Drawbridge Executive Director
Reports to: Board of Directors
Status: Full time, exempt; remote position with ability to travel to meetings and program sites across the San Francisco Bay Area as needed
Salary Range: $90,000 – $120,000
Hours: 40 hours per week; some evenings and weekends as required
To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and letters of recommendation to careers@drawbridge.org.
What We Are Looking For
We seek a visionary leader deeply committed to our mission and with a proven track record in nonprofit management, particularly in the arts or culturally focused organizations. The ideal candidate will possess:
A strong passion for DrawBridge’s mission to inspire creativity and self-confidence in children through expressive arts programs.
Experience in co-creating and implementing strategic plans in collaboration with Boards or similar governing bodies.
Demonstrated success in fundraising, including grant writing, major gifts, annual giving campaigns, and event production.
Exceptional communication skills and the ability to interact successfully with media, staff, and the community.
A collaborative leadership style with a thoughtful approach to organizational leadership and management.
Technological proficiency with current tools, social media, web, and marketing strategies.
A proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a diverse community.
Flexibility to participate in activities and events during evenings and weekends as needed.
What We Offer
At DrawBridge, we believe in providing our team with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. As our Executive Director, you will benefit from:
Impactful Work: Lead a respected organization and directly impact the lives of children and families across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Professional Growth: Enjoy opportunities for leadership experience, strategic planning, fundraising, and community engagement.
Collaborative Environment: Join a dedicated and supportive team that values collaboration and open communication.
Competitive Compensation: We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package, including sick days, vacation leave, and state run, employee retirement contributions.
Community and Networking: Build relationships with a diverse network of community partners, donors, and advocates.
Core Responsibilities
Mission Alignment
Champion the Mission: Uphold and promote DrawBridge’s mission to inspire creativity and self-confidence in children through expressive arts programs.
Program Development: Develop, implement, and advocate for programs that align with the organization’s mission and values.
Community Representation: Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization, ensuring a positive image and strong community presence.
Leadership and Vision
Strategic Leadership: Partner with the Board to set priorities and co-create long-term strategies, guiding the organization’s growth and sustainability.
Executive Management: Oversee all aspects of administration, policy development, and strategy execution, ensuring alignment with the mission.
Team Leadership: Lead and support staff, stakeholders, and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven work environment.
Fundraising and Financial Acumen
Fundraising Leadership: Lead all fundraising initiatives, including donor development, corporate sponsorships, grant writing, and fundraising events.
Financial Management: Oversee fiscal management, including budget development, financial reporting, and ensuring financial sustainability.
Board Collaboration: Work closely with the Board to secure budget approvals and develop long-term funding strategies.
Community Engagement
Outreach and Advocacy: Engage in proactive community outreach, building and maintaining relationships with civic organizations, businesses, and media.
Partnership Development: Cultivate partnerships with local, regional, and national stakeholders to further DrawBridge’s mission.
Volunteer and Facilitator Support: Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and training of volunteers and facilitators, ensuring high-quality program delivery.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Collaborative Leadership: Demonstrate thoughtful strategic planning, organizational leadership, and day-to-day management.
Fundraising Expertise: Proven track record in fundraising, including grant writing, major gifts, annual giving campaigns, and event production.
Strategic Development: Experience in co-creating and implementing strategic plans in collaboration with Boards or similar governing bodies.
Communication Skills: Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to interact successfully with media, staff, and the community.
Technological Proficiency: Experience with current technologies, social media, web, and marketing strategies.
Fiscal Management: Demonstrated abilities in fiscal management, with experience collaborating with Boards to secure budget approvals and align financial practices with strategic priorities.
Community Relations: Strong ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a diverse community of individuals and groups.
Flexibility: Willingness to participate actively in the organization’s schedule of activities and events, including evenings and weekends.
Qualifications
Education: Master’s Degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in arts administration, child development, education, psychology, social sciences, or nonprofit management.
Experience: 5-10 years of successful nonprofit management leadership, ideally in an arts or culturally focused organization.
Language Skills: Bilingual candidates in Spanish, Mandarin, or Arabic are a plus.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to careers@drawbridge.org. In your cover letter, please describe your experience related to the responsibilities and qualifications outlined above, and why you are passionate about joining our team!
Only candidates who submit a resume and cover letter will be considered.
