Mission-Driven CEO: Growth, Stewardship & Student Impact

Rancho Cielo; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Rancho Cielo seeks a mission-driven Chief Executive Officer to guide the campus and its students toward measurable outcomes. The CEO will lead fundraising, institutional partnerships, and sustainability while maintaining a strong culture and Board-aligned governance.

The role focuses on long-range strategy, staff development, and ensuring safety, quality education, and community impact through transparent reporting and responsible resource allocation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, finance, nonprofit administration, public administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of leadership and management experience, including senior-level responsibility and measurable results.
• 7+ years of progressive professional experience in business, financial management, operations, planning, and resource development.

Responsibilities

• Keep mission and student outcomes at the center of major decisions and resource allocation.
• Oversee fundraising goals, donor relations, and grant administration to support programs and growth.
• Develop and monitor organizational systems, including budgets, dashboards, and reporting.
• Lead partnerships with education, workforce, government, and community partners.
• Support governance, risk management, and Board reporting with transparency and accountability.
• Ensure financial sustainability, audits, 990 filings, and compliance.

Skills

Fundraising & donor relations

Strategic planning

Financial management

Leadership & team development

Board relations

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration/related field

Master’s degree preferred

10+ years leadership experience

7+ years fundraising/financial sustainability experience

Job description

Rancho Cielo seeks a mission-driven Chief Executive Officer to guide the campus and its students toward measurable outcomes. The CEO will lead fundraising, institutional partnerships, and sustainability while maintaining a strong culture and Board-aligned governance.

The role focuses on long-range strategy, staff development, and ensuring safety, quality education, and community impact through transparent reporting and responsible resource allocation.