Executive Director - Inland Empire

Woodcraft Rangers • Moreno Valley, CA

5d • $155,000 - $190,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Executive Director (ED) for the Inland Empire Area Office serves as the senior-most leader responsible for the organization’s regional presence, external relationships, and office management. Reporting directly to the CEO, the ED acts as the organization’s primary representative in the Inland Empire—ensuring strong community partnerships, operational cohesion, and leadership continuity across a complex, matrixed structure. This role is designed for a seasoned, high-judgment leader who provides steady leadership during ambiguity, manages crises, and coaches regional team members who may not directly report to them.

Requirements

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience, preferably in education, youth development, or community-based organizations.
• Demonstrated success leading in complex, matrixed organizations.
• Strong external relations experience, including partnership development and stakeholder management.
• Proven ability to manage crises and navigate ambiguity with sound judgment.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with school districts and public-sector partners (preferred).
• Background in scaling regional operations within a larger organization (preferred).
• Familiarity with Southern California, particularly the Inland Empire region (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary steward of organizational culture in the Inland Empire, ensuring alignment with the vision, values, and leadership tone set by the CEO and HQ.
• Act as a visible culture carrier, reinforcing expectations, norms, and leadership standards across all regional team members.
• Lead and host core organizational milestone events in the region (e.g., kickoffs, celebrations, recognition moments, strategic convenings) to ensure continuity with enterprise-wide priorities.
• Partner closely with the CEO and HQ leaders to translate organizational priorities into meaningful regional experiences and rituals.
• Identify and address cultural gaps or misalignment within the regional ecosystem, proactively reinforcing a cohesive and high-performing environment.
• Lead and manage the Inland Empire Area Office, ensuring a high-functioning, professional, and aligned regional presence.
• Directly supervise and develop the Office Manager, External Relations Director, and Communications Manager.
• Establish strong internal coordination across regional staff and HQ-based teams operating locally.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and mission alignment within the regional office.
• Serve as the primary external ambassador for the organization in the Inland Empire.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with school districts, community-based organizations, funders, civic leaders, and key stakeholders.
• Identify and cultivate new partnership opportunities to expand regional impact and revenue.
• Support advancement and fundraising efforts in coordination with central development functions.
• Act as a strategic partner to the Sr. Director of Programs overseeing operations at 50+ local schools.
• Provide regional context, stakeholder insight, and problem-solving support to strengthen program success.
• Influence outcomes through collaboration rather than direct authority, ensuring alignment between program delivery and regional strategy.
• Serve as the regional advisor to shared services functions (Finance, HR, IT, Risk Management), ensuring local needs are understood and addressed.
• Advocate for resources, systems, and support required for effective regional operations.
• Facilitate communication and alignment between HQ and regional teams.
• Act as the escalation point for regional challenges, including operational, reputational, or personnel-related issues.
• Provide calm, decisive leadership during crises and high-stakes situations.
• Coach and support regional team members—particularly those in matrixed reporting structures—on leadership, performance, and problem-solving.
• Reinforce organizational standards, expectations, and culture in the region.

Benefits

• Competitive salary – $155,000 – $190,000 annually (based on experience and qualifications)
• Paid vacation & sick time – generous time off to recharge
• Lifecraft program – free college & career advancement for all staff
• Upward mobility – promote-from-within culture
• Health, dental & vision – comprehensive benefits coverage
• 403(b) retirement plan – invest in your future
• Pet insurance – because your whole family matters
• Mission-driven work – impact 30,000 + young people annually

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees