases of contemporary music on KALW FM in San Francisco, and the Other Minds Podcast. OM currently operates on an annual budget of between $700,000 and $800,000 and has 13 dedicated members on its Board of Directors. OM’s corporate headquarters is located at 55 Taylor Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 while its administrative office is located in downtown Berkeley, in the David Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way, Suite 240, Berkeley, CA 94704.   Job Responsibilities The Executive Director (ED) will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for executing OM’s mission and purpose, while administering its staff and ensuring that it is financially sustainable through fundraising and grant awards and opportunities. The Executive Director is expected to provide leadership, strategic direction, and the management necessary to build upon OM’s 33 years of programming while continuing its financial stability and its priority of community engagement. The ED will establish clear metrics to evaluate OM’s programs and operations, and ensure that results are communicated effectively to OM’s Board of Directors, funders, and the broader community. The ED will bring a balance of artistic literacy, nonprofit management, financial acumen, and genuine enthusiasm for working in partnership with staff, Board, artists, local organizations, and donors. The Executive Director will identify, solicit, and cultivate new sources of funding while sustaining OM’s annual and legacy planned gifts. The ED will additionally encourage and support the fundraising efforts of OM’s Board. The ED will create, build and sustain productive professional relationships with foundation, corporate, and government funding sources. The Executive Director is responsible and accountable for all aspects of the organization’s management and operations. This includes: staffing, strategic planning, fundraising, budgeting and financial management, marketing and audience development, concert production, public relations, human resource management, and community relations. The ED will direct cash-flow management and resource allocation and in coordination with the bookkeeper, oversee financial operations, monthly and year-end reporting, and audit compliance. The Executive Director will work in close partnership with OM’s Artistic Director (“AD”) who is charged with leading OM’s programming and artistic vision. The ED is responsible for all administrative, financial, and operational functions, while ensuring that staff and operations support the realization of OM’s artistic mission. Both the ED and the AD will closely collaborate on both strategic planning and OM’s public presentation on social media and other vehicles for outreach. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is charged with supporting the work of the Board and its committee by ensuring that the Board has the information needed for deliberation and decision-making. Overall, the Executive Director is charged with supervising, evaluating, and providing management to OM’s small and dedicated staff through the fostering of communication as means of ensuring cohesion and teamwork.   Candidate Qualifications Significant leadership experience within a performing arts, presenting, or community arts organization; Experience with fundraising across a range of sources, including individual donors, foundations, and public funding; Knowledge and passion for the field of contemporary and experimental music; Skilled with budgeting, financial planning, and operational oversight to support organizational long-term sustainability and informed and effective decision-making; Passion for serving as a publicly visible ambassador of contemporary and experimental music through the cultivation of strong relationships with mission-aligned organizations, foundations, academic institutions, and local businesses with the continued aim integrating OM into the cultural fabric of the community; Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including active listening, inviting and integrating multiple and opposing perspectives and points of view, confidently presenting and communicating in public and performative settings, and nurturing a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Preferred Qualifications Experience managing a mid-sized nonprofit, supervising staff, and supporting a collaborative staff culture; Track record of cultivating Board development and affirmatively engaging the Board in fundraising and other supporting activities; Experience serving as a representative and advocate for an organization and its mission area and contributing to broader conversations that shape arts funding and policy; Professional experience in organizational leadership in the performing arts; graduate training in arts administration, performing arts, or related fields. We know that no candidate will meet every requirement listed and encourage candidates whose experience may not follow a traditional nonprofit or arts leadership trajectory to apply. Other Minds is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, class, national origin, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, family/marital status, religion, veteran status, or other protected classes. We encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and people of all ages to apply.   Compensation Starting salary range: $80,000–$120,000 This position is eligible for the Other Minds Health Plan, paid vacation, sick time, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions subject to vesting.