Executive Director (Part Time)

San Diego Architectural Foundation (SDAF); San Diego (CA); Remote; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Engaged board

Warm introductions

Brand recognition

Signature programs

Administrative support

Accessible leadership

Financial transparency

Job summary

San Diego Architectural Foundation seeks a relationship-driven leader combining financial and organizational leadership to build partnerships that inspire support for its mission. You’ll oversee day-to-day work, partnering closely with the Board and contractors, with no fixed office, meeting stakeholders in San Diego.

Fundraising and relationship-building are central; you’ll convert connections into donors, sponsors, and grants to fund programs for years to come, not just this year.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of nonprofit leadership experience.
• Proven fundraising track record.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to create systems, processes and workflows.
• Genuine interest in San Diego and the built environment.
• Independent, hands-on working style.

Responsibilities

• Financial stewardship & revenue development across donors, sponsors, grants, and partnerships.
• Strategic leadership and governance with the Board and Officers.
• Oversee operations and strengthen organizational systems and processes.
• Coordinate with boards committees to plan and execute programs and events.
• Shape communications, marketing and public presence as the face of SDAF.

Skills

Nonprofit leadership

Fundraising

Communication

Systems thinking

San Diego knowledge

Job description

SDAF seeks a relationship-driven leader who combines financial and organizational leadership with the ability to build partnerships and inspire support for SDAF’s mission.

You’ll oversee SDAF's day-to-day work, partnering closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Officers, and our contractors and service providers. SDAF doesn't have a physical office - you'll set up your own workspace and show up in San Diego where it counts: events, sponsor meetings, civic conversations.

Fundraising and relationship-building are the heart of this role. You’ll be the one turning the Board's connections - and your own - into lasting donors, sponsors, and grant relationships that keep SDAF's programs funded for years to come, not just this one.

Requirements

• Location: San Diego, CA. Remote work; local for events and partner meetings.
• Start date:January 1, 2027
• Hours: ~80 hours/month
• Compensation: $60,000 base + performance bonuses. Target total comp: $65,000–$100,000.

Executive Director: San Diego Architectural Foundation

The Role

SDAF seeks a relationship-driven leader who combines financial and organizational leadership with the ability to build partnerships and inspire support for SDAF’s mission.

You’ll oversee SDAF's day-to-day work, partnering closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Officers, and our contractors and service providers. SDAF doesn't have a physical office - you'll set up your own workspace and show up in San Diego where it counts: events, sponsor meetings, civic conversations.

Fundraising and relationship-building are the heart of this role. You’ll be the one turning the Board's connections - and your own - into lasting donors, sponsors, and grant relationships that keep SDAF's programs funded for years to come, not just this one.

What You’ll Do

• Financial Stewardship & Revenue Development - You’ll lead SDAF’s financial stewardship and fundraising across donors, sponsors, grants, and partnerships, strengthening the relationships we have, re‑engaging those that have drifted, and building new ones. You’ll oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting while maintaining a clear development pipeline with the Board. Reach $30,000 in new annual revenue, with milestone bonuses for exceeding it. Build a stronger, more diversified financial foundation for SDAF’s future.
• Strategic leadership and governance - You’ll work alongside the Board and Executive Officers to shape SDAF’s priorities, bringing thoughtful recommendations that turn ideas into clear plans and action. You’ll help anticipate opportunities and risks while keeping the organization grounded in strong governance, bylaws compliance, and nonprofit best practices.
• Operations - You’ll oversee SDAF’s day-to-day operations and strengthen the systems and processes that keep the organization running effectively.
• You’ll support the Board committees leading the planning and execution of SDAF's programs and signature events, offering structure and follow-through, and keeping program work aligned with budget and capacity.
• You’ll coordinate contractors and service providers, ensuring clear expectations, accountability, and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Communications & Public Presence - You’ll shape SDAF’s voice, marketing, communications, and public relations, building awareness of our programs and mission. You’ll strengthen our public presence and serve as the 'face of the organization'.

