Interim Executive Director

Accountabilities

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for alliance-wide programs, plans, policy priorities, and electoral initiatives in collaboration with member organizations.

• Lead and support program directors, facilitate collective decision-making, and coordinate with external consultants when needed.

• Supervise seven director-level staff and two senior manager-level staff, providing coaching, guidance, and professional development support.

• Assess staff training and development needs and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture grounded in democratic participation, clarity, accountability, and shared leadership.

• Work with the Board and permanent staff to assess organizational needs and recommend an appropriate long-term leadership structure.

• Oversee financial management, including budget development, cash flow, financial analysis, forecasting, reporting, grants, internal controls, and compliance.

• Ensure effective administration and financial oversight of affiliated 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities, including record-keeping and cost allocation.

• Partner with finance and political leadership to track and report lobbying activities and meet relevant compliance obligations.

• Represent the organization with funders, philanthropic partners, public officials, media, movement organizations, and other key stakeholders.

• Work with development and communications leadership to advance fundraising strategy, identify funding opportunities, participate in funder meetings, and develop effective messaging.

• Partner with the Board to strengthen governance, financial health, organizational performance, risk management, and accountability.

• Identify and address organizational tensions, facilitate conflict resolution, and help individuals and member organizations move toward clarity and constructive outcomes.

• Support the unionized workplace by working with the Board and staff on ongoing union contract negotiations.

• Provide timely, candid information to the Board and support continuity throughout the executive leadership transition.

Requirements:

• At least 10 years of nonprofit leadership experience, including a minimum of 5 years in executive-level positions.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Public Administration, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Political Science, or Organizational Leadership.

• A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred; candidates with more than 10 years of progressive executive nonprofit leadership experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

• Demonstrated excellence in organizational management, including supervising, coaching, and developing diverse teams.

• Proven change management experience and the ability to guide organizations through uncertainty and transition.

• Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, forecasting, reporting, and strategic financial decision-making.

• Knowledge of 501(c)(3) nonprofit administration, governance, record-keeping, and cost allocation.

• Understanding of environmental justice or environmental health, including cumulative impacts, pollution, toxic exposures, climate change, and the experiences of frontline communities.

• Emotional maturity, sound judgment, self-confidence, and the ability to provide strategic leadership in a fast-paced, complex alliance environment.

• Excellent diplomacy, professionalism, relationship management, and conflict resolution skills.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to represent an organization effectively with diverse audiences.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities and work flexible hours when required.

• Preferred: Established relationships with funders and philanthropic communities.

• Preferred: Knowledge of California's legislative and regulatory landscape and related processes.

• Preferred: Experience with 501(c)(4) administration, lobbying and electoral compliance, governance, record-keeping, and cost allocation.

• Preferred: Experience leading an alliance, coalition, or member-led organization, including affiliated 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities.

• Preferred: Deep commitment to environmental, racial, social, and economic justice, Just Transition principles, and community-led advocacy.

• Preferred: Familiarity with unionized nonprofit workplaces and labor relations.

• Equivalent combinations of knowledge, skills, education, and lived experience may be considered. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification.

• Must reside in California and be able to work remotely from within the state.

• Willingness to travel approximately eight times per year, primarily within California, for organizational events, retreats, legislative activities, conferences, and partner meetings.

Benefits:

• Monthly compensation of $12,500.

• Full-time, temporary executive appointment expected to last 6 to 12 months.

• Remote work arrangement, limited to candidates residing in California.

• Opportunity to provide strategic leadership during a significant organizational transition.

• Direct collaboration with the Board, member organizations, staff, and statewide movement partners.

• Opportunity to contribute to environmental justice, community advocacy, and statewide policy initiatives.

• Important: This temporary, full-time exempt position is not eligible for employee benefits.

• Regular travel is expected, approximately eight times annually, mostly within California.