The Organization
West Marin Fund (“the Fund”) is a community foundation that inspires giving and mobilizes resources to enhance the long-term wellbeing and quality of life for all in coastal West Marin. They provide grants and training for local nonprofits and convene key stakeholders to help identify and fund equitable solutions to challenges facing people who live, work and visit in West Marin. They serve the West Marin region from Muir Beach in the south to Dillon Beach and Tomales in the north.
The Opportunity
Drawing on extensive experience in responsive philanthropy, and a deep understanding of and leadership experience within nonprofit organizations and community funds/foundations, the Executive Director (“ED”) leads a place-based community foundation serving the West Marin region of Marin County. They bring a strong grasp of the issues, drivers, and changes impacting the region, and applies this knowledge to shape strategy, guide community investment, and strengthen the Fund’s impact.
A dynamic, collaborative, and highly effective leader, the Executive Director welcomes the opportunity to engage with diverse constituencies to develop and implement innovative solutions to both short- and long-term community challenges. They guide the Fund’s mission to support the region through effective grantmaking, advocacy, collaborative partnerships and donor engagement.
The Executive Director effectively supports the development of and builds a diverse team of Board members, staff, consultants and advisors — inclusive of different lived experiences, identities, and philosophies — while creating and fostering an equitable, participatory, and inclusive work environment and culture.
Currently, West Marin Fund has a staff of seven, $5M in assets under management, an operating budget of $3.8M and is governed by an eleven-member board of directors.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
- Serve as key decision maker for the Fund, making high-level, well-informed decisions for all aspects of the organization’s work.
- Ensure the organization’s mission, vision, values and strategic plans are current and form the basis of the Fund’s planning and activities.
- Provide guidance on all aspects of the organization’s operations, including program development, financial management, human resources and fundraising.
- Engage and inspire staff, consultants, volunteers, and board members.
- Collaborate with and supervise key senior staff and consultants.
- Foster a positive, equitable, and inclusive work environment that promotes and encourages staff development and growth.
- Ensure compliance with current laws and organizational policies.
Fundraising & Development
- Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure financial resources.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, foundations, and other funders.
- Identify new funding opportunities, including government contracts, foundation grants, private individual donations, including a new generation of donors.
- Provide oversight of marketing, branding, outreach, and engagement plans to enhance visibility and support.
- Oversee grant programs and measure impact to ensure alignment with the Fund’s mission and goals.
Financial Management
- Oversee the organization’s budget, including budget development and approval, financial record-keeping, reporting and audit.
- Ensure the financial stability and sustainability of the organization through effective oversight of cash flow and resource management.
- Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and ethical financial standards.
- Hire and contract relevant expertise in financial management at a high standard
- Ensure financial systems and data are secure and current
Board Relations
- Serve as the primary liaison between the board and the organization.
- Prepare and present reports to the board, including financial updates, strategic initiatives, program highlights and achievement of goals and outcomes.
- Collaborate with the board to develop strategic plans, responses to environmental challenges, risk assessment, and raising funds.
- Work closely with Board and Committee Chairs to ensure alignment of activities with organizational goals and priorities.
- Act as an ex officio member of Board committees
- Meet regularly with the Board Chair to review progress and changing priorities
Communications, Community Engagement, & Relationships
- Raise the visibility of West Marin Fund.
- Serve as ambassador and chief spokesperson for West Marin Fund across all constituencies, including media, funders, partners, stakeholders.
- Represent the organization and build relationships with key community stakeholders.
- Collaborate with Program staff or direct and real time community connection project work.
- Advocate for the organization’s mission and programs within the community.
- Engage donors and funders to understand, appreciate and have confidence in the work and impact of the Fund.
- Oversee public relations, strategic communications, and outreach initiatives.
Administration, Culture, & Innovation
- Build and sustain an equitable and inclusive work environment reflective of diverse lived experiences, identities, and philosophies.
- Lead organizational development and manage change effectively.
- Analyze data and environmental trends to inform strategic innovation.
- Champion new approaches that strengthen the Fund’s mission and community impact.
- Build an effective staffing structure and oversight of human resources compliance.
Candidate Qualifications / Experience
Education
An undergraduate degree required. An advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., nonprofit management, public administration, business, or related discipline), or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience, is a plus.
Experience
Minimum of five to seven years of experience as Executive Director or CEO, or member of an executive team, with responsibility for financial health and sustainability, P&L management, and budget authority experience. Deep understanding of the West Marin region is strongly desired.
Qualifications/Experience
- Executive level experience in a senior leadership role, ideally within a nonprofit or philanthropic organization, ideally a community fund, managing organizational change and fostering growth in evolving environments.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively within rural and coastal communities, with awareness of the historical and emerging issues that shape the region.
- Experience designing and executing comprehensive development strategies resulting in successful fundraising from individual donors, foundations, and institutional funders.
- Proficiency in nonprofit financial oversight, including budgeting, cash flow, and investment management.
- Experience working with a nonprofit board of directors and engaging them in governance, planning, and development.
- Ability to address community issues as a leader, convener, or collaborator and build relationships across diverse communities and sectors.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and participatory leadership.
Competencies / Attributes
The successful professional will demonstrate:
- A deep passion for West Marin Fund’s history, mission, and commitment to honoring local knowledge and voices.
- Knowledge and wisdom in leading and guiding organizational change.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills, confidence, and leadership presence.
- Expertise as a highly effective fundraiser and one who inspires philanthropic investment.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, a storyteller with the ability to engage a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong listening skills paired with sound decision-making abilities.
- Commitment to recruiting, developing, and retaining high-performing talent to advance the organization’s mission.
The successful leader will be:
- Deeply connected to the local community.
- A leader who fosters collaboration.
- Inclusive; able to build teams and engage with diverse communities.
- Inspirational and motivational, able to unite people around shared goals.
- Organized, calm, able to effectively delegate allowing team members to learn and thrive.
- Transparent, humble, and approachable, with a good sense of humor.
- Guided by the highest integrity and ethical standards.
It is not necessary to meet all the criteria above to apply and be considered for this critical, exciting position!
Compensation
Total target compensation ranging from $180,00 to $210,000, which includes salary, bonuses, and other incentives commensurate with capabilities and experience. West Marin Fund also offers a comprehensive benefits and Paid Time Off package.
Ideally, the ED resides within the greater West Marin County or a neighboring area. The expectation is that the ED will be in the office at least four days a week for the first two years.
How to Apply
To initiate consideration for this opportunity, please submit a resume and cover letter, outlining your qualifications as per this Position Specification, to the Carlson Beck representatives below.
Contact Information
For additional information regarding this opportunity, please contact:
Sally Carlson, Managing Partner
(415) 203-5259 mobile
sally@carlsonbeck.com
Heidi Holzhauer, Partner
(707) 963-1250 direct
heidi@carlsonbeck.com
