Interim Executive Director

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Provide strategic and values-driven leadership for CEJA in collaboration with member organizations, staff, and the Board.

• Oversee the work and plans of CEJA’s alliance program, including program Directors, policy priorities, electoral priorities, and decision-making with member organizations.

• Act as the primary liaison with consultants as necessary.

• Supervise, mentor, and support a diverse team of Program and Administrative Director-level staff.

• Evaluate training and development needs while promoting leadership and skill enhancement across the organization.

• Cultivate a high-performing, team-oriented environment rooted in democratic participation, clarity, accountability, and leadership development.

• Collaborate with the permanent CEJA team and Board to assess and propose a long-term leadership framework.

• Manage the development of budgets, cash flow, analysis, reporting, grants, internal controls, compliance, operations, and administration of CEJA’s 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities.

• Partner with the Finance Director and Political Director to monitor and report on required lobbying activities.

• Represent CEJA to funders and maintain relationships with member organizations, movement partners, public officials, funders, media, and other key stakeholders.

• Collaborate with the Development and Communications Director on fundraising strategies, funding opportunities, discussions with funders, meetings, and message development.

• Oversee governance strategy, financial health, organizational performance, risk management, and accountability in conjunction with the Board.

• Identify and address conflicts while facilitating resolution among individuals and organizations.

• Support the unionized workplace and assist with ongoing union contract negotiations.

• Steady the organization during a 6–12 month transition period in executive leadership, ensuring a smooth handoff to future leadership.

• Engage in regular travel, approximately eight times a year, primarily within California.

⛳️ Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, including at least five years in an executive role.

• Proven excellence in organizational management, including supervising and mentoring diverse staff and developing an effective team.

• Experience in change management.

• Strong financial management capabilities, encompassing budget preparation, analysis, reporting, forecasting, and decision-making.

• Familiarity with 501(c)(3) nonprofit administration, governance, record-keeping, and cost allocation.

• Understanding of environmental justice or environmental health issues, including cumulative impacts, pollution, toxic exposures, climate change, and frontline communities.

• Self-assuredness, emotional maturity, and the ability to serve as a lead thinker and strategist in a fast-paced alliance.

• Skills in diplomacy, professionalism, tact, relationship management, and demonstrated abilities in conflict resolution and tension transformation.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; capability to build understanding across diverse audiences and act as an organizational spokesperson.

• Ability to juggle multiple priorities with meticulous attention to detail and willingness to work flexible hours as required.

• Must reside in California.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Public Administration, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Political Science, or Organizational Leadership.

• Candidates with over 10 years of progressive executive-level nonprofit leadership experience will be fully considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

🏝️ Benefits

• No benefits; this position is explicitly ineligible for benefits.

• Remote work opportunity within California.

• Potential to be considered for the permanent Executive Director position through a separate interview process.