Executive Director

Guadalupe River Park Conservancy•San Jose, CA

About The Position

The Guadalupe River Park Conservancy (GRPC) seeks a strategic, visionary, and people-centered Executive Director to lead the organization through an important period of renewal, stabilization, and opportunity. The next Executive Director will play a pivotal role in shaping GRPC’s future as a vital civic asset: advancing the health, resilience, and vibrancy of the Guadalupe River Park and the communities it serves. GRPC is a 501(c)(3) organization providing community leadership for the development and active use of the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens through education, advocacy and stewardship. We are the City of San José’s nonprofit partner leading park programming and management. We envision a civic greenway that connects people to nature and each other, and uplifts neighborhoods through San José’s front yard. GRPC is at a moment of both challenge and promise. The organization needs a leader who can provide clear direction, financial stability, and operational strength while amplifying GRPC’s role as a connector among public agencies, philanthropic partners, community groups, and park users. The ideal candidate combines big-picture vision with the ability to build systems, support staff, and execute effectively.

Requirements

Leadership & Vision: A strategic thinker able to develop and communicate a cohesive long-range vision while ensuring operational alignment.
A charismatic, relationship-oriented leader who inspires donors, partners, and staff.
Financial & Fundraising Acumen: Significant experience in nonprofit fundraising, including major gifts, grant acquisition, and capital campaigns.
Strong financial management skills, with a commitment to transparency and shared visibility.
Operational & Organizational Strength: Ability to build systems, structures, and processes that support clarity, documentation, and consistent execution.
Demonstrated success managing and mentoring staff, improving morale, and fostering a collaborative culture.
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Building: Experience working with public agencies, civic partners, nonprofits, and community groups.
Effective communication and storytelling skills that strengthen GRPC’s visibility and influence.
Personal Attributes such as integrity, transparency, empathy, resourcefulness, and resilience—qualities emphasized by both Board and staff.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in public administration, urban planning, business administration, political science, or a related field.
Experience: Seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in one or more of the following: nonprofit management, business improvement districts, downtown associations, municipal government, or other closely related field.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Strengthen and diversify GRPC’s fundraising, including major donors, grants, corporate partnerships, and capital campaign development.
Provide transparent and disciplined financial leadership, ensuring stable cash flow and clear reporting to staff and Board.
Build internal organizational systems, including documentation, onboarding, role clarity, and communication rhythms that support effective, coordinated work.
Strengthen staff morale, mentorship, and retention through clear expectations, supportive leadership, and professional development opportunities.
Serve as GRPC’s external ambassador, cultivating strong partnerships with the City of San José, community groups, nonprofits, funders, and civic leaders.
Advance GRPC’s visibility and park activation efforts to ensure ongoing community engagement.