Executive Director

Executive Director

This position represents an important step forward in expanding our capacity and deepening our impact in the literacy space. Managing a $1.3 million budget and a staff of 10 dedicated team members, the ED will play a leading role in shaping the future of our organization, creating and implementing strategic initiatives, and advancing programs that strengthen literacy, build communities, and change lives. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader to make a lasting difference with an organization known for its extraordinary impact, strong sense of place, and deep commitment to service.

As Executive Director, you will have the opportunity to set a powerful example of collaborative, innovative leadership. You will guide strategy, fundraising, operations, and community engagement, working closely with our Board of Directors, donors, partners, and volunteers to bring bold ideas to life. We are seeking a proven nonprofit leader who thrives on building relationships, fostering transparency and accountability, and turning vision into measurable outcomes.

This is a hybrid position, 3 days per week in the office at minimum. The San Diego CA 92101, easily accessible by public transportation.

Duties & Responsibilities

General Leadership & Strategy

Provide strategic leadership by developing and implementing plans aligned with Words Alives mission, values, and long-term goals.

Collaborate with the Board of Directors to create and execute strategic plans that navigate growth from established programs and scale other programs.

Identify potential risks and opportunities related to the funding and staffing needs to ensure organizational sustainability and growth.

Promote an organizational culture of transparency, collaboration, accountability, and servant leadership.

Represent the organization with both scrappy nonprofit agility and polished executive presence in high-level community settings.

Fundraising & Development

Lead fundraising efforts, including donor cultivation, grant writing, capital campaigns, and other initiatives to raise substantial public support.

Grow and strengthen the individual giving program, with emphasis on donor retention and increased individual contributions.

Develop a major gifts strategy and mentor development staff, including associates and grant-focused team members.

Build partnerships with community members, local businesses, government agencies, and other stakeholders to strengthen philanthropic support.

Identify and pursue new grant opportunities while ensuring strong application, reporting, and compliance practices.

Raise funds to support program expansion, staff capacity, volunteer infrastructure, and technology upgrades.

Explore earned revenue and social enterprise opportunities that align with mission and sustainability goals.

Programs & Operations

Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and operations that address community needs.

Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and reporting requirements, including tax filings, audits, and bi-annual reserve studies.

Support program growth and expansion while maintaining staff ownership of implementation and expertise.

Recruit, train, coach, and support staff and contractors with attention to professional growth and well-being.

Lead volunteer strategy, including recruitment, virtual engagement, retention, and barrier reduction.

Ensure strong volunteer operations (screening, paperwork, service-hour tracking, responsiveness standards).

Use volunteers effectively as mission multipliers within programs.

Partner with educators and community organizations to support underserved youth and families facing extraordinary life experiences.

Financial Management

Oversee the financial health of the organization, including budgeting, financial reporting, and P&L responsibility.

Ensure the successful completion of audits and sound financial controls.

Align financial decisions with strategic priorities, program growth, and operational capacity.

Build the case for investment in systems, infrastructure, and staffing that support long-term viability.

Board Governance

Work closely with the Board on strategic direction, policy development, and governance best practices.

Communicate clearly and consistently with the Board, including comfortably delivering difficult or unfavorable information.

Support the Board development and effective use of the Boards expertise and networks.

Provide regular, transparent updates on organizational performance, risks, and financial status.

Communications & Public Engagement

Serve as the primary spokesperson, representing the organization at community, social, and corporate events.

Lead communications, marketing, and public relations efforts.

Strengthen digital and online marketing, particularly to engage younger donors and volunteers.

Tell compelling stories that elevate mission impact, volunteerism, and community change.

Foster strong communication pathways and collaboration across public, private, nonprofit, and education sectors.

Background Profile

Senior nonprofit leadership experience, with a strong track record of organizational growth, staff development, and community impact.

Proven fundraising leader, skilled in donor cultivation, direct asks, institutional and government funding, and grant writing using a community-centric approach.

Collaborative leader who builds trust, inspires staff and volunteers, and fosters a strong, values-driven organizational culture.

Deep commitment to the mission of Words Alive, with a genuine passion for literacy, reading, and supporting children and families through community-centered work.

Visionary and growth-oriented, with the ability to identify opportunities to expand programs, partnerships, and geographic reach.

Ethical, transparent, and accountable, able to lead through complexity and engage in hard conversations with clarity and care.

Adaptive and resourceful problem solver, comfortable thinking quickly, navigating change, and balancing strategy with tactical execution.

Strong operational and financial acumen, including budget oversight, facilities management, IT infrastructure, and strategic resource allocation.

Program-savvy executive, able to understand, communicate, and elevate literacy program impact without micromanaging implementation.

Effective Board and stakeholder partner, who communicates clearly, leverages board talent, and aligns governance with strategy and mission.

Exceptional communicator and relationship builder, effective across diverse, multilingual, and multigenerational audiences.

Community-connected leader, knowledgeable about education, children, and families, with the networks to strengthen partnerships and visibility.