San Francisco Public Health Foundation: Executive Director
The San Francisco Public Health Foundation is seeking a dedicated and visionary Executive Director to guide the organization into a new chapter of impact. This pivotal role involves enhancing public health outcomes in San Francisco by managing a diverse portfolio of fiscally sponsored projects, strengthening organizational infrastructure, and positioning SFPHF as a trusted intermediary and leader in public health and the nonprofit sector. The ideal candidate will thrive at the intersection of complex financial management and fiscal sponsorship, while leading with a values-first approach. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will act as a central integrator, focused on improving operations and modeling accountability during this important period of change.
About San Francisco Public Health Foundation:
The San Francisco Public Health Foundation (SFPHF) is a recognized leader in advancing public health in San Francisco and strengthening nonprofit governance, bringing more than 27 years of experience improving population health, supporting the City’s public health system, and partnering with community-based mission-driven organizations. The Foundation’s work spans executive leadership, cross-sector collaboration across San Francisco’s health and social service sectors, fiscal sponsorship, and Board governance, shaping long-term strategy, partnering with executive teams, and driving meaningful impact for San Francisco.
Responsibilities
Operational & Financial Stewardship: Manage a $10M+ annual budget with a focus on rigorous financial reporting, risk assessment, and long-term sustainability.
Board & Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with the Board to drive strategic goals, and maintain deep, collaborative relationships with city and community partners.
Team Leadership: Lead and inspire a distributed team (mostly Bay Area-based) in a remote-first work environment, fostering a culture of internal engagement and values-driven decision-making.
Public Health Advocacy: Leverage deep expertise in the San Francisco public health landscape to ensure services effectively reach and support diverse local populations.
Organizational Growth: Conduct ongoing assessments to optimize operations, HR, and risk management protocols.
About You: Experience & Expertise
Nonprofit Leadership: At least 10 years of progressive nonprofit experience, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role (ED, COO, CPO, or VP). Strongly prefer candidates with domain expertise in Finance and/or Operations.
Financial Acumen: Proven experience managing budgets of $10M or greater.
Public Health Background: Strong familiarity with San Francisco’s public health ecosystem and the populations SFPHF serves.
Intermediary Models: A clear understanding of the distinct legal and operational obligations across fiscal sponsorship models, and balancing the organization’s mission with the diverse missions of FSPs.
Remote/Hybrid Leadership: Skilled in hiring, coaching, and leading diverse teams. Experience leading across physical and digital workplaces is a significant plus.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related; Master’s degree preferred.
About You: Core Competencies & Values Alignment
Collaborative: Building trust-based relationships, a track record of moving boards forward, and seeking input to inform governance, operational, and programmatic decisions.
Analytical: Performing high-level organizational and risk assessments, and ensuring financial integrity, compliance, and measurable outcomes across projects.
Systems Thinker: Educating on the complexities of fiscal sponsorship and guiding appropriate governance models to position SFPHF as a trusted intermediary in the nonprofit ecosystem.
Embodies SFPHF’s Values: Leading through the lens of the following core values:
Equity & Justice: We are committed to advancing health equity, dismantling systemic barriers, and ensuring that all fiscally sponsored partner communities – especially those historically marginalized – can thrive.
Collaboration & Community Voice: We center partnership, trust, and shared decision-making. Lived experience and community wisdom are essential sources of leadership.
Integrity & Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable for ethical governance, transparent oversight, and the responsible stewardship of community resources.
Learning & Adaptability: We are committed to evidence-informed decision-making, continuous improvement, and humility in learning from community partners.
Trauma-Informed Leadership: We prioritize practices that promote safety, trustworthiness, empowerment, and cultural responsiveness across all organizational relationships.
Compensation
Location: This is a hybrid role based in San Francisco. With the flexibility to work from home, you will also have access to a desk in a co-working space in the Financial District and will convene the team in person at your discretion. We are focusing our search on candidates who currently reside in the Bay Area.
Compensation: Salary range is $190,000 – $220,000, commensurate with experience.
Travel/Meetings: Participation in 6 board meetings per year (1–2 in person), and routine meetings with the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
Benefits: We offer a generous benefits package including: comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance (100% employer paid), generous paid time off, 12 holidays plus end-of-year closure, life and disability insurances, and a 403b plan with a 4% match.
To Apply
To apply click here.