San Diego State University
Overview
Executive Director Req No:
2025-19602 Category:
Community/Social Services Type:
Full-Time Contract Salary:
15,833.00 - 18,333.00 Close Date:
Open until filled. Initial application review will take place on October 29, 2025. Organization
— Academy for Professional Excellence, a project of San Diego State University School of Social Work, established in 1996 to advance culturally responsive and recovery-oriented practice in health and human services. The Academy provides workforce development solutions in Southern California and beyond, with seven programs and over 100 staff, aiming to transform individuals, organizations, and communities.
Responsibilities
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION Under the general direction of the Director of San Diego State University’s School of Social Work, the Executive Director provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for the organization, ensuring its mission, programs, and operations align with the broader goals of SDSU. This role drives innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth across three divisions: Finance and Business Services; Strategy, Development, and Organizational Advancement; and Workforce Development Programs. The Executive Director also cultivates partnerships with industry leaders to inform development and implementation of services and models the Academy’s Core Values: Accountability, Collaboration, Diversity, Flexibility, Innovation, Integrity, Professionalism, and Well-Being. The position oversees over 110 staff, with 4 direct reports.
The role requires on-site work in San Diego, some travel (including to Southern California counties, Sacramento, and other states for business opportunities and conferences), and potential overnight travel or non-standard hours. Residence within California and commutable distance to the worksite is required.
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP (20%) Provide strategic leadership and executive oversight to align the organization’s mission, programs, and operations with SDSU goals. Engage in strategic planning with the Leadership Team to identify needs and growth opportunities. Collaborate with Directors, Managers, and Consultants to inform development and execution of equity-driven workforce development initiatives. Monitor workforce development needs and policy trends to evolve services. Drive process improvements through strategic and operational participation. Oversee hiring, budgeting, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal responsibility and strategic alignment. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability. Advance the Academy’s Mission and guide infrastructure development.
STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT (20%)
Cultivate high-impact partnerships with county/state agencies, Tribal organizations, community providers, academic partners, and philanthropic entities to co-create responsive workforce development initiatives that are culturally responsive. Establish mechanisms for partner feedback to refine services and strengthen partnerships. Represent the organization in forums and advocate for workforce development priorities and professional recognition. Interface with state and regional agencies and university leadership to align policy, research, and operations. Deliver presentations and strategic communications tailored to partners and funders.
ACADEMY LEADERSHIP (20%)
Participate actively on the Leadership Team to shape vision, culture, and strategic direction. Engage with the Shared Leadership Team to sustain organizational culture. Contribute to strategic planning for business development and organizational culture. Assist in preparing and following up Leadership Team materials and meetings. Facilitate leadership retreats to define priorities for service expansion and efficiency.
ORGANIZATION CULTURE DEVELOPMENT (15%)
Develop an inclusive, collaborative work environment prioritizing staff well-being. Engage and motivate staff to deliver innovative services. Participate in recruitment, hiring, and onboarding; orient new employees to core values and practices. Conduct exit interviews and contribute to annual organizational climate assessments. Review policies to integrate culturally responsive and recovery-oriented practices.
SUPERVISION (10%)
Staff Development Recruit, hire, and onboard new staff; co-create development goals; support ongoing professional development. Engage staff in capacity-building and learning to integrate core practices. Coordinate with Leadership and Org Development on staff development activities and external coaching or workshops. Performance Management Monitor performance and conduct evaluations; provide supervision and development for direct reports. Collaborate with SDSURF HR and leadership to address performance issues.
INTERNAL RELATIONS (5%)
Interface with Academy staff and communicate developments affecting the Academy. Plan and participate in All Staff meetings and cross-program committees to foster collaboration. Coordinate with SDSU Research Foundation and SDSU leadership regarding fiscal and administrative operations.
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (5%)
Stay informed on health and human services industry trends and workforce development innovations to ensure relevant services. Access information through lists, memberships, conferences to inform strategic planning. Share information with prospective and existing partners to support collaborations and regional needs.
MARKETING AND BRANDING (5%)
Represent programs at external events to increase brand awareness and partnerships. Provide executive oversight to branding and marketing activities, ensuring consistent messaging across materials.
ADDITIONAL/OTHER
Perform other duties in the best interests of the Academy for Professional Excellence.
ADJUNCT FACULTY POSITION WITH SDSU SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
Potential adjunct (non-faculty) volunteer appointment consistent with CSU SDSU policies; candidate should have the same qualifications as a paid faculty member. Adjunct position is voluntary in value to the university and the individual.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Principled leadership with culturally responsive and recovery-oriented practices. Executive presence, strategic thinking, and ability to inspire trust and equity. Collaborative leadership and ability to build high-trust relationships with staff and partners. Strong communication, public speaking, and executive reporting abilities; able to galvanize support. Ability to lead with diplomacy and inclusive decision-making; diverse perspectives valued. Comfort interfacing with a diverse set of stakeholders and applying heart-centered practices. Advanced strategic thinking, change management, and innovation skills; capable of evolving programs and services. Proficiency with Google Workspace and project management tools; ability to track performance using KPIs. Travel as needed within Southern California and beyond to pursue opportunities.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications Master’s degree in Social Work (preferably Administrative Concentration) or related field in health and human services. Twelve (12) years of leadership experience supervising staff, including ten (10) years managing health and human services workforce development programs. Ten (10) years of experience leading organizational strategy and operations. Ten (10) years of sound budget development and management experience. Preferred Qualifications The ideal candidate will demonstrate executive leadership with regional expertise, fiscal oversight, institutional collaboration, and workforce development leadership, including: Minimum of 10 years of senior executive leadership in health and human services; experience in Southern California is preferred. 10+ years managing complex budgets and multi-year contracts with government and philanthropic funding. Experience liaising with SDSU/SDSURF or similar institutions to align program goals with academic standards. 5+ years designing and delivering workforce development services, with expertise in adult learning and culturally responsive facilitation.
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION
Candidate must reside in California and be within commutable distance to SDSU at time of hire. Job offer contingent on background check clearance. SDSU Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and complies with applicable anti-discrimination laws. Employment decisions are based on qualifications; SDSU Research Foundation provides equal access to resources and support. Compliance with Civil Rights and non-discrimination policies applies to funded program activities.
To apply, visit the job posting: 19602 Executive Director at SDSU Research Foundation.
Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com. All rights reserved. Posted by a recruitment advertising agency.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Executive Director Req No:
2025-19602 Category:
Community/Social Services Type:
Full-Time Contract Salary:
15,833.00 - 18,333.00 Close Date:
Open until filled. Initial application review will take place on October 29, 2025. Organization
— Academy for Professional Excellence, a project of San Diego State University School of Social Work, established in 1996 to advance culturally responsive and recovery-oriented practice in health and human services. The Academy provides workforce development solutions in Southern California and beyond, with seven programs and over 100 staff, aiming to transform individuals, organizations, and communities.
Responsibilities
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION Under the general direction of the Director of San Diego State University’s School of Social Work, the Executive Director provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for the organization, ensuring its mission, programs, and operations align with the broader goals of SDSU. This role drives innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth across three divisions: Finance and Business Services; Strategy, Development, and Organizational Advancement; and Workforce Development Programs. The Executive Director also cultivates partnerships with industry leaders to inform development and implementation of services and models the Academy’s Core Values: Accountability, Collaboration, Diversity, Flexibility, Innovation, Integrity, Professionalism, and Well-Being. The position oversees over 110 staff, with 4 direct reports.
The role requires on-site work in San Diego, some travel (including to Southern California counties, Sacramento, and other states for business opportunities and conferences), and potential overnight travel or non-standard hours. Residence within California and commutable distance to the worksite is required.
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP (20%) Provide strategic leadership and executive oversight to align the organization’s mission, programs, and operations with SDSU goals. Engage in strategic planning with the Leadership Team to identify needs and growth opportunities. Collaborate with Directors, Managers, and Consultants to inform development and execution of equity-driven workforce development initiatives. Monitor workforce development needs and policy trends to evolve services. Drive process improvements through strategic and operational participation. Oversee hiring, budgeting, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal responsibility and strategic alignment. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability. Advance the Academy’s Mission and guide infrastructure development.
STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT (20%)
Cultivate high-impact partnerships with county/state agencies, Tribal organizations, community providers, academic partners, and philanthropic entities to co-create responsive workforce development initiatives that are culturally responsive. Establish mechanisms for partner feedback to refine services and strengthen partnerships. Represent the organization in forums and advocate for workforce development priorities and professional recognition. Interface with state and regional agencies and university leadership to align policy, research, and operations. Deliver presentations and strategic communications tailored to partners and funders.
ACADEMY LEADERSHIP (20%)
Participate actively on the Leadership Team to shape vision, culture, and strategic direction. Engage with the Shared Leadership Team to sustain organizational culture. Contribute to strategic planning for business development and organizational culture. Assist in preparing and following up Leadership Team materials and meetings. Facilitate leadership retreats to define priorities for service expansion and efficiency.
ORGANIZATION CULTURE DEVELOPMENT (15%)
Develop an inclusive, collaborative work environment prioritizing staff well-being. Engage and motivate staff to deliver innovative services. Participate in recruitment, hiring, and onboarding; orient new employees to core values and practices. Conduct exit interviews and contribute to annual organizational climate assessments. Review policies to integrate culturally responsive and recovery-oriented practices.
SUPERVISION (10%)
Staff Development Recruit, hire, and onboard new staff; co-create development goals; support ongoing professional development. Engage staff in capacity-building and learning to integrate core practices. Coordinate with Leadership and Org Development on staff development activities and external coaching or workshops. Performance Management Monitor performance and conduct evaluations; provide supervision and development for direct reports. Collaborate with SDSURF HR and leadership to address performance issues.
INTERNAL RELATIONS (5%)
Interface with Academy staff and communicate developments affecting the Academy. Plan and participate in All Staff meetings and cross-program committees to foster collaboration. Coordinate with SDSU Research Foundation and SDSU leadership regarding fiscal and administrative operations.
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (5%)
Stay informed on health and human services industry trends and workforce development innovations to ensure relevant services. Access information through lists, memberships, conferences to inform strategic planning. Share information with prospective and existing partners to support collaborations and regional needs.
MARKETING AND BRANDING (5%)
Represent programs at external events to increase brand awareness and partnerships. Provide executive oversight to branding and marketing activities, ensuring consistent messaging across materials.
ADDITIONAL/OTHER
Perform other duties in the best interests of the Academy for Professional Excellence.
ADJUNCT FACULTY POSITION WITH SDSU SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
Potential adjunct (non-faculty) volunteer appointment consistent with CSU SDSU policies; candidate should have the same qualifications as a paid faculty member. Adjunct position is voluntary in value to the university and the individual.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Principled leadership with culturally responsive and recovery-oriented practices. Executive presence, strategic thinking, and ability to inspire trust and equity. Collaborative leadership and ability to build high-trust relationships with staff and partners. Strong communication, public speaking, and executive reporting abilities; able to galvanize support. Ability to lead with diplomacy and inclusive decision-making; diverse perspectives valued. Comfort interfacing with a diverse set of stakeholders and applying heart-centered practices. Advanced strategic thinking, change management, and innovation skills; capable of evolving programs and services. Proficiency with Google Workspace and project management tools; ability to track performance using KPIs. Travel as needed within Southern California and beyond to pursue opportunities.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications Master’s degree in Social Work (preferably Administrative Concentration) or related field in health and human services. Twelve (12) years of leadership experience supervising staff, including ten (10) years managing health and human services workforce development programs. Ten (10) years of experience leading organizational strategy and operations. Ten (10) years of sound budget development and management experience. Preferred Qualifications The ideal candidate will demonstrate executive leadership with regional expertise, fiscal oversight, institutional collaboration, and workforce development leadership, including: Minimum of 10 years of senior executive leadership in health and human services; experience in Southern California is preferred. 10+ years managing complex budgets and multi-year contracts with government and philanthropic funding. Experience liaising with SDSU/SDSURF or similar institutions to align program goals with academic standards. 5+ years designing and delivering workforce development services, with expertise in adult learning and culturally responsive facilitation.
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION
Candidate must reside in California and be within commutable distance to SDSU at time of hire. Job offer contingent on background check clearance. SDSU Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and complies with applicable anti-discrimination laws. Employment decisions are based on qualifications; SDSU Research Foundation provides equal access to resources and support. Compliance with Civil Rights and non-discrimination policies applies to funded program activities.
To apply, visit the job posting: 19602 Executive Director at SDSU Research Foundation.
Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com. All rights reserved. Posted by a recruitment advertising agency.
#J-18808-Ljbffr