CAN RESIDE IN any of the following locations: Sacramento, CA, Irvine, CA, Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE
The Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF) is a leading workforce development and education nonprofit dedicated to empowering students to pursue careers in the built environment. Founded through a partnership with the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange (SRBX) which dates back to 1888, CIEF connects students, educators, and industry partners through hands-on learning experiences, scholarships, mentorship programs, career exploration events, and workforce development initiatives. CIEF serves more than 17,000 students annually and continues to expand its impact across the nation. Through innovative programming and strong industry partnerships, CIEF is helping to build the next generation of construction, design, engineering, and skilled trades professionals. CIEF's signature programs include the CREATE® Competition, Design Build Competition®, Trades Day, scholarships, summer experiences, industry engagement initiatives including the second largest Women in Construction Conference in the United States, and partnerships that connect students with meaningful educational and career pathways in the built environment.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This is a unique opportunity to lead one of the fastest-growing construction workforce development organizations in the nation. As demand for skilled workers continues to increase across the construction, engineering, architecture, and trades sectors, CIEF plays a critical role in developing the future talent pipeline. The Executive Director will serve as a key strategist, fundraiser, ambassador, and operational leader for the organization. This individual will work closely with the Board of Trustees, industry leaders, educators, government agencies, donors, sponsors, and community partners to increase student impact, expand CIEF's reach, and strengthen its financial sustainability. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who is passionate about education, workforce development, and creating opportunities for young people while fostering meaningful partnerships across the construction and design industries. The Executive Director will oversee a growing portfolio of programs, events, scholarships, fundraising initiatives, and strategic partnerships designed to inspire and prepare students for rewarding careers in the built environment. CIEF has a 13-member Board of Trustees, 12 full-time and contract employees, and a $2.6 million operating budget. CIEF operates seven active chapters in Oregon, Northern California (Sacramento), Southern California (Irvine), Dallas-Fort Worth (Texas), Houston (Texas), Central Texas, and Indiana (Indianapolis). Each chapter has an active Board of Directors. CIEF also hosts programming in Las Vegas, Nevada and Albuquerque, New Mexico, with more than 35 cities currently on the waitlist for future programs.
CORE VALUES
By upholding our core values, we strengthen our collective impact and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students we serve and the greater construction industry. At CIEF, we are committed to building together, taking ownership, and remaining unified in our mission to empower individuals to pursue fulfilling careers in the built environment while nurturing and retaining the talent that will shape the future workforce.
ENTHUSIASM - Building Excitement
Our team has a great attitude and has a passion for what we do. We are mission-driven and are enthusiastic advocates for the industry we serve and for the youth we want to build a future career within it. We delight in demonstrating to the world we have the team, talent, and tools to execute our core focus.
COLLABORATION - Building Together
Here We Build isn’t a tagline; it’s our commitment. We pursue and achieve goals together because what we do is how a team sport should be played. We collaborate because we know playing well with others gives everyone license to share in our success and become stakeholders in our pursuit of our core focus. We win hearts and minds.
RELIABILITY - Building Trust
The reliability and dedication of our team to excel is seen and appreciated by our students, instructors, and donors. Doing what we say and being counted upon sets a standard for the concierge-level execution for which we are known. We take our work seriously and are loyal to our teammates and the communities we serve. We believe integrity counts.
INNOVATION - Building Solutions
We challenge convention, because “we’ve always done it that way” is never an acceptable answer. Our DNA is comprised of talent and inventiveness, which is at the core of our ability to solve problems with creativity and innovation. Our peers see us in action and see the platinum standard, which is why they want to partner or emulate us.
THE POSITION
The Executive Director is responsible for advancing the Construction Industry Education Foundation's mission through program leadership, fundraising, partnership development, and organizational management. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Director provides leadership and oversight for the Foundation's educational programs, workforce development initiatives, fundraising activities, industry partnerships, and day-to-day operations. The Executive Director works closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, educators, industry leaders, donors, and community stakeholders to expand CIEF's impact and ensure the successful execution of the organization's strategic priorities. This is a full-time, exempt position based out of one of our three regional offices: Sacramento, California; Irvine, California; or Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
§ Implement CIEF’s strategic vision, goals, and annual objectives.
§ Lead execution of strategic initiatives and organizational priorities established by the CEO and Board of Trustees.
§ Identify opportunities to expand program reach, industry engagement, and student impact.
