Organization Profile: 

Leadership SLO (Leadership San Luis Obispo) is a community leadership program on the Central Coast that prepares participants to understand regional issues, build relationships across sectors and perspectives, and contribute to the future of San Luis Obispo County. Founded in 1991, the program engages a diverse annual cohort in a 10-month learning experience and connects a network of more than 1,100 alumni.

 Operated in partnership with the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce,  Leadership SLO is guided by a Board of Directors that oversees the curriculum, selection process, and strategic vision.  The program is committed to developing informed, engaged and connected leaders who understand the diverse perspectives and needs of San Luis Obispo County and are equipped to contribute meaningfully to their communities. This shared position leads Leadership SLO and contributes to the Chamber’s broader business education and leadership programming.

Job Summary:

This unique position offers an exciting opportunity to drive regional impact through two deeply connected organizations, Leadership San Luis Obispo and the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, that are very impactful and highly regarded in the San Luis Obispo region.

Reporting to the President/CEO of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce and working in partnership with the Leadership SLO Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for providing leadership and management of Leadership SLO to advance the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, financial success, and long-term goals, while ensuring a high-quality experience for each 10-month annual program class and its alumni community.

The Executive Director is a shared position with the Chamber of Commerce and serves as a member of the Chamber leadership team. Thus, the Executive Director will also engage in the management, development and execution of chamber initiatives and events.  

The Executive Director’s time allocation is approximately 80% Leadership SLO and 20% Chamber of Commerce.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Organizational Leadership:

Lead daily operations of the organization, in alignment with its mission, values, strategic priorities and annual goals, translating Board direction into priorities, action and measurable outcomes;

Partner with the Board Chair, Board of Directors and committees to support effective governance, including meeting preparation, timely financial and program reporting, Board recruitment and onboarding, committee effectiveness and follow-through on Board decisions; Provide information and recommendations that help the Board set strategic direction, assess progress and fulfill its oversight responsibilities.

Coordinate with the Chamber CEO to align priorities, clarify responsibilities and balance Leadership SLO and Chamber commitments. Ensure Leadership SLO remains relevant, inclusive, community-connected and responsive to the needs of San Luis Obispo County.

Program Development and Delivery:

Own the planning and delivery of each cohort’s 10-month experience, including retreats, day sessions, speakers, activities and partner relationships, to ensure a high-quality, relevant and meaningful program;

Lead annual recruitment and selection process for a diverse class of participants; work with volunteers, committee members and community partners to support successful program delivery;

Evaluate participant experience and program effectiveness to drive continuous improvement and strengthen connections between current participants and Leadership SLO alumni. Maintain meaningful alumni engagement and events, including the annual Alumni BBQ and graduation.

Fund Development and Financial Stewardship:

Develop and implement an annual fund development strategy, including Torchbearers, business sponsorships, alumni giving and other campaigns; engage Board members and volunteers in prospect development and fundraising. All fund development, donor cultivation, sponsorship and fundraising responsibilities associated with this position are solely related to Leadership SLO;

Cultivate, solicit and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, alumni and community partners, including timely follow-up, recognition and fulfillment of sponsor and donor benefits;

Lead the annual budget development process in partnership with the Board Treasurer, Finance Committee and Chamber staff. Monitor revenue and expenses, identify financial opportunities, proactively communicate concerns and recommend actions that support Leadership SLO’s financial stability and long-term sustainability.

Community, Alumni and Organizational Visibility:

Serve as a visible, credible representative of the organization and build strong relationships with alumni, donors, sponsors, community leaders, nonprofit and business partners, prospective participants and other stakeholders;

Create opportunities for alumni connection and engagement that support recruitment, fundraising, sponsorship, communications and community partnerships;

Lead Leadership SLO’s organizational communications in coordination with Chamber communications staff, sharing the organization’s and its alumni’s impact to strengthen recruitment, engagement, fundraising, sponsor stewardship and community visibility.

Chamber Partnership and Organizational Operations:

Serve as an engaged, collaborative member of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce team; attending staff meetings, engaging in strategy development and execution, and attends Chamber Board meetings;

Engage with the team in the planning and execution of Chamber programs and events, including legislative events, Good Morning SLO, Annual Dinner etc.;

Work in partnership with the Chamber CEO in the development, planning and execution of approximately 5-6 Insight Studio sessions. This includes identifying topics, securing and preparing speakers, development of sessions and providing logistical support, including tours or trips when applicable;

Work collaboratively with the Chamber CEO and staff to coordinate appropriate administrative, financial, communications, HR, technology and operational support;

Improve processes, systems and documentation; maintain appropriate records, contracts, policies and organizational documents; help to ensure compliance with applicable nonprofit, financial, contractual and organizational requirements.

Experience and Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience;

Experience within a non-profit, civic, educational business or other mission driven organization preferred;

Demonstrated success at building and maintaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders;

Experience working with, or supporting, a Board of Directors preferred;

Demonstrated fundraising experience, including donor and sponsor cultivation, stewardship and solicitation preferred;

Strong budgeting and financial management experience;

Experience overseeing programs, projects, volunteers, or small teams in connection with

facilitation, leadership development, or training, preferred;

Experience with databases, organizational systems and technology, including Microsoft Office;

Exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; Knowledge of San Luis Obispo County and its communities;

Political and community awareness, with the ability to navigate complex relationships and diverse perspectives;

Possess a valid CA driver’s license, a clean and insurance driving record and reliable personal transportation;

Familiarity with Leadership SLO or similar community leadership program is a plus; Leadership SLO alumni experience also a plus.

Compensation:

$95K - $110K base salary range, for this full-time, exempt position.

Benefits:

401(K) with annual company match to employee contribution up to 4%, upon completion of prescribed employment timelines;

80 hours of paid vacation annually in years 1 – 3, which begins accruing on the 1st of the month following 60 days of employment; increasing to 120 hours annually thereafter;

96 hours of paid sick time annually, which begins accruing on start date; eligibility for use after 60 days of employment;

9 paid public holidays, plus 1 floating holiday annually;

Medical insurance paid 100% for employee; dependent coverage available through employee payroll deductions;

$25K of life insurance paid for employee;

$25K Accident, Death & Disability insurance paid for employee;

Expense account;

Flexible Spending Account;

Paid parking fees;

Tax-free car mileage reimbursement (Accountable Plan). 

Working Hours:

The schedule includes frequent early morning meetings and evening events, with weekend commitments, as needed, to support Chamber and Leadership SLO programs and community engagement. 

Location:

San Luis Obispo, California – Onsite position