RISE: Executive Director
RISE is seeking an Executive Director to help guide the organization into its next chapter. This is an opportunity to lead an organization with deep roots, strong relationships, and a clear sense of purpose—while shaping what comes next. You will work closely with the staff and Board (including our co-founders) to build on what already exists, while bringing your own perspective, leadership, and vision to the role.
About RISE:
For more than a decade, RISE (Reaching and Inspiring Success through Education) has worked alongside families and educators to provide children in East Palo Alto with a strong academic foundation and the self-confidence necessary to excel in life. Since 2014, we have built long-term relationships with families, many of whom stay connected with RISE for years. What began as an afterschool program has grown into a continuum of care that includes our Early RISErs program for families and children ages 0–3, elementary through high school programming, and a birth-to-five community hub at the Little Blue House, where community partners come to offer services and programs for families living in EPA.
Responsibilities
Lead the Organization
Steward RISE’s mission, values, and long-term direction
Partner with the Board on strategic planning and organizational growth
Ensure decisions reflect the needs, strengths, and voices of families and the community
Support People & Culture
Lead, support, and develop a small, committed team, including direct management of our four program leads
Foster a culture of trust, accountability, and shared ownership
Create space for staff to grow, contribute ideas, and lead within their roles
Build and strengthen internal systems and processes to match the needs of our evolving organization
Sustain & Grow Resources
Lead fundraising efforts across grants, events, and individual giving, securing the resources to sustain our organization
Build and maintain relationships with funders and partners
Develop and manage RISE’s budget and spending
Strengthen Programs & Partnerships
Ensure programs make meaningful impact for our students and families, and remain responsive, relationship-based, and aligned with community needs
Help deepen RISE’s role as a connector within the broader ecosystem of support for families, and sustain continued collaboration with schools and partner organizations
About You the ideal candidate would have many of the following skills and characteristics:
Experience leading people, programs, or organizations with clarity and care
Experience in education, youth development, family engagement, or related fields
Fundraising experience (events, grants, and/or major gifts)
A connection to East Palo Alto or communities like it, whether through lived experience, relationships, and/or work
Comfort working in bilingual and multicultural environments (Spanish/English strongly valued)
A commitment to equity, belonging, and practices that honor the experiences of the communities you work alongside You don’t need to meet every one of these. If this role speaks to you, we encourage you to apply.
What Will Help You Thrive in This Role
You can hold both people and operations with care and clarity
You’re comfortable making decisions, even when not everything is certain
You can manage budgets, timelines, and responsibilities without losing sight of relationships
You’re able to grow resources and talk about the work in ways that bring others in
You understand that leadership here means being present, consistent, and accountable
Who This Role Might Be Right For
A Program Director ready to step into broader organizational leadership
A development or fundraising leader wanting to be closer to community and programs
A current Executive Director seeking a role grounded in relationships and long-term impact
Compensation
Salary range: $105,000 – $130,000. Benefits include a healthcare stipend, paid office closure between Christmas and New Year’s, additional holidays, and 10 days of paid time off.
To Apply
Please send a resume and short cover letter or email sharing your interest to info@rise-nonprofit.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority for those received by May 10th.