Executive Director, Southern California Chapter

Blue Star Families•Orange County, California, CA

5d•$106,000 - $146,000•Remote

About The Position

The Executive Director (ED) is the senior-most leader of the Southern California Chapter, responsible for local strategy, sustainable revenue, community impact, team performance, and long-term chapter sustainability. Reporting to the Vice President, Chapter Impact & Outposts, the ED oversees staff, volunteers, programs, budget, fundraising, community engagement, and chapter operations. The role represents Blue Star Families across the metropolitan region and advances the organization’s mission through inclusive, accountable, measurable work aligned with national strategic goals and KPIs. The ED develops and executes fundraising and revenue strategies, secures major gifts, partners with national development and program teams, and leads stewardship and storytelling. The role also manages chapter operations and program delivery, develops a local Advisory Board, cultivates senior-level relationships with community and military stakeholders, builds cross-sector partnerships, and represents the organization at events and public forums. The ED works with program, research, and communications teams to evaluate and communicate impact and identify opportunities for regional growth. Blue Star Families is a fully remote organization. This role requires residence in the chapter’s primary metropolitan area for at least three consecutive years, or extensive experience in the area and willingness to relocate there. Overnight travel several times per year for organizational gatherings is required, and total travel is stated as less than 25%. The position may require nights and weekends for essential community events and lifting and carrying supplies or equipment up to 30 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in community development, nonprofit leadership, or strategic partnerships.
At least 5 years of management experience, including direct staff leadership.
Proven ability to secure significant philanthropic gifts; six-figure fundraising experience is required.
Demonstrated success growing an organization, business unit, or major initiative.
Exceptional executive communication skills, including written and verbal communication, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement.
Experience managing an advisory board or similar governance structure.
Strong organizational management capability, including budgeting, planning, KPI accountability, and team development.
Ability to work effectively across diverse groups, cultures, and sectors.
Mission-driven mindset with integrity, humility, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of urgency.
Willingness to work nights and weekends for essential community events; travel is less than 25%.
Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
Must reside within the Chapter’s primary metropolitan area for at least three consecutive years, or have extensive experience in the area and be willing to relocate there.
Ability to travel out of town overnight several times per year for staff offsites, planning retreats, and company-wide events.

Nice To Haves

Experience using CRM systems; Salesforce is a plus.
Understanding of military culture and the lived experience of military families.
Knowledge of the Blue Star Families ecosystem and/or programs.
Understanding of the collaborative nonprofit network in Southern California.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a Chapter Sustainability Plan tied to annual revenue, long-term growth, and metropolitan-market opportunity.
Secure major gifts from corporations, philanthropies, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.
Partner with the Development Team and National team on joint fundraising strategy and pipeline development.
Lead stewardship and storytelling efforts that support impact delivery, measurement, communication, fundraising, and scaling.
Expand diversified revenue streams, including corporate sponsorships, foundations, workplace giving, government opportunities, and community campaigns.
Own annual fundraising goals and oversee stewardship to increase renewal rates and multi-year commitments.
Lead the Chapter’s operational portfolio, including staff, volunteers, programs, budget, and community partnerships.
Serve as the senior Blue Star Families representative in the metropolitan region and build professionalism, visibility, and community trust.
Manage, coach, and develop the Program Director/Manager and volunteer corps; ensure program delivery is aligned, supported, and resourced.
Manage and facilitate national program execution, including Welcome Week, MFLS, and NTS/Nourish the Service.
Implement the organization’s data-driven evaluation model with National Programs and Applied Research teams.
Ensure compliance with operational policies, fiscal management, KPIs, and risk mitigation practices.
Recruit, develop, and steward a strategic local Advisory Board that supports fundraising, visibility, and community leadership.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with VIPs, elected officials, military installation leaders, philanthropic champions, and corporate executives.
Use senior-level relationships to advance strategic priorities and elevate the Chapter’s regional presence.
Represent Blue Star Families at community events, convenings, coalitions, and multi-sector partnership tables.
Build a network of civic, military, corporate, nonprofit, and philanthropic partners that strengthens military family belonging.
Serve as the Chapter’s chief ambassador for military-connected families, using MFLS insights and Blue Star Families research.
Work with the Program Director/Manager to connect families with relevant resources and community supports.
Identify opportunities for regional expansion, innovative programming, and partnership alignment.
Strengthen local presence through compelling storytelling, brand-consistent communications, and partnership visibility.
Collaborate with Marketing/Communications to amplify Chapter impact through digital content, media, and thought leadership.
Represent military families in public forums and local media as appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned.