POSITION TITLE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PRIMARY LOCATION
SANTA BARBARA, CA
CREATED FOR
PACIFIC PRIDE FOUNDATION
Pacific Pride Foundation (PPF) is a long-standing backbone institution in the LGBTQ+ community in Santa Barbara County region The Established in 1976 as the Western Addiction Services Program, the Pacific Pride Foundation originated as a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling and Referral center catering to the LGBTQ+ community In response to the emerging HIV epidemic, PPF launched the AIDS Counseling and Assistance Program (AIDS CAP) in 1984, becoming one of the first county test sites for free, anonymous HIV testing Over subsequent years, the program expanded with state and county funding to provide crucial HIV education and prevention initiatives By 1991, the organization, then known as the Gay & Lesbian Resource Center, established the Necessities of Life Project, a food pantry supporting low-income HIV-positive individuals and their families
In 1994, the organization rebranded as Pacific Pride Foundation, serving as the umbrella organization for both GLRC and AIDS Project Central Coast (APCC, formerly AIDS CAP). Today, with a central office in Santa Barbara, PPF stands as a trusted leader, community builder, and regional convener, offering health and social service programs to the LGBTQ+ community in Santa Barbara County and coastal communities between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Pacific Pride Foundation’s advocacy and education efforts meet the ongoing and emerging needs of a diverse population in order to create a thriving and visible LGBTQ+ community and to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS
LGBTQ+ Youth
LGBTQ+ Adults
Community Allies
Parents of LGBTQ+ Youth
People experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, and/or HIV/AIDS
School Leadership Development
Rainbow Roundtable
Campaign and issue advocacy
LGBTQ+ competency and education trainings
Mental health advocacy
Community events (i.e. Pride Festival)
PROUD Youth - Ages 12 -17
PROUD Older Adults - Ages 50+
Sunset at Canary
Horror Movie Night
Pride Festival
In-person therapy
Online teletherapy
Clinical training for Marriage and Family Therapy interns
Syringe exchange
Naloxone distribution
Mobile Health Utility Vehicle
PrEP access
Harm reduction education
Condom distribution
Reporting to the Board of Directors, Pacific Pride Foundation is seeking an experienced, growth-minded executive leader to serve as their next Executive Director (ED) The candidate has the exciting opportunity to envision and implement the next chapter of service to the LBGTQ+ community in Santa Barbara County They will set the course for the organization using new approaches to inclusivity, intersectionality, and advocacy A clear and decisive communicator, this leader will oversee the services and community building that Pacific Pride Foundation provides, fostering internal and external relationships with community members, leaders and partners in Santa Barbara County
Overseeing an annual budget of $1 8M and approximately 10 passionate and talented staff members, the ideal candidate is an adaptable and approachable leader who advances the organization's mission in the community The incoming Executive Director will continue to foster and empower the team while looking for opportunities to improve programs, policies, and organizational culture
The Executive Director should have a history of working in the field of LGBTQ+ community support and/or advocacy, DEI, or other human services. The ED will lead strategic planning for the agency and diversify funding with a focus on establishing a major donor program and seeking new funding sources as well as continuing relationships with existing funders and community partners. The ideal candidate has a passion for working with underserved communities and a strong understanding of the funding and political landscape impacting people in the LBGTQ+ community, especially its BIPOC members
The likely career track for the Executive Director of Pacific Pride Foundation involves a blend of leadership, nonprofit management, and experience in the LGBTQ+ community. They may have gained expertise in various fields, but have experience managing staff, developing positive team culture in an on-site or hybrid work environment, refining systems for collaboration, and developing initiatives for growth and impact
Professionals we may look for:
CEO/ Executive Director
Managing Director
Director of Development
Director of Programs
Director of DEI
Oversee the day-to-day operations of Pacific Pride Foundation, including planning, goal setting, fundraising, operations, programming, partnerships, advocacy, communications, and overall growth
Collaborate with the Board of Directors and staff to draft, adopt, and execute a new strategic plan, providing Pacific Pride Foundation with a long-term vision for the organization to set goals, focus programming efforts, and inspire the PPF community
Lead the Board and staff to envision and implement an organizational framework around DEI values and strategies that will inform the services, events, and other work of PPF
Foster a work environment that attracts, retains, and supports high-quality staff, with a focus on enhancing staff morale and fostering a generative organizational culture.
Facilitate Board development, delegate responsibilities to Board members, and recruit new Board members when needed
Manage the organization’s financial strategy that ensures sustainability, healthy cash flow and adequate reserves
Explore and implement a diversified funding strategy that includes foundations, grants, corporate partnerships, major donors, and innovative funding sources.
Create, monitor, evaluate, and report on the annual organizational budget and audits
Use effective communications to engage new partners, donors, and community members in support of PPF
Proactively initiate, cultivate, and sustain cooperative relationships with diverse key constituencies, including LGBTQ+ community members and allies, other non-profit organizations, elected officials, and other local leaders.
Plan and execute community events designed not only as fundraising opportunities but also to foster a sense of belonging, acceptance, and engagement among community and supporters Uphold Pacific Pride Foundation as a thought leader and community institution in the Santa Barbara region and the larger LGBTQ+ community.
Strengthen collaborations with educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and political partners to expand programming opportunities and access for marginalized communities
Act as the primary spokesperson for PPF within the community, managing media interactions and participating in public events
Prior experience as an Executive Director or member of the senior leadership team of a nonprofit organization with an annual operating budget greater than $1M
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent executive leadership experience required
Deep professional or personal experience in the LGBTQ+ community; experience in BIPOC communities is preferred
Fluency in Spanish is preferred, but not required
A track record of fundraising success with major donors, foundations and institutional partnerships preferred
Demonstrated experience with community engagement, especially in regard to creating and implementing strategic outreach, marketing, and social media
Skilled in effective operations, project management, and team development of diverse employees, volunteers, and a Board of Directors Experience with managing in a remote or hybrid work environment is a plus.
