Executive Director

Junior Achievement of Southern California; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Executive Director at Junior Achievement of Southern California, Inc. serves as the senior regional leader for the organization, directing strategic planning, fundraising, partnerships, program oversight, staff development, budgeting, and regional operations in the Orange County area.

The role is based in an in-office setting in Costa Mesa, CA with regular travel to partner districts, schools, and community partners, and reports to the President & CEO.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher required.
• 5+ years of leadership in nonprofit management or related field.
• Proven success in revenue growth, partnerships, and fundraising.
• Experience working with boards and senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Provide regional leadership, strategy, and accountability for performance.
• Lead fundraising strategy and diversified revenue development.
• Engage and steward donors, sponsors, and foundations; manage CRM records.
• Oversee program growth, partnerships with districts, and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop staff, foster collaboration, and ensure operational excellence.
• Represent JASoCal with key partners in the region.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Partnership development

Strategic planning

Nonprofit management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Become Part of Junior Achievement

Join Junior Achievement of Southern California (JASoCal) and help prepare students for lifelong success through financial literacy, career readiness, entrepreneurship, and 3DE, our innovative high school model. If you are passionate about building partnerships, leading teams, and creating meaningful community impact, we encourage you to apply.

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the senior regional leader for Junior Achievement of Southern California, providing strategic direction and accountability for the region’s overall performance. This 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 partnerships, and organizational goals.

Essential Responsibilities

Regional Strategy & Operations

• Provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and accountability for regional 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 ensure effective execution of key initiatives and continuous improvement on student impact.
• Collaborate with organizational and cross-regional leaders to advance JASoCal priorities, regional growth, and key school district partnerships.

Fundraising & Partnership Development

• 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 while maintaining accurate CRM records and reporting.

Board Leadership & Governance

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the regional board in close partnership with the Board Chair and board leadership.
• Prepare and lead board and committee meetings, ensuring communication and governance.
• Recruit, develop, and engage board members to advance fundraising, advocacy, and community visibility.

Program Leadership & Oversight

• Cultivate strong 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.

Staff Leadership & Talent Development

• 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.

Community & Relationship Leadership

• Serve as a visible ambassador for JASoCal across the business, education, nonprofit, government, and philanthropic sectors.
• Increase regional visibility and engagement by connecting community partners with programs, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, and board service.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with over 5 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, business development, education, or related field.
• Demonstrated success in achieving revenue growth, cultivating strategic partnerships, and leading fundraising initiatives.
• Proven track record in taking a non-profit organization’s primary purpose and turning that into successful individual programs that positively and measurably impact the target constituents.
• Proven 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 CA driver’s license and reliable, California-insured transportation for work-related travel throughout the area (mileage reimbursed).
• Willingness and ability to work in-person at all offices and engage in business outreach activities.
• Passion for JASoCal’s mission and commitment to student success.

Position Details

• This is an in-office role located at 301 East 17th, Costa Mesa, CA. 92627, serving the Orange County region.
• Regular travel throughout Orange County to support school, community, partner, donor, board, and business engagement activities.
• Full-Time, Exempt Employment
• Salary Range $90,000 – $110,000
• Reports to President & CEO and works in close partnership with the Chief Operating Officer & SVP and the Chief Impact & Relationships Officer to advance organizational priorities, regional growth, operational excellence, and community impact.