§ Represent CIEF within the education, workforce development, and construction communities.
§ Executive fundraising strategies that support organizational growth and sustainability.
§ Cultivate and steward relationships with sponsors, donors, grantors, industry partners, and philanthropic organizations.
§ Lead sponsorship development, fundraising campaigns, and special events.
§ Support major donor engagement and resource development initiatives.
§ Provide leadership and oversight for all educational and workforce development programs.
§ Ensure programs are effectively planned, implemented, evaluated, and aligned with organizational goals.
§ Support the continued growth and excellence of CREATE®, the Design Build Competition®, Trades Day, scholarship initiatives, and related programs.
§ Develop metrics and reporting systems to measure program outcomes and impact.
§ Develop and maintain strong relationships with educators, school districts, community organizations, industry associations, contractors, labor partners, and public agencies.
§ Strengthen collaboration between industry and education partners to support workforce development objectives.
§ Promote awareness of careers in construction, design, engineering, and the skilled trades.
§ Manage day-to-day operations in coordination with the CEO.
§ Develop annual budget in coordination with contract Account Finance Manager and monitor program and operational expenditure.
§ Ensure effective administration of grants, contracts, sponsorships, and organizational resources.
§ Prepare reports, analyses, and recommendations for the CEO and Board of Trustees.
§ Supervise CIEF staff, consultants, and volunteers as assigned.
§ Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on excellence and accountability.
§ Support employee development, performance management, and succession planning.
§ Ensure effective coordination across programs, events, and stakeholder initiatives.
§ Support the CEO and Board of Trustees in achieving governance and strategic objectives.
§ Assist with board communications, committee activities, and organizational reporting.
§ Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations, policies, and best practices.
§ Provide direct supervision of three Regional Managers, Marketing Manager, and contract staff including Grants, Accounting, and Operations.
§ Authorize and execute such contracts, agreements, and commitments, including grant applications and receipts, as authorized by the CEO.
§ Supervise the general accounting and internal audit of all accounts on a regular basis.
§ Provide records for internal and external audits.
§ Serve as official recordkeeper of organization including Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes.
§ Coordinate bi-annual CIEF Board Retreat.
§ Grow the organization’s reputation and brand.
§ Serve as the liaison to other professional organizations.
QUALIFICATIONS
§ Proven success with a minimum seven years of senior leadership experience in a multi-state, multi-chapter nonprofit organization, educational institution, workforce development organization, foundation, trade association, or related industry.
§ Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor development, sponsorship acquisition, and grant management.
§ Experience managing budgets, staff, and organizational operations.
§ Strong relationship-building and partnership development skills.
§ Excellent communication, presentation, and public speaking abilities.
§ Proven strategic planning and execution capabilities.
§ Experience working with a board of directors.
§ Familiarity with K-12 education, career technical education (CTE), workforce development systems, or nonprofit programming.
§ Experience within the construction, design, engineering, architecture, workforce development, or skilled trades sectors is preferred, but not required.
§ Visionary and strategic leadership skills.
§ High emotional intelligence and outstanding interpersonal skills.
§ Experience managing diverse teams and fostering equitable workplace cultures.
§ Evidence of commitment to inclusive and equitable work environments.
§ A passion for the construction industry.
§ A persuasive and passionate communicator.
§ Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software or Association Management Software (AMS).
COMPENSATION
This is a full-time position with supplemental benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and a 401k savings program with an employer match. Additional benefits include paid time off, professional development support, partial cellphone reimbursement, and 11 paid holidays. The anticipated starting salary is $145,000-$175,000 depending on experience.
HOW TO APPLY
CIEF has partnered with Workwise in conducting this search. Questions should be directed to [email protected].
To apply for this position, submit a resume and a detailed cover letter describing your interest and qualifications to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date for this position is August 19, 2026. Final candidate(s) will be asked to provide references. The selected candidate will be required to pass FBI and DOJ Background Checks for working with youth and minors. Candidate should be able to lift up to 40 pounds in office and/or event settings. Regular daytime travel and regular overnight travel is required for events or education. Percentage of travel is dependent upon main office location.
CIEF is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates for employment who will contribute to our diversity.
No recruiters or third-party placement.
Pay: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience leading a team with members across multiple locations or states? In what ways do you keep them engaged and connected?
Experience:
- Non-Profit Leadership : 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