What Success Looks Like

The successful Executive Director will:

• Strengthen SDAF’s financial foundation and diversify revenue through sponsorships, philanthropy, grants, partnerships, and other opportunities.
• Build and deepen relationships with sponsors, donors, community organizations, and strategic partners.
• Broaden community participation and strengthen SDAF’s visibility and relevance throughout the San Diego region.
• Ensure SDAF’s signature programs are impactful, well‑managed, and financially sustainable.
• Build strong organizational systems and an effective workflow with the Board.
• Within the First 90 Days
• Establish your own meaningful relationships with at least twelve of SDAF’s existing key sponsors, donors, community partners, and stakeholders, through personal engagement including in‑person meetings, calls, and events.
• Assess SDAF’s financial position, current development efforts, and fundraising pipeline.
• Establish priorities and present a Year‑One development and sustainability plan to the Board.
• Within the First 6 Months
• Demonstrate progress toward agreed fundraising and revenue goals.
• Establish a consistent financial and organizational reporting cadence.
• Re‑engage 5 former sponsors/partners while cultivating 5 new funding and partnership opportunities.

Within the First 12 Months

• Achieve agreed revenue and fundraising goals and establish a strong pipeline for the following year.
• Strengthen and expand relationships with sponsors, donors, community partners, and supporters.
• Demonstrate progress toward a more diversified and sustainable revenue model.
• Improve and document operational systems that support SDAF’s long‑term effectiveness and growth.

Who We’re Looking For:

Required

• 5+ years of nonprofit leadership experience, such as Executive Director, Development Director, COO, or equivalent leadership role.
• A demonstrated fundraising track record. You’ve personally cultivated donors, sponsors, grants, or partnerships and can point to measurable results.
• A strong communicator. You can write clearly, tell a compelling story, and confidently represent SDAF with community leaders, donors, design professionals, civic officials, and the public.
• A builder and problem‑solver. You’re comfortable creating systems, improving processes, and moving ideas forward without waiting for a playbook.
• A genuine interest in San Diego and the built environment. You’re curious about how our region is shaped and eager to engage with the people, communities, organizations, and issues influencing its future. Architecture or design credentials are not required.
• An independent, hands‑on working style. You’re comfortable managing priorities, taking initiative, and working effectively without day‑to‑day supervision or a traditional office environment

Preferred

• Experience growing a small nonprofit through a revenue inflection
• Existing San Diego donor, civic, or AEC‑industry relationships

What SDAF Provides You

• An engaged, working Board that opens doors, makes connections and shows up.
• Warm introductions to current sponsors, donors, and AEC industry contacts
• An established and respected brand with 40+ years in the San Diego architecture and design community.
• Signature programs with built‑in audiences and strong community recognition.
• Part‑time administrative support funded through an existing grant.
• Accessible executive Officers who are engaged, responsive, and ready to support you.
• Financial transparency, including access to SDAF’s financial reporting, most recent Form 990, and annual report.

Compensation and Work Environment

• Base: $60,000/year
• Commitment: part time (80 hours/month)
• Performance bonus milestones. We heavily reward growth. Candidates are eligible for a lump‑sum performance bonus based on the highest revenue milestone achieved:
• $5,000 if new revenue raised reaches $30,000
• $10,000 if new revenue raised reaches $70,000
• $17,500 if new revenue raised reaches $100,000
• $27,500 if new revenue raised reaches $125,000
• $40,000 if new revenue raised reaches $150,000
• Target total compensation: $65,000–$100,000 annually based on fundraising performance.
• Engagement: 1099 independent contractor. You handle your own taxes, insurance, and equipment.
• Term: Annual agreement, renewable, with 45‑day termination notice for either party.
• Performance check‑ins: Quarterly with the final check‑in as an annual review
• Flexibility and autonomy with remote work and a self‑directed schedule.

Deadline: October 26,2026

Interviews: Early November 2026

Target start date: January 1, 2027

SDAF is committed to building a leadership team that reflects the diversity of San Diego. We encourage applications from BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, disabled, and other historically underrepresented candidates. SDAF does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.