Chief Executive Officer Santa Lucia Preserve

About the role

The Santa Lucia Preserve is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization through long-range strategic planning, infrastructure stewardship, operational oversight, and capital planning. The role involves building and leading a high-performing leadership team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional development, and ensuring the Preserve’s Mission, Vision, and Values remain central to organizational culture and decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Listen, learn, and engage the community.
• Invest time in understanding the culture, history, and unique character of The Preserve by meeting with members, residents, staff, and key stakeholders to gain perspective and build credibility.
• Develop strong working relationships with the Preserve Company Board, Ranch Club, Golf Club, SLPA, and CSD boards and committees, ensuring transparency, communication, and alignment around strategic priorities.
• Evaluate the leadership team, organizational systems, and operational effectiveness across entities to ensure the Preserve is positioned with the talent, structure, and accountability needed for long-term success.
• Evaluate the quality, consistency, and alignment of services and amenities across the Golf Club, Ranch Club, and broader Preserve community to ensure experiences reflect the Preserve’s values and support long-term membership engagement and satisfaction.
• Work with the boards and leadership team to clarify and advance the Preserve’s long-term strategic vision, including priorities related to community experience, financial sustainability, infrastructure stewardship, and thoughtful growth.
• Maintain close collaboration with Conservancy leadership to ensure alignment between community decisions and the Preserve’s long-term conservation mission.
• Partner with the CFO and leadership team to review financial performance, capital planning processes, and long-term infrastructure needs to ensure sustainable financial stewardship.
• Promote collaboration and shared purpose across the Preserve’s multiple entities while reinforcing the Mission, Vision, and Values as the foundation for organizational culture and decision-making.
• Enhance communication and transparency. Establish clear and consistent communication channels with boards, members, and staff to ensure alignment, trust, and confidence in leadership.
• Evaluate systems, processes, and technology to improve operational efficiency, enhance member and resident experiences, and strengthen long-term organizational effectiveness.
• Protect and strengthen the Preserve’s reputation and partnerships. Maintain strong relationships with community partners, regulatory stakeholders, and the broader Carmel/Monterey region.

Requirements

• Strong financial and business acumen with experience in budgeting, capital planning, and organizational sustainability.
• Decisive, efficient, and adaptable decision-maker.
• Effective communicator with the ability to engage staff, board members, members, and community stakeholders.
• Skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving.
• Inspiring leadership style that fosters trust, accountability, and collaboration.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and commitment to organizational success.
• Proven executive leadership experience, preferably in community management, hospitality, real estate, or related industries.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent professional experience in business, finance, and particularly hospitality or related fields is preferred.
• Industry certifications such as CCM, CCE, CMC, CCAM, PCAM, CMCA, AMS, and LSM are encouraged but not required.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and long-term planning.
• Collaborative leadership and team-building.
• Financial management and budgeting.
• Communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Operational oversight and efficiency.
• Conservation and environmental stewardship.

Benefits

• Athletic facilities and recreational activities.
• Membership in the Santa Lucia Preserve.
• Flexible work arrangements.

Pay

Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The community offers an excellent bonus and benefits package, including association membership.

Schedule

Full-time position.