Executive Director

Junior Achievement of Southern CA•Costa Mesa, CA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director serves as the senior regional leader for Junior Achievement of Southern California (JASoCal), providing strategic direction and accountability for the region’s overall performance. The role leads fundraising, board engagement, community partnerships, program oversight, staff development, budgeting, and regional operations. As JASoCal’s primary representative in the region, the Executive Director is accountable for achieving revenue, student impact, external partnership, and organizational goals. This is a full-time, exempt, in-office role based in Costa Mesa, serving the Orange County region. Regular travel throughout Orange County is required for school, community, partner, donor, board, and business engagement activities. Mileage for work-related travel is reimbursed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Over 5 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, business development, education, or a related field.
Demonstrated success achieving revenue growth, cultivating strategic partnerships, and leading fundraising initiatives.
Proven ability to translate a nonprofit organization’s primary purpose into successful programs that positively and measurably impact target constituents.
Experience working with boards, executive leaders, and community stakeholders while leading high-performing teams and complex organizational initiatives.
Strong financial, strategic planning, and operational management skills.
Valid California driver’s license and reliable, California-insured transportation for work-related travel throughout the area.
Willingness and ability to work in person at all offices and participate in business outreach activities.
Passion for JASoCal’s mission and commitment to student success.

Responsibilities

Provide regional leadership, strategic direction, and accountability for performance, priorities, and organizational effectiveness.
Translate JASoCal’s strategic plan into regional goals, priorities, budgets, and performance metrics.
Monitor results, resources, compliance, risks, and opportunities to support effective execution and continuous improvement in student impact.
Collaborate with organizational and cross-regional leaders to advance JASoCal priorities, regional growth, and school district partnerships.
Lead regional fundraising strategy and build a diversified revenue pipeline aligned with budget goals.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate, foundation, government, individual, and community partners, including major donors and sponsors.
Identify and pursue grants, sponsorships, and other funding opportunities.
Partner with development staff, leadership, and board members on donor engagement, community outreach, and revenue growth; maintain accurate CRM records and reporting.
Serve as the primary staff liaison to the regional board in partnership with the Board Chair and board leadership.
Prepare and lead board and committee meetings and support communication and governance.
Recruit, develop, and engage board members to advance fundraising, advocacy, and community visibility.
Cultivate partnerships with school districts, educators, and community stakeholders to support program success and regional expansion.
Lead program growth and quality, expanding student reach, volunteer engagement, and community impact.
Monitor program outcomes, performance metrics, and stakeholder feedback to ensure effectiveness and accountability.
Lead and develop regional staff through clear expectations, coaching, accountability, and professional development.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture that supports organizational goals and employee success.
Represent JASoCal as a visible ambassador across business, education, nonprofit, government, and philanthropic sectors.
Increase regional visibility and engagement by connecting community partners with programs, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, and board service.