Executive Director - LAEDFT

Ronald McDonald House Charities International; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer"

Paid time off (PTO)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles, a program of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California, seeks an Executive Director to provide leadership for the flagship house. The role focuses on strategy, fundraising, operations, and stakeholder engagement to advance family-centered care.

The ideal candidate has senior leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising, strong partnerships, and a proven ability to manage complex programs in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Commitment to the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California and its family-centered care.
• Proven success in fundraising, sponsorships, and development initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to build strategic partnerships and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and financial management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Los Angeles House operations, facilities, hospitality, safety, and family support services.
• Oversee fundraising strategies including donor outreach, events, and donor stewardship.
• Develop and manage budgets, financial planning, and risk management in partnership with senior leadership.
• Engage board members and volunteers to drive campaign success and program expansion.
• Represent RMHCSC as the primary ambassador to donors, partners, and community stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Strategic planning

Financial management

Stakeholder engagement

Partnership development

Board development

Communication skills

CRM proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

ABOUT RMHCSC:
For nearly 50 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California has kept families close when they need it most. They remove barriers and provide wrap-around care so parents can focus on what matters most: their child. With a $20+ million operating budget, the organization serves as a vital resource for families across Southern California, working to build a community where children and their families embrace life and healing with a sense of hope, enthusiasm, courage and joy.

RMHCSC expresses their mission through their programs, which include seven Ronald McDonald Houses in Bakersfield, Inland Empire, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Orange County, Pasadena, and Westside Los Angeles. The Chapter also operates two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at CHOC Children's Hospital in Orange and CHOC Children's at Mission Hospital. RMHCSC is one of the only Ronald McDonald House Charities chapters across the world that operates a cost-free, medically-supervised camp for children with cancer and their families, Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times.

The generosity of time, funds, and in-kind services provided by the entire McDonald's community, including local owner-operators and McDonald's vendors, have helped RMHC positively impact millions of children and their families since 1974. Their support and community relations have also helped the Chapter expand its core programs and services throughout the world. Currently, McDonald'sprovides approximately 10-15% of RMHCSC's annual budget. Although McDonald's is their largest corporate partner, RMHCSC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. RMHCSC relies on the support of the entire community to help achieve their goals worldwide.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE LOS ANGELES
Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles (LARMH) is a program of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California.

For over 45 years, the Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles has provided a “home away from home” to up to 75 families, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The program has an operating budget of $4.2M and a capital loan from their last expansion effort of $3M. Since its chartering, LARMH has served more than 30,000 families from all states in the U.S. and more than 45 countries across the world.

They are conveniently located across from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and nearby several other world-class, Los Angeles-area pediatric facilities. Their house environment allows the entire family to surround and care for their critically ill child while they receive treatment and not worry about the cost of a place to stay or putting food on the table. Families access private bedrooms, hot meals via the Meals of Love program, kitchens, exercise facilities, washers and dryers, play areas, and comprehensive family support services.

POSITION:
This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader to guide one of the most recognized Ronald McDonald Houses in the world while helping shape the future of the largest Ronald McDonald House chapter in North America. As an integral member of the RMHCSC Leadership Team, the Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles will be responsible for providing leadership and management for Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles, as well as serving as a key member of the chapter’s executive leadership team.

Working in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer and the Program Board of Trustees, the Executive Director will ensure success in program management, budget and fiscal oversight, supervision of employees, resource development/fundraising, marketing, board development, and general non-profit business operations.

FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER:
Thank you for your interest in the Executive Director opportunity for Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles.

For more than 45 years, Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles has been a place of comfort, hope, and healing for families whose children are receiving lifesaving medical care. Located across the street from Children's Hospital Los Angeles, our 75-room House is the largest Ronald McDonald House in Southern California and serves as a vital support system; housing, meals, emotional support, and more; for thousands of families each year. Every day, families arrive carrying uncertainty, fear, and exhaustion. Every day, our team has the privilege of reminding them that they don't have to face their child's medical journey alone.

I've had the privilege of serving Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California for the past fifteen years, including the last five as Chief Executive Officer. In that time I’ve seen the incredible generosity of our community, including individuals, corporations, foundations, healthcare partners, volunteers, and community leaders who believe every family deserves to stay close to their child during a medical crisis. That generosity has allowed us to serve more families than ever before, and I believe the opportunity ahead is even greater.

As part of Ronald McDonald House, we're also part of a global movement advancing family centered care for millions of families around the world. Here in Southern California, Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles is one of seven Ronald McDonald Houses operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California, the largest Ronald McDonald House chapter in North America and a recognized leader in innovation across the Ronald McDonald House system. While this leader will serve as the Executive Director of our flagship House, they will also be an integral member of a collaborative executive leadership team that is shaping the future of our chapter and helping advance family centered care throughout our organization and beyond.

The Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles is more than an operational leader. This person will serve as the face of the House in one of the most philanthropic and dynamic communities in the country, building meaningful relationships, inspiring investment in our mission, and creating new opportunities that strengthen our support system for families.

We're looking for a visionary leader who is deeply passionate about our mission and energized by the opportunity to grow our impact. The ideal candidate is a proven fundraiser with strong connections throughout the Los Angeles community, someone who is equally comfortable cultivating transformational philanthropic partnerships as they are leading a talented team through the complexities of operating a 24/7 House that supports families during some of life's most difficult moments. They will bring strategic vision, creativity, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex operational, facilities, and family centered challenges while keeping compassion and the mission at the heart of every decision.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who believes that leadership begins with people, our families, our team, our volunteers, our Board, our hospital partners, and our community. This is a leader who inspires trust, builds collaboration, and understands that our greatest impact happens when we bring people together around a shared purpose.

If you are energized by the opportunity to lead our flagship House, expand its impact throughout Los Angeles, and help shape the future of one of the world's leading family centered care organizations, I hope you'll consider joining us.

Together, we have the opportunity to serve more families better, strengthen the support system that surrounds them, and ensure that no family has to face a child's medical journey alone.

Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES:

LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND ADMINISTRATION
The Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles will:

• participate as an active and contributing member of the RMHCSC Leadership Team;
• contribute to and implement the RMHCSC strategic plan;
• serve as a team leader for all assigned employees, building a cohesive and collaborative team;
• prepare an annual budget for the program that aligns with the mission, strategic plan, and goals of RMHCSC and oversee the program’s financial performance with ongoing monitoring and planning of budgets, investments, and asset management;
• work with the Chief Operating Officer of RMHCSC to ensure the establishment, maintenance, and review of sound financial and risk management systems, and operate within the established RMHCSC Financial Policies and Procedures;
• maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations especially as they pertain to nonprofit organizations; and
• prioritize safety, including regularly updating a business continuity plan (or emergency plan), and operating safety procedures as needed.

PROGRAM DELIVERY
The Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles will:

• ensure the delivery of outstanding, family-centered programs and services that are consistent with the mission of RMHCSC and RMHC Global;
• serve as a key steward of medical partner relationships;
• ensure exceptional family-centered experiences through the effective leadership of House operations, facilities, hospitality, safety, and family support services, in partnership with the Facilities Director; and
• work with Chapter Leadership and Trustees to identify, plan for, and pursue opportunities for capital expansion and improvements.

EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT
The Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles will:

• identify, recruit, train, and develop a talented team of employees who can lead critical program functions;
• in partnership with HR, ensure proper hiring and termination procedures as required by law and oversee all coaching and counseling actions;
• provide excellent supervision, goal setting, and evaluation of all staff and volunteers; and
• encourage staff and volunteer development and education.

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
The Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles will:

• plan and implement all annual fundraising efforts directed towards and including individuals, organizational, foundation, corporate, and planned giving;
• build and maintain a robust fundraising pipeline by establishing measurable goals, regularly assessing prospect movement, and ensuring a healthy balance of short-term revenue opportunities and long-term relationship development;
• partner closely with the Senior Major Gifts Officer to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward transformational major gift prospects, expanding philanthropic investment and strengthening the Los Angeles House donor pipeline;
• develop and lead the RMHCSC donor advancement plan that encourages donors to consider increased levels of giving & leads to our formal major giving program;
• identify new funding opportunities and develop partnerships with stakeholders from within and outside of LARMH and RMHCSC;
• develop and execute strategies to expand institutional, healthcare, and public funding opportunities, including establishing and growing sustainable medical reimbursement and healthcare funding streams that support family-centered care initiatives;
• direct and oversee special events in coordination with the Development Director and volunteers, and provide relevant messaging at public events such as the annual Walk for Kids, fall gala, and gatherings;
• work with the CEO and other Program Executive Directors to identify potential donors for chapter-wide initiatives, or in support of other chapter programs;
• provide leadership for capital, campaign, and strategic fundraising initiatives as organizational priorities evolve;
• effectively engage board members in fundraising and development;
• oversee the development and maintenance of effective donor stewardship and acknowledgment program; and
• represent the company at social and corporate events in ways that strengthen the RMHCSC brand and communicate the LARMH and RMHCSC’s message and mission.

