The Chief Executive Officer serves as the senior executive leader and primary external representative of the Foundation. This role is principally focused on community leadership, donor and partner relationships, fund development, strategic direction, and board partnership. The CEO is responsible for advancing the Foundation’s mission, visibility, and long-term impact, while ensuring that internal operations are effectively led through delegated executive and management structures.
The CEO maintains accountability for organizational performance without being responsible for the Foundation’s day-to-day operational execution.
Reporting Relationship
The Chief Executive Officer reports to the Board of Directors and provides leadership and direction to senior staff responsible for internal operations, programs, and administration.
Core Responsibilities
The CEO serves as the public face and chief spokesperson of the Foundation, representing the organization within the community and across philanthropic, civic, and professional networks. The role includes cultivating and stewarding relationships with donors, professional advisors, nonprofit leaders, grantees, public officials, and other community stakeholders.
In partnership with the Board of Directors, the CEO leads organizational vision, strategy, and long-term planning. This includes aligning mission, resources, and priorities; supporting strong governance practices; and ensuring the Foundation remains responsive to evolving community needs.
The CEO leads philanthropic strategy and donor engagement, including participation in major gift, legacy giving, and donor-advised fund relationships. The role ensures donor intent is honored and translated into meaningful and measurable community outcomes.
The CEO provides executive oversight and accountability for the organization’s leadership team, setting expectations, priorities, and performance standards while delegating responsibility for internal operations, programs, and administrative functions. The CEO ensures that internal leadership has the authority, resources, and clarity necessary to execute effectively.
The CEO works with senior staff to monitor organizational performance, assess risk, and ensure financial stewardship and fiduciary responsibility, without direct involvement in routine operational management.
The CEO fosters a culture of integrity, collaboration, and excellence, ensuring that the Foundation’s values are reflected both internally and externally.
Education and Experience
The ideal candidate will possess a combination of education, leadership experience, and demonstrated success in organizational management, community engagement, and strategic growth.
Education
Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant field such as nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, finance, social sciences, or a related discipline. An advanced degree (MBA, MPA, MS, JD, or equivalent) is preferred.
Experience
Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior executive or comparable leadership role. Experience within nonprofit organizations, philanthropic institutions, community foundations, or mission-driven organizations is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated success in:
Leading and developing high-performing teams
Strategic planning and organizational growth
Financial oversight, budgeting, and resource development
Building strong community and stakeholder relationships
Working effectively with a Board of Directors
Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate brings demonstrated executive leadership experience in philanthropy, nonprofit management, or a closely related field. This individual is a trusted community presence with strong relationship-building and communication skills, a strategic and long-term orientation, and a deep commitment to ethical stewardship and community impact.
Kern Community Foundation is offering a total of $100,000 in grant funding this year to eligible nonprofits to support unemployed and employed farmworkers. All organizations seeking funds must have a presence in Kern County, support farmworkers and meet Kern Community Foundation’s eligibility guidelines. Organizations may request up to $50,000 in funding. LOIs are due by April 3, 2026. To submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) go to www.kernfoundation.org/grants. To learn more about the Farmworkers Grant, go to www.kernfoundation.org/farmworkers/.
2025 Grantees
Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County ($30,000) – The Lamont Boys & Girls Club – Youth Services Initiative for Farmworker Families Program implemented by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County will allow 23 school-age children/teens from low-income families with at least one farmworker as a parent or guardian (working or not) living in Lamont to participate each month (June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026) in after school an during out-of-school times programming (Monday to Friday, 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.) at no cost to their families at the Lamont Boys & Girls Club (8301 Segrue Road, Lamont, CA). Each child attending the Boys & Girls Club will be provided one healthy meal and a snack each day. This facility has a maximum capacity of 60 children or youth per day.
California Farmworker Foundation ($40,000) – CFF’s Nutrition Education & Obesity Prevention (NEOP) – Kern County Expansion project aims to improve farmworker health in rural communities including Delano, Shafter, Arvin, Lamont, and Wasco. CFF will provide nutrition education to 1,225 farmworkers over 12 months, engaging 125 participants in a nine-week curriculum and 1,100 farmworkers through on-farm outreach and community events. The NEOP course teaches how to read food labels, prepare healthy meals, reduce sugar, and increase vegetable consumption and physical activity. Classes are held in partnership with employers and trusted community organizations to ensure accessibility. The goal is to improve eating habits, reduce chronic illness, and promote long-term wellness in underserved farmworker communities.
Clinica Sierra Vista ($30,000) – Clinica Sierra Vista (CSV) proposes the Farmworker Health Outreach Initiative to deliver mobile, preventative healthcare—including vaccinations and exams—to approximately 1,700 employed and unemployed farmworkers and their families across Kern County. In partnership with the California Farmworkers Foundation and Bolthouse Farms, CSV will use its Mobile Unit to provide on-site services at worksites and community locations, addressing critical barriers to care and improving health outcomes for underserved agricultural communities.
Omni Family Health ($30,000) – Omni Family Health’s Rural Kern County Farmworker Children’s Dental Outreach Initiative delivers mobile dental care and education to children of employed and unemployed farmworkers in underserved rural Kern County communities to improve long-term oral health outcomes.
In 2022, the City of Bakersfield launched a Youth Jobs Program (hereafter known as ‘Program’) in collaboration with Kern Community Foundation and the CaliforniansForAll program. Since the Program was established, over 300 local youth have been served. Targeting individuals aged 16 to 30, the Program offers temporary paid positions that instill skills and foster meaningful career pathways. Participants gain hands-on experiences within the City of Bakersfield or local nonprofit organizations with a focus on public service and regional prosperity.
JOