In Service to Great Ideas, Community Initiatives is a dedicated fiscal sponsor whose sole purpose is to provide best-in-class infrastructure for nonprofit leaders. We know the right questions to ask to help you develop a sustainable and scalable solution in your community.
At Community Initiatives, we have a broad interpretation of community. Unlike other fiscal sponsors, our projects work on various issues and in diverse geographic areas. They also vary in terms of staff and budget sizes. So, no matter how you define yourselves, be it by identity, geography, or shared experience, you will have a home with us. Community Initiatives’ portfolio of projects range in size and serve a variety of causes, including social justice, the environment, animal rights, education, youth development, capacity building, health & wellness, philanthropy, the arts, and human services.
For more than 30 years, Community Initiatives has enabled hundreds of projects to achieve greater charitable impact by removing the operational and compliance barriers of running an independent 501(c)(3). We provide comprehensive infrastructure services — financial management, human resources, payroll and benefits, insurance, legal services, grant management, tax compliance, and online fundraising tools, so our partners can focus on their mission, not administration.
By managing the complexity behind the scenes, we free advocates to stay focused, effective, and connected to the communities they serve. This commitment to supporting mission-driven leaders is at the core of our work and reflects our founding purpose: to be in service to great ideas.
Our Mission, and what makes us different: Community Initiatives acts as a thought-partner and provides professional services to nonprofit startups, established initiatives, networks, and collaborations. We sponsor projects for the benefit of communities in service to social change.
Our Vision is to advance the creation of a more vibrant, innovative, and effective nonprofit sector. Our Values:
- Empowerment: Deepen the capabilities and knowledge of staff, volunteers, and advisory committee members
- Trust: Be reliable, honest and transparent
- Teamwork: Use the wisdom, expertise and skills of teams to operate effectively
- Integrity: Operate ethically and within legal guidelines while managing risk
- Empathy: Walk in the shoes of projects and staff as we deliver services and manage people
Our Team and Board: Our organizational staff brings together decades of expertise in a wide variety of nonprofit fields, leadership, client services, finance, human resources, communications, and legal support. Our Board members are crucial partners in everything we do.
Position Summary
Do you believe in the transformative power of helping mission-driven leaders turn bold ideas into lasting impact, especially those that might never have launched or been sustainable without the right support? That belief is at the heart of Community Initiatives’ enduring impact and defines the opportunity ahead.
As Community Initiatives enters an exciting new chapter, the Board seeks a visionary and strategic Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization into its next era of influence. The CEO will foster a high-performing, values-driven culture; strengthen internal operations; and work closely with the Board and staff to shape and execute a clear, forward-looking strategy. This leader will deepen the organization’s impact and further establish Community Initiatives as a trusted, innovative partner in the nonprofit sector.
At a time of escalating economic uncertainty, political complexity, and increasing pressures on nonprofit organizations, Community Initiatives’ role has never been more essential in its role helping organizations and community-led efforts thrive. Through professional management, operational excellence, and strategic support, Community Initiatives is uniquely positioned to meet this moment in service to the visionary ideas and changemakers improving communities.
Building on strong existing momentum, the next CEO will enhance organizational effectiveness, expand partnerships, and elevate the organization’s visibility and influence. This is a compelling opportunity to position Community Initiatives as the leading partner for transforming great ideas into meaningful, measurable, community-centered impact.
Key Responsibilities
The Chief Executive Officer will prioritize cultivating an inclusive, people-centered culture where employees feel respected, empowered, and inspired to do their best work. Serving as a strategic partner to the Board of Directors, this leader will foster collaboration, trust, transparency, and shared accountability across the organization while guiding an ambitious strategy. The CEO will align stakeholders around clear priorities and measurable goals and lead with disciplined execution to advance Community Initiatives’ mission. Leveraging the organization’s unique positioning, the CEO will strengthen organizational effectiveness, expand market reach, and ultimately scale the impact of Community Initiatives in service to communities and changemakers.
People and Culture Leadership
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and mission-driven culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute and grow.
- Develop and support a high-performing leadership team that reflects the organization’s values
and commitment to equity.
- Build trust, transparency, and shared accountability across the organization while strengthening engagement and alignment among teams.
- Strengthen collaboration and cohesion across the Los Angeles and Oakland offices.
Strategic and Organizational Leadership
- Lead the development and execution of a clear, forward-looking strategy with measurable priorities and outcomes.
- Align staff, Board members, and key stakeholders around organizational goals and a shared vision for impact.
- Drive organizational effectiveness, operational excellence, sustainable growth, and internal risk management in support of Community Initiatives’ mission.
- Lead organizational change initiatives that strengthen alignment, innovation, and long-term resilience.
Board Partnership and Governance
- Build a strong and collaborative partnership with the Board of Directors grounded in transparency, communication, and shared purpose.
- Engage the Board as strategic thought partners and advisors in shaping organizational priorities and opportunities.
- Strengthen connections between the Board and staff while supporting effective governance practices and sound decision-making.
Client Service and Pipeline
- Strengthen Community Initiatives’ brand, partnerships, and influence across the nonprofit and
philanthropic sectors.
- Elevate the client and partner experience while expanding the organization’s reach and impact.
External Leadership and Sector Engagement
- Serve as a visible and credible ambassador for Community Initiatives and the value of fiscal sponsorship.
- Navigate an evolving political, economic, and sector landscape with clarity, sound judgment, and mission-centered leadership.
Operational and Financial Stewardship
- Ensure strong operational and financial management that enables organizational sustainability and future growth.
- Advance systems, processes, and cross-functional collaboration that enhance the effectiveness, timeliness, and quality of service delivery.
- Leverage technology and innovation to continuously improve organizational performance and strengthen impact.
Candidates will demonstrate a deep commitment to the nonprofit sector and a genuine appreciation for the vision, challenges, and growth trajectory of emerging organizations. They will be able to clearly articulate the value and impact of fiscal sponsorship in advancing innovative ideas, critical causes, and community-centered solutions that address today’s most pressing issues.
The next Chief Executive Officer will bring transparent, inspiring, and transformational leadership, grounded in strong listening skills, emotional intelligence, presence, adaptability, and influence. This leader will foster trust and collaboration across diverse stakeholders and bring an energizing, mission-driven approach that motivates others, builds alignment, and advances Community Initiatives’ impact and aspirations.
Professional Experience, Qualifications & Competencies
- Significant senior leadership experience within the nonprofit, philanthropic, or social impact sector, with deep understanding of the nonprofit ecosystem.
- Demonstrated success leading complex, mission-driven, and multi-stakeholder organizations through change and evolving external environments.
- Strategic, inclusive, and forward-thinking leadership with the ability to translate vision into clear priorities, informed decision-making, and measurable results.
- Proven ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively across diverse audiences, including staff, Board members, clients, and community partners.
- Experience leading and developing high-performing, engaged, and values-driven teams within inclusive and collaborative workplace cultures.
- Strong operational and business acumen, including oversight of finance, compliance, risk management, technology, and organizational infrastructure.
- Ability to serve as a visible and credible external ambassador who can elevate organizational visibility, strengthen partnerships, and generate enthusiasm for the mission and impact of Community Initiatives.
- Deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice, with the ability to lead across diverse communities and perspectives.
- Experience partnering effectively with Boards of Directors and supporting strong governance practices.
- A values-based and service-oriented leadership style characterized by integrity, humility, sound judgment, and ethical leadership.
Relevant educational background or other relevant discipline.
A competitive compensation package will be offered to the selected candidate.
The base salary range for this role is $350,000 — $400,000, plus comprehensive benefits.
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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis. Artificial Intelligence tools may be used in connection with the recruitment process for this position.