Proven experience in aligning programs founded on the values of social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion and engaging with people from various identities, ages, cultures, and experiences.
Demonstrated experience with professional or personal community building and leadership, able to foster inclusive and safe spaces for members of the LGBTQ+ community in Santa Barbara County and comfortable with building bridges and resolving conflicts
Success in guiding a strategic planning process that resulted in enhanced efficiency, program focus, and sustainability of the organizational budget is preferred
Familiarity with the provision of direct services in mental health, counseling, unhoused neighbor support, safe needle exchange, and/or other direct services is preferred
Thisisanexemptfull-timeposition Salaryrangeis$150,000-$180,000andincludesacomprehensive benefitspackage(ie healthcare,dental,vision,andretirement)
PacificPrideFoundationisanEqualOpportunityEmployerandencouragesapplicationsfromqualified individualsregardlessofrace,religion,nationalorigin,sexualorientationordisability
Draft and adopt a new strategic plan
Enhance operational structure
Develop staff and work culture
Prioritize DEI in organizational practices and core values
Assess and plan for the expansion of programs
Diversify funding for sustainable growth
Create a strategy around policy and advocacy
Add new donors to the fundraising pipeline
Host community events
Santa Barbara County is a jewel on California’s central coast, rich with unique flora and fauna as well as arts and cultural life The county boasts agricultural fields, wineries, and food producers that contribute to an abundant local food system. Numerous arts organizations support museums, music, opera, theatre, and visual arts that enrich the cultural landscape. The Santa Barbara Film Festival, Santa Barbara Pride, and Santa Barbara Fiesta are just a few annual events that unite locals and draw attendees from across the state The University of California at Santa Barbara was founded in 1891 and - along with Santa Barbara College, Antioch, and Westmont College - draws new cohorts of curious and creative students to the region each year.
Santa Barbara County plays a deep role in California history, home to the Chumash people before settlement by the Spanish in the 18th century It has long been a place where people have come to explore new ways of living, growing food, and connecting to the natural environment With approximately 90,000 residents, Santa Barbara is a small city which facilitates close community ties and opportunities for cultural impact. However, restrictive land use regulations have led to high housing prices and lack of housing availability, making it more difficult for working class and marginalized residents to remain in the city.
Santa Barbara County is a major tourist destination, serving as the gateway to the beautiful Channel Islands, beaches and coastline, the local wine country, and other arts opportunities Amtrak has a train station downtown, providing convenient connection to San Luis Obispo and San Francisco to the north and Los Angeles and San Diego to the south, along with the famous Highway 1 and Highway 101. Historic buildings and convivial community make Santa Barbara a truly special place to make a difference
The ideal candidate for the new Executive Director role at Pacific Pride Foundation is deeply committed to the organization’s inclusive mission, is a true connector of people and community, and is unafraid to make hard asks This individual has deep experience in the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, which informs their approach to organizational strategy as well as daily work They have a vision for growth but understand the importance of the fundamentals: staff development, financial health, and effective operations They excel at multiple communication platforms, including public speaking, small group facilitation, and use of media for public relations, outreach, and marketing The ED is a diplomatic communicator and not afraid of conflict or strong advocacy when needed.
They have demonstrated success in diverse fundraising techniques, comfortable with identifying grants and supporting the grant writing process but also with hosting large events and cultivating relationships with individuals for mid-level donations and major gifts. They are a skilled manager: able to read the strengths of individual people and dynamics of a group, then creating a structure in which the group can thrive and achieve their goals The ED is adept at overseeing the execution of programs
They create clear program objectives and framework, but are also able to adapt as the needs of the community change They maintain a balance of openness, optimism, ownership and ambition for the organization along with decisiveness and prioritization so that energies are focused for success They are quick to see opportunities and connections, reaching for partnerships and collaboration whenever possible
Envision Consulting has been retained by Pacific Pride Foundation to conduct the search for their incoming Executive Director We follow a comprehensive and structured approach that begins with a needs assessment to understand the organization's position and culture We source candidates using various strategies, such as leveraging networks, industry-specific databases, and targeted research. Our evaluations are designed to assess qualifications, experience, cultural fit, and leadership potential. After two stages of interviews with Envision, we work with the organization's search committee to select the individuals they wish to meet and then curate that interview experience We support the final selection process, including negotiation and offer formulation and offer onboarding support to ensure a smooth leadership transition. To ensure candidate success, we offer clients a one-year guarantee and executive coaching throughout the first year of employment.
Survey Focus Groups
1-1 interviews
Candidate Profile
Job Description & Comms Plan
Sourcing & Marketing
Recruiting & Screening Interviews
2nd Round Interviews
Final Panel Interview
Onboarding & Coaching
Negotiation Support
Pacific Pride Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state or local law with respect to employment opportunities
Envision Consulting is a minority-owned firm specializing in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions With offices in Denver, New York and Los Angeles, our partners and consultants are former executive leaders within nonprofit organizations who are truly inspired by our collective power to lift up the communities we serve Our broad spectrum of services helps increase revenues, expand awareness and strengthen service delivery to the clients who need us the most. Learn more at www.envisionnonprofit.com.
MELISSA MONTOYA DIRECTOR OF SEARCH SERVICES
ALLISON FULLER MANAGING PARTNER