Executive Director

Overview

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.

Role

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, 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.

What You Will Do / Your Role & Impact

As the Executive Director, you are the architect of the resources that fuel healthy, resilient lives. Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will:

• Lead the organization’s vision and strategy: Serve as the chief executive, partnering with the Board to set direction, align programs with mission, and ensure long‑term organizational 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.

What We Look For / 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).

What We Offer

• Time to Recharge: 12 days vacation (year 1), 10 paid holidays, and 6 floating holidays.
• Comprehensive Care: Full health, dental, and vision coverage, plus a 401(k) with employer match.
• Work That Matters: Your expertise supports our vision of a community where giving is the way of life.
• Pay Range: $150,000 to $170,000 annually (commensurate with experience).
• Location: This is an on-site, in-person position.
• Additional: Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Reimbursement Program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and generous Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, holidays).

How to Apply

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references via email to by the Initial Review Date of May 4, 2026. Qualified candidates will progress through the interview and open forum process.

Equity & Inclusivity

Equity and Inclusivity are the Heart of the Volunteer Center. 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 orientation, 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 orientation, 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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