CEO/President

Field Institute•Bakersfield, CA

6d•$150,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Farmworkers Institute of Education & Leadership Development (FIELD) is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1978 by Farmworker Leader César E. Chávez. Our core purpose is to empower underserved communities to achieve self‑sufficiency through education, workforce development, and employee‑owned social enterprises. We advance our mission through a continuum of programs, including: EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School (EPIC) – a WASC‑accredited charter high school for adult learners providing standards‑aligned instruction, ESL, and pathways that integrate academics with workforce preparation. Cesar Chavez Environmental Corps (CCEC) – FIELD’s state‑certified local conservation corps (est. 2017), certified by the California Conservation Corps to operate statewide. CCEC employs young adults (ages 18–26) as paid Corpsmembers and provides workforce training while delivering critical environmental, recycling, emergency, and community services (see summary below). Our Core Values—Integrity, Innovation, Opportunity, and “Sí Se Puede/Yes We Can”—guide our decisions and culture. Why Lead FIELD as President/CEO The President/CEO leads a values‑driven organization addressing California’s most urgent challenges—wildfire resilience, climate adaptation, clean‑energy workforce pipelines, and adult education access—through EPIC and CCEC. In partnership with a committed Board of Directors, the President/CEO sets strategy, ensures operational and financial excellence across a distributed footprint, builds a transparent, data‑driven management system, and serves as FIELD’s public voice with communities, funders, and policymakers. Position Summary The President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides visionary leadership to advance FIELD’s mission and strategic objectives; ensures program excellence and compliance; and cultivates partnerships and resources to sustain impact and growth. The President/CEO directly supports the Director of Programs for EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School EPIC to align academic strategy, compliance, and workforce integration. The President/CEO reports to the Board of Directors.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Nonprofit management, governance, fundraising, contracts, and compliance.
Educational program leadership (curriculum, assessment, program evaluation).
Workforce development (trainee programs, career pathways, labor‑market trends).
Financial oversight (budgeting, grant/contract management, nonprofit accounting).
Equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging best practices.
California Education Code (Ed Code) and adult‑education compliance frameworks applicable to charter and adult programs (required).
Ability to: Develop and execute strategic plans; lead change and manage complex, multi‑site operations.
Build partnerships with diverse stakeholders; serve as an effective public communicator.
Lead, coach, and hold teams accountable to outcomes.
Analyze data and apply evidence‑based approaches to improve results.
Write and speak clearly to varied audiences, including donors, partners, and policymakers.
Education & Experience: Master’s degree in education, Business, Public Administration, or related field preferred; equivalent executive experience considered.
10+ years progressive leadership in nonprofit and/or educational organizations.
Demonstrated success leading complex organizations, managing cross‑functional teams, and securing funding.
Experience with adult education and charter school oversight required.
Valid driver’s license and personal automobile insurance (required).

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Strategic Vision & Leadership: Collaborate with the Board and senior leadership to define and execute FIELD’s long‑term strategy. Communicate mission, goals, and progress clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
Organizational Oversight: Oversee operational, financial, and programmatic performance; ensure alignment with strategy, policy, and risk‑management standards. Direct and support senior leaders to implement programs effectively. Provide strategic oversight and advocacy for EPIC to ensure instructional quality, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communications: Build strong relationships with community leaders, government agencies, educational institutions, funders, and partners. Serve as FIELD’s public representative; elevate visibility and earned media opportunities to showcase impact and support recruitment.
Financial Management & Sustainability: Lead budgeting, multi‑year financial planning, and stewardship of resources. Secure and diversify revenue (grants, contracts, philanthropy, partnerships) in alignment with mission and compliance requirements.
Workforce Development & Equity: Champion a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) across programs and operations. Advance workforce pathways responsive to FIELD’s target populations and California’s labor‑market needs.
Program Excellence & Compliance: Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and measurable outcomes. Provide direct support to the Director of Educational Programs for EPIC to implement curriculum improvements, professional learning, and student‑success initiatives.
Board Collaboration & Governance: Partner with the Board to strengthen governance and policy. Provide regular, data‑driven updates on performance, risks, and opportunities; coordinate staff support for effective oversight.
Leadership Development & Culture: Inspire and develop leaders at all levels; foster a high‑performing, collaborative culture grounded in FIELD’s values. Build a strong talent pipeline and succession planning.
Risk & Compliance Management: Identify and mitigate organizational risks; ensure safety, integrity, and compliance across all operations.
Advocacy & Representation: Represent FIELD in policy and advocacy forums at local, regional, state, and national levels to advance educational and workforce priorities.