Strategy Officer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Modesto, California | Full-Time, Exempt | Reports to President & CEO

Open until filled.

Target start: Q4 2026

Send cover letter and resume to: hr@StanislausCF.org

Established in 2002, the Stanislaus Community Foundation (SCF) is the central philanthropic institution of Stanislaus County—over 557,000 residents in California’s Central Valley. With more than $63M in assets, 228 active funds, and $9.4M in annual grantmaking, SCF has evolved from a grantmaker into a catalytic leader building a thriving, resilient, and equitable community.

SCF operates the Porges Nonprofit Excellence Initiative, supports civic infrastructure investments such as the new nonprofit newsroom The Modesto Focus, and incubates the Stanislaus 2030 economic transformation initiative.

SCF is developing a bold 10‑year leadership framework for 2037, advancing systems‑change strategies across economic opportunity, youth development, health, civic life, and housing. The incoming Chief Strategy Officer will bring that framework to life.

The Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) is SCF’s lead architect of community impact—responsible for translating the 10‑year framework into coherent, measurable action across Stanislaus County. The CSO reports directly to the President & CEO, leads community impact strategy, external grantmaking, cross‑sector convening, and learning and evaluation work, and supervises the Program Officer. The CSO is a full member of SCF’s senior leadership team.

The ideal candidate is a proven systems leader with deep knowledge of the Central Valley or a comparable region, a track record of building coalitions across sectors, and a genuine commitment to equity and community voice.

• Lead SCF’s community impact strategy—developing annual priorities and action plans across the five domains of the 10‑year framework in partnership with the CEO and Board.
• Design and oversee SCF’s discretionary and external grantmaking—including program design, evaluation, grantee relationships, and alignment with community needs and donor priorities.
• Convene and build—facilitate cross‑sector partnerships with government, philanthropy, nonprofits, and community residents; represent SCF in regional, statewide, and national funder networks.
• Lead SCF’s impact measurement and learning work—develop data and evaluation frameworks that keep SCF accountable to the community and inform strategy over time.

• 8–12+ years of progressive leadership experience in philanthropy, community development, nonprofit management, systems change, or a related field.
• Systems awareness with the ability to map and identify larger issues and gaps within complex community ecosystems and the creative ability to develop programs and interventions that drive meaningful change.
• Demonstrated success developing and leading cross‑sector partnerships and convening diverse stakeholders—including grassroots organizations, government agencies, and major funders—toward collective outcomes.
• Deep knowledge of and commitment to the communities of California’s Central Valley, or a demonstrated ability to quickly develop deep regional rootedness.
• Strong track record working with Latino communities and other historically underserved populations, with an explicit commitment to racial and economic equity.
• Proven ability to design and manage grantmaking programs with rigor, transparency, and community‑centeredness.
• Exceptional communication skills—written, verbal, and facilitative—across a wide range of audiences.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Work, or a related field preferred.

• Systems thinking and strategic leadership
• Community‑centered problem solving
• Cross‑sector relationship building
• Facilitation and convening
• Grantmaking design and oversight
• Creativity and innovation mindset; knowledge of human‑centered design
• Data‑driven decision making
• Team leadership and coaching
• Storytelling and public communication
• Operational and project management
• High emotional intelligence and adaptability

Salary range: $120,000–$150,000, commensurate with experience. SCF offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid holidays and generous vacation; and 401(k) with employer match.

Please send the following to hr@StanislausCF.org:

• A cover letter describing your interest in SCF and this role, your connection to or understanding of the Central Valley, and what you believe makes a community foundation genuinely transformative.
• A current resume.

The position will remain open until filled. We encourage early applications. Target start: Q4 2026 or Q1 2027.