Leadership Council San Mateo County: Executive Director
The Leadership Council of San Mateo County is seeking an Executive Director who will provide strategic, financial, relational, and cultural leadership as the organization enters its next phase of growth. This role is ideal for a trusted convener, experienced fundraiser, and disciplined organizational leader who is energized by civic leadership and cross-sector collaboration, while moving at a pace suitable for a maturing organization. The Executive Director must have the judgment to remain a credible, nonpartisan figure, engaging with important county issues without becoming embroiled in political matters. In this capacity, the Executive Director will closely collaborate with Board committees, founding Co-Presidents, staff, alumni, sponsors, and community partners to successfully guide the organization into its evolving future.
About Leadership Council San Mateo County:
Leadership Council San Mateo County strengthens leaders and fosters public-private sector relationships to spark innovation, civic engagement, and positive impact across the region. Founded in 2020, Leadership Council SMC was built on the belief that strong, connected communities are cultivated through cross-sector relationships, shared purpose, intentional leadership, and sustained effort. In just a few years, it has grown from a start-up nonprofit into a respected countywide civic leadership organization with strong program demand, a growing alumni network, and deep relationships across sectors.
Responsibilities
● Strategic Leadership & Organizational Growth: Partner with the Board of Directors to implement, monitor, and refine Leadership Council SMCʼs strategic plan, helping the organization evolve from founder-led to professionally led. Assesses growth opportunities with discipline, ensures new initiatives align with mission, community needs, organizational capacity, and financial sustainability. Builds systems and structures that enable growth while preserving relationships, quality, culture, and mission. Leads with an equity-centered, community-responsive lens.
● Fund Development & Financial Sustainability: Leads and grows a diversified revenue strategy across foundations, corporate sponsors, government partners, individual and alumni giving, and earned revenue. Cultivates and stewards major funders and donors directly, and activates Board members as fundraising partners. Ensures long-term financial stability.
● Program & Community Impact: Oversees the Leadership CORPS and Emerging Leaders Immersion Programs, LEAD Local, and the Community Acceleration Projects (CAP) model, ensuring quality, relevance, and financial sustainability. Serves as a credible, welcoming public presence at programs, preserving the sense of belonging and connection that defines the participant and alumni experience, and uses participant and alumni feedback to guide what to grow, simplify, or sunset.
● People, Board & Governance: Leads, coaches, and develops the staff team, building a culture of trust, transparency, and accountability. Serves as the primary staff partner to the Board, preparing clear materials and supporting effective governance. Stewards the alumni network as a source of connection, leadership, and support.
● External Relations & Operations: Represents Leadership Council SMC as a trusted ambassador with public officials, funders, private sector partners and community partners. Oversees budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, and operational systems. Guides communications and storytelling that build stakeholder trust, especially through the transition.
FIRST YEAR PRIORITIES
Build trust with staff, Board, founders, alumni, and partners.
Work with the founders and Board to clarify transition timelines and decision rights.
Learn the Immersion Program model deeply enough to protect quality while shifting away from founder dependence.
Develop a fund development plan with near-term and long-term targets.
Establish a strong Board partnership and clear internal systems for reporting and accountability.
The Board and founders are committed to giving the incoming Executive Director a real runway to learn before being expected to operate independently.
Qualifications
Required:
5 -10 years of nonprofit leadership experience (ED, CEO, or senior leadership level).
Strong fund development track record, including donor cultivation, stewardship, and institutional fundraising.
Experience managing staff and building a healthy team culture.
Experience working effectively with a nonprofit board.
Strong financial management and communication skills.
Preferred
Knowledge of San Mateo County or a similar regional cross-sector environment.
Experience with leadership development, civic education, or cohort-based programs.
Experience leading an organization through founder transition or organizational change.
Prior participation in Leadership Council SMC or a comparable program.
Compensation
Based in San Mateo County with regular in-person presence required; some remote flexibility may be available. This position offers a competitive salary range of $175,000 - $180,000, and a competitive benefits package including health insurance and PTO. More details can be provided upon request.
To Apply
Please submit a resume online at https://apply.workable.com/j/A673D4DCE8