Executive Director (Part Time)

Description

SDAF seeks a relationship-driven leader who combines financial and organizational leadership with the ability to build partnerships and inspire support for SDAF’s mission. 

You'll oversee SDAF's day-to-day work, partnering closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Officers, and our contractors and service providers. SDAF doesn't have a physical office - you'll set up your own workspace and show up in San Diego where it counts: events, sponsor meetings, civic conversations. 

Fundraising and relationship-building are the heart of this role. You'll be the one turning the Board's connections - and your own - into lasting donors, sponsors, and grant relationships that keep SDAF's programs funded for years to come, not just this one. 

Requirements

Executive Director: San Diego Architectural Foundation 

• Location: San Diego, CA. Remote work; local for events and partner meetings. 
• Start date: January 1, 2027
• Type: Independent contractor (1099) 
• Hours: ~80 hours/month 
• Compensation: $60,000 base + performance bonuses. Target total comp: $65,000–$100,000. 

The Role 

SDAF seeks a relationship-driven leader who combines financial and organizational leadership with the ability to build partnerships and inspire support for SDAF’s mission. 

You'll oversee SDAF's day-to-day work, partnering closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Officers, and our contractors and service providers. SDAF doesn't have a physical office - you'll set up your own workspace and show up in San Diego where it counts: events, sponsor meetings, civic conversations. 

Fundraising and relationship-building are the heart of this role. You'll be the one turning the Board's connections - and your own - into lasting donors, sponsors, and grant relationships that keep SDAF's programs funded for years to come, not just this one. 

What You’ll Do 

1. Financial Stewardship & Revenue Development - You’ll lead SDAF’s financial stewardship and fundraising across donors, sponsors, grants, and partnerships, strengthening the relationships we have, re-engaging those that have drifted, and building new ones. You’ll oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting while maintaining a clear development pipeline with the Board. Reach $30,000 in new annual revenue, with milestone bonuses for exceeding it. Build a stronger, more diversified financial foundation for SDAF’s future.
2. Strategic leadership and governance - You’ll work alongside the Board and Executive Officers to shape SDAF’s priorities, bringing thoughtful recommendations that turn ideas into clear plans and action. You’ll help anticipate opportunities and risks while keeping the organization grounded in strong governance, bylaws compliance, and nonprofit best practices.
3. Operations - You’ll oversee SDAF’s day-to-day operations and strengthen the systems and processes that keep the organization running effectively. 
4. You'll support the Board committees leading the planning and execution of SDAF's programs and signature events, offering structure and follow-through, and keeping program work aligned with budget and capacity. 
5. You’ll coordinate contractors and service providers, ensuring clear expectations, accountability, and alignment with organizational priorities.
6. Communications & Public Presence - You’ll shape SDAF’s voice, marketing, communications, and public relations, building awareness of our programs and mission. You’ll strengthen our public presence and serve as the 'face of the organization'.

What Success Looks Like 

The successful Executive Director will: 

• Strengthen SDAF’s financial foundation and diversify revenue through sponsorships, philanthropy, grants, partnerships, and other opportunities.
• Build and deepen relationships with sponsors, donors, community organizations, and strategic partners.
• Broaden community participation and strengthen SDAF’s visibility and relevance throughout the San Diego region.
• Ensure SDAF’s signature programs are impactful, well-managed, and financially sustainable.
• Build strong organizational systems and an effective workflow with the Board. 

• Within the First 90 Days 
• Establish your own meaningful relationships with at least twelve of SDAF’s existing key sponsors, donors, community partners, and stakeholders, through personal engagement including in-person meetings, calls, and events.
• Assess SDAF’s financial position, current development efforts, and fundraising pipeline.
• Establish priorities and present a Year-One development and sustainability plan to the Board. 

• Within the First 6 Months 
• Demonstrate progress toward agreed fundraising and revenue goals.
• Establish a consistent financial and organizational reporting cadence.
• Re-engage 5 former sponsors/partners while cultivating 5 new funding and partnership opportunities. 

Within the First 12 Months

• Achieve agreed revenue and fundraising goals and establish a strong pipeline for the following year.
• Strengthen and expand relationships with sponsors, donors, community partners, and supporters.
• Demonstrate progress toward a more diversified and sustainable revenue model.
• Improve and document operational systems that support SDAF’s long-term effectiveness and growth. 

Who We’re Looking For:

Required 

• 5+ years of nonprofit leadership experience , such as Executive Director, Development Director, COO, or equivalent leadership role.
• A demonstrated fundraising track record. You’ve personally cultivated donors, sponsors, grants, or partnerships and can point to measurable results.
• A strong communicator. You can write clearly, tell a compelling story, and confidently represent SDAF with community leaders, donors, design professionals, civic officials, and the public.
• A builder and problem-solver. You’re comfortable creating systems, improving processes, and moving ideas forward without waiting for a playbook.
• A genuine interest in San Diego and the built environment. You’re curious about how our region is shaped and eager to engage with the people, communities, organizations, and issues influencing its future. Architecture or design credentials are not required.
• An independent, hands-on working style. You’re comfortable managing priorities, taking initiative, and working effectively without day-to-day supervision or a traditional office environment 

Preferred 

• Experience growing a small nonprofit through a revenue inflection 
• Existing San Diego donor, civic, or AEC-industry relationships 

What SDAF Provides You

• An engaged, working Board that opens doors, makes connections and shows up.
• Warm introductions to current sponsors, donors, and AEC industry contacts
• An established and respected brand with 40+ years in the San Diego architecture and design community.
• Signature programs with built-in audiences and strong community recognition.
• Part-time administrative support funded through an existing grant.
• Accessible executive Officers who are engaged, responsive, and ready to support you.
• Financial transparency , including access to SDAF’s financial reporting, most recent Form 990, and annual report. 

Compensation and Work Environment 

• Base: $60,000/year 
• Commitment: part time (80 hours/month)
• Performance bonus milestones . We heavily reward growth. Candidates are eligible for a lump-sum performance bonus based on the highest revenue milestone achieved:
• $5,000 if new revenue raised reaches $30,000
• $10,000 if new revenue raised reaches $70,000
• $17,500 if new revenue raised reaches $100,000
• $27,500 if new revenue raised reaches $125,000
• $40,000 if new revenue raised reaches $150,000 
• Target total compensation: $65,000–$100,000 annually based on fundraising performance.
• Engagement: 1099 independent contractor. You handle your own taxes, insurance, and equipment.
• Term: Annual agreement, renewable, with 45-day termination notice for either party.
• Performance check-ins: Quarterly with the final check-in as an annual review
• Flexibility and autonomy with remote work and a self-directed schedule.

How to Apply 

Send the following to View email address on click.appcast.io with subject line “SDAF Executive Director: [Your Name]”: 

1. A cover letter telling us why this role and why now
2. Your resume or CV
3. One concrete example of revenue you have grown for a prior organization, with numbers
4. Three professional references. We will not contact them without your permission. 

Deadline : October 26,2026 

Interviews : Early November 2026 

Target start date : January 1, 2027 

Equal Opportunity 

SDAF is committed to building a leadership team that reflects the diversity of San Diego. We encourage applications from BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, disabled, and other historically underrepresented candidates. SDAF does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.