Executive Director

Executive Director

At the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, we help people connect for good, because meaningful service is the heart of a strong, vibrant community and a healthy, happy life. For 60 years, the Volunteer Center has turned compassion into connection, belonging, and lasting impact. Today, we engage more than 20,000 people annually to strengthen our community and support healthy, resilient lives for all.

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of the Volunteer Center, advancing its mission to mobilize volunteers, strengthen nonprofits, and build community engagement. The Executive Director provides visionary leadership, operational oversight, financial stewardship, fundraising direction, and external representation while ensuring organizational sustainability and measurable community impact. Employees enjoy a generous, comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, a 401(k) with employer match, and an industry‑leading paid time off program.

Your Role & Impact

• Lead the organization’s vision and strategy: serve as the chief executive, partner with the Board to set direction, align programs with mission, and ensure long‑term sustainability and effectiveness.
• Drive community impact through volunteers and partnerships: oversee programs that mobilize volunteers, deepen collaboration with nonprofits, businesses, and public agencies, and translate community needs into measurable outcomes.
• Ensure financial strength and resource growth: provide overall financial and fundraising leadership, from budgeting and risk management to cultivating donors, grants, and partnerships that secure and expand the Volunteer Center’s impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Governance
  • Provide overall vision, mission alignment, and leadership to ensure the growth and sustainability of VCSCC.
  • Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan.
  • Advise and inform the Board on organizational performance, risks, opportunities, and community needs.
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations and nonprofit governance standards.
  • Support board development, recruitment, training, and engagement.
• Organizational Management & Operations
  • Oversee day-to-day operations, programs, and administrative functions.
  • Establish and monitor performance goals, outcomes, and evaluation metrics.
  • Develop policies, procedures, and systems that promote operational efficiency and accountability.
  • Ensure technology, data systems, and volunteer management platforms are effectively utilized.
  • Maintain a culture of inclusion, transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Volunteer Engagement & Community Impact
  • Lead the development of innovative volunteer programs that address community priorities.
  • Strengthen partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, schools, government agencies, and civic organizations.
  • Champion initiatives that promote civic engagement, corporate volunteerism, and skills‑based volunteering.
  • Monitor and report on volunteer engagement metrics and community outcomes.
• Financial Management & Sustainability
  • Ensure overall financial sustainability and build financial resilience to navigate economic cycles.
  • Develop and manage the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Board.
  • Ensure sound financial controls, reporting, and compliance practices.
  • Oversee financial planning, forecasting, and risk management.
  • Manage contracts, grants, and funding agreements.
• Fundraising & Resource Development
  • Lead fundraising strategy, including grants, individual giving, corporate sponsorships, events, and public funding.
  • Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, foundations, and community leaders.
  • Build and maintain effective relationships with local, state, and federal officials.
  • Support grant writing, donor communications, and development campaigns.
  • Identify diversified revenue streams to ensure long‑term sustainability.
• Staff Leadership & Human Resources
  • Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate staff and consultants.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and high‑performing work environment.
  • Provide professional development opportunities and succession planning.
  • Ensure compliance with employment laws and best HR practices.
• Community Relations & Advocacy
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the organization.
  • Represent the VCSCC at public events, coalitions, and community forums.
  • Advocate for volunteerism and civic engagement at local and regional levels.
  • Strengthen the organization’s brand visibility and communications strategy.
• Systems, Tools & Compliance
  • Essential systems and tools include board portals, grant and donor management systems, document management systems and nonprofit financial systems.

Team Leadership

Provide inspiring, steady leadership to a team of approximately 60 staff by setting clear direction, modeling the organization’s values, and fostering a culture of trust, inclusion, and accountability across all programs. The Executive Director supervises and develops a diverse group of program and department leaders, ensuring they have the guidance, support, and resources they need to manage day‑to‑day operations, while promoting collaboration and communication across multiple programs, aligning teams around shared goals, coordinating efforts, and encouraging innovation so the organization functions as a cohesive, high‑performing whole.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5–10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management, volunteer engagement, or community development.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and financial management.
• Experience working with and reporting to a Board of Directors.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and community relationships.
• Experience managing budgets and supervising staff.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of volunteer management systems and CRM platforms.
• Experience with grant writing and donor stewardship.
• Familiarity with local community needs and nonprofit ecosystem.
• Certification in nonprofit leadership or volunteer administration (e.g., CVA).

Benefits & Terms

Position is eligible for full Volunteer Center benefits, including medical, dental, vision, chiropractic coverage, 401(k) with employer match, flexible spending account, dependent care reimbursement program, employee assistance program, and generous paid time off. Salary range: $150,000 to $170,000 annually (commensurate with experience). This is an in‑person, on‑location position.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical handicap, or disability, medical condition, marital status, gender, sexual preference, age, veteran status, or any other non‑merit factor unrelated to job duties. The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion and we encourage applications from people of all race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical ability, health, family status, gender, sexual preference, age, veteran status who meet the qualifications listed for this position. We practice affirmative action to create and sustain a diverse and representative workforce that reflects our community.

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