Executive Director

The Organization:

Education and Leadership Foundation (ELF) is a community benefit nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening underrepresented communities through education, civic engagement, immigration services, and advocacy. Rooted in a commitment to equity and social justice, ELF works to expand access to educational opportunities, provide critical immigration resources and support, and encourage meaningful civic participation. Through innovative programs, community partnerships, and direct services, the organization helps individuals and families overcome barriers, access opportunities, and build pathways toward greater stability and success. Guided by a vision of creating lasting impact both locally and globally, ELF strives to be an inspiring and sustainable model of community service, advocacy, and positive social change.

The Opportunity:

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive of the Education and Leadership Foundation (ELF), providing strategic leadership and organizational oversight in partnership with the Board of Directors. The ED is responsible for advancing ELF’s mission and expanding its community impact through effective leadership of the organization’s programs, people, finances, and operations. This includes guiding strategic planning and program development; overseeing fiscal management and organizational sustainability; recruiting, developing, and supporting staff; and ensuring programs and services are effectively implemented, evaluated, and aligned with ELF’s goals. As a key ambassador for the organization, the Executive Director also plays an active role in fund development and grant writing, advocacy, community engagement, public relations, and partnership development, cultivating strong relationships with community leaders, funders, donors, partners, and other stakeholders. This is a highly visible and impactful leadership opportunity for an individual who can balance strategic vision with effective execution while strengthening ELF’s capacity, sustainability, and ability to serve the communities at the heart of its mission.

The Ideal Candidate:

A seasoned, values-aligned executive who:

• Provides visionary leadership to guide ELF in achieving its mission and long-term goals.
• Develops and executes the Foundation’s strategic initiatives in collaboration with the Board of Directors and staff.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with the community, educators, government entities, and funding sources to build strategic partnerships.
• Represents ELF publicly in media, at events, and in meetings with key stakeholders.
• Enhances ELF’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic, social, and traditional media, and community organizations.
• Promotes and nurtures a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and excellence within the organization.
• Acts as a key ambassador for ELF, building relationships with community leaders, local organizations, schools, and other stakeholders.
• Advocates within the public and private sectors for issues relevant to ELF including education and leadership development initiatives at local, regional, and state levels.
• Maintains an active presence in the Fresno community to understand the evolving needs and opportunities related to ELF’s work.
• Promotes equity and inclusion of communities of color through advocacy, organizing, movement- building and public policy.
• Leads the Foundation’s fundraising efforts, including securing grants, individual donations, and corporate sponsorships.
• Develops and implements a comprehensive fundraising plan to support ELF’s programs and operations.
• Ensures the effective use of the Foundation’s resources by preparing annual budgets, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with current and potential donors, sponsors, and supporters.
• Creates project budgets, quarterly financial reports, and oversees program budgets for relevant stakeholders.
• Supervises and mentors a team of dedicated staff, fostering a positive work culture.
• Oversees recruitment, training, and professional development of staff members.
• Develops and manages an organizational structure that supports the efficient functioning of ELF’s programs and operations.
• Ensures that all staff have clear expectations and are accountable for performance.
• Administers internal activities, leads policy development, and participates in employment and administrative policy decisions.
• Oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of all ELF programs and services.
• Ensures alignment of programs with ELF’s mission, values, and community needs.
• Develops metrics and measures to track the effectiveness and impact of programs.
• Evaluates program outcomes, making recommendations for improvements and innovations as necessary.
• Ensures confidentiality, compliance, safety, and quality improvement activities across all programs & services.
• Collaborates with the Board of Directors, to ensure effective governance and the alignment of the Foundation’s activities with its mission and vision.
• Provides timely and accurate information to the Board to help inform their decisions and oversight.
• Assists in the recruitment and orientation of new board members and provides ongoing support to the Board in its duties.

Additional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in an executive, senior management, or comparable community-facing role.
• Minimum of five years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with demonstrated success working with culturally and economically diverse communities.
• Demonstrated commitment to advocacy, equity, social justice, and expanding opportunities for underserved, underrepresented, and immigrant communities.
• Proven ability to build relationships, foster collaboration, and develop trusted partnerships across diverse communities, organizations, government entities, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Strong executive leadership and organizational management skills, including demonstrated experience with budgeting and fiscal oversight, staff leadership and development, program management, strategic planning, and organizational operations.
• Strategic and systems-oriented thinker with the ability to advance policy, advocacy, and systems-change initiatives in support of the organization’s mission.
• Strong negotiation, consensus-building, and relationship-management skills, including experience working effectively with funders, community partners, public agencies, and other external stakeholders.
• Ability to establish a compelling organizational vision, translate that vision into strategic priorities and actionable plans, and inspire staff and stakeholders around a shared mission.
• Demonstrated record of community and civic engagement, with the ability to serve as a visible and credible representative of the organization.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to lead with integrity, sound judgment, accountability, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, with the ability to communicate effectively with multilingual and multicultural communities.
• Excellent written, verbal, public speaking, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other technology and business applications necessary to effectively lead organizational operations.
• Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, and other nontraditional hours as necessary to support organizational programs, events, community engagement, and leadership responsibilities.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance meeting applicable legal and organizational requirements, as well as meet applicable agency driving and insurability requirements.

Compensation Information

The position offers a competitive annual salary between $120,000 - $140,000, plus an exceptional benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, PTO, sick time, and 401(k) with company match.

Application Process

• To be considered, candidates must apply by 12:00 PM, Friday, October 9, 2026.
• Apply online through Sierra HR Partners: www.sierrahr.com
• For confidential inquiries, contact Andres I. Magos at [email protected] or at 559.388.8423

Education and Leadership Foundation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.