BOARD DEVELOPMENT
The Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles will:

• maintain a strong and effective local Board of Trustees that can help provide the necessary funding, talent, trusteeship, and support for the Program;
• work with the Board Development Committee to build and support a board development strategy/plan that includes identification, recruitment, orientation, training, and evaluation of the local Board of Trustees (or other volunteer leadership team);
• work closely with the Board Chair to build an effective committee/task force structure that provides opportunities for active engagement by local trustees;
• partner with the Board Chair and executive committee in planning the agenda and materials for the Board meetings and the annual Board planning retreats; and
• ensure proper succession planning for board positions and board leadership.

MARKETING, PR, COMMUNICATIONS, AND PARTNER DEVELOPMENT
The Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles will:

• serve as the primary ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles, representing the House with donors, media, healthcare partners, elected officials, community organizations, and volunteers;
• partner with the Chapter’s Marketing & Communications team to identify and participate in media, storytelling, public relations, and community engagement opportunities that elevate the visibility and impact of Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles;
• ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment across House communications and stakeholder engagement efforts; and
• cultivate strong relationships with McDonald's Owner/Operators, hospital partners, community organizations, and other strategic stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS:
RMHCSC seeks an Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles with:

• a commitment to the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California – to provide comfort, care, and support to children and families in Southern California;
• experience leading development, sales, or sponsorship initiatives;
• demonstrated success building strategic partnerships and engaging community leaders, corporate partners, philanthropists, and volunteers around a shared mission;
• a positive attitude and a team-based approach to leadership;
• exceptional strategic, organizational, and financial management skills
• strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders;
• experience working with a diverse population and an understanding of the needs of LARMH’s vulnerable clientele;
• excellent time management skills and an ability to prioritize workload;
• familiarity with Los Angeles’s philanthropic landscape; and
• proficiency in CRM platforms, particularly Raiser’s Edge.

A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least seven years of senior leadership experience is required for this position. Experience fundraising in a nonprofit organization, demonstrated success with a prior capital campaign, and an ability to speak Spanish is a plus.
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to RMHCSC, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
The Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles will report to the Chief Executive Officer, Fatima Djelmane Rodriguez. The Executive Director will oversee a team of 40 staff including four direct reports.

The Executive Director is expected to spend significant time in the community cultivating relationships, representing Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles, and advancing philanthropic support for the House.

SALARY & BENEFITS:
The salary range for this position is $155,000 to $175,000 plus up to 10% performance-based bonus. Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions, and generous paid time off.

LOCATION:
Los Angeles, with a population of nearly four million people, is the largest city in California and one of the most influential cities globally. Los Angeles offers beaches, mountains, hiking trails, public parks, museums, theaters, concert venues, and professional sports. The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Hollywood Bowl are among its major cultural destinations.

Iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and Venice Beach attract millions of visitors annually. LA's diverse neighborhoods, including Koreatown, Little Tokyo, and Downtown, contribute to its rich cultural tapestry, while the year-round sunny weather and vibrant food scene make it a unique and appealing destination for both residents and tourists.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of RMHCSC and the responsibilities and competencies presented in the position prospectus. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected.

To apply for this position, visit: Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles, Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California.

To nominate a candidate or inquire about the position, please contact Nicole Seipel.

ABOUT ZRG PARTNERS:
ZRG is a global talent advisory firm that is changing the way companies find, hire, and manage talent through its data-driven approach to executive and professional search. The company’s digital Zi platform combines talent intelligence, candidate insights, and process improvement to dramatically deliver executive searches quicker and with proven better results.

ABOUT ZRG ASPEN LEADERSHIP GROUP:
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group (ALG) supports exceptional careers in the nonprofit sector, recruiting presidents, executive directors, and chief advancement officers and helping them recruit, train, and inspire high-performing teams. The company’s search services and leadership consulting focus on building teams that enable an organization to engage all its potential donors and volunteers and to drive unprecedented fundraising results.

Nicole Seipel is a Principal in ZRG’s Education, Nonprofit, and Social Impact practice, and joins the firm’s division, ZRG Aspen Leadership Group, with 25 years of experience across mission-driven organizations, arts and culture, healthcare, and executive search.

Before joining ZRG, Nicole held leadership roles at the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the American Heart Association, where she built a strong foundation in fundraising, strategy, and organizational leadership.

Nicole advises nonprofits and associations on the search for transformative leaders. Her work spans executive recruitment, board engagement, talent development, and leadership assessment.

Her experience in both strategic and operational leadership roles gives her a clear understanding of how organizations function and what leaders need to be effective from day one. She is known for helping clients identify executives whose experience, values, and leadership style align with mission, culture, and long-term goals. She is also active in her community and passionate about supporting youth initiatives.

Nicole is based in Los Angeles, California. She holds a BA in Humanities from Menlo College.

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