Leadership Council San Mateo County, Executive Director

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. The organization is now preparing for a transition from founder-led leadership to a professional Executive Director model. The Executive Director will direct all efforts to grow and sustain LCSMC's impact and ensure a clear path to long-term financial stability. To learn more about Leadership Council San Mateo County, please visit www.leadershipcouncilsmc.org. THE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL SMC WAY Our culture is central to how we work, and the next Executive Director should understand and model it: We prepare deeply so we can show up fullyWe communicate with clarity, consistency, and careWe build trust through relationships and belongingEquity is embedded in our approachWe lead together with intention and accountability POSITION SUMMARY The Executive Director will provide strategic, financial, relational, and cultural leadership as Leadership Council SMC enters its next phase of growth. This highly relational role is well suited for a trusted convener, experienced fundraiser, and disciplined organizational leader who is energized by civic leadership and cross-sector collaboration, and who moves at a pace suited to a maturing organization. The Executive Director will also need the judgment to remain a credible, nonpartisan convener, engaging on important county issues while staying above the political fray. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board committees, founding Co-Presidents, staff, alumni, sponsors, and community partners to guide the organization to a successful and ever-evolving future. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Organizational Growth: Partner with the Board of Directors to implement, monitor, and refine Leadership Council SMC's 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 stabilityProgram & 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 sunsetPeople, 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 supportExternal 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 partnersWork with the founders and Board to clarify transition timelines and decision rightsLearn the Immersion Program model deeply enough to protect quality while shifting away from founder dependenceDevelop a fund development plan with near-term and long-term targetsEstablish 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. Requirements 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 fundraisingExperience managing staff and building a healthy team cultureExperience working effectively with a nonprofit boardStrong financial management and communication skills Preferred Knowledge of San Mateo County or a similar regional cross-sector environmentExperience with leadership development, civic education, or cohort-based programsExperience leading an organization through founder transition or organizational changePrior participation in Leadership Council SMC or a comparable program DESIRED LEADERSHIP QUALITIES Builder — A strategic thinker who can take a strong young organization into its next stage of maturity, distinguishing mission-aligned growth from distracting opportunityConvener — A relationship-centered leader who understands that trust is Leadership Council SMC's most important currency, and can build relationships with leaders across sectorsOperator — A disciplined leader who turns ideas into plans, budgets, and results, and a collaborative manager who develops staff and creates clarity without micromanagingSteady Hand — A leader who navigates ambiguity and transition with humility, decisiveness, and follow-through, respecting the organization's founding history while bringing fresh perspectiveCommunicator — A clear, confident communicator and compelling ambassador for LCSMC, grounded in respect for public service, civic leadership, and cross-sector collaboration REPORTING RELATIONSHIP The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, and during the transition will work closely with the founding Co-Presidents on knowledge transfer and continuity. Benefits COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 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 Leadership Council SMC is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization, and strongly encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds and lived experiences, including those who reflect the diversity of San Mateo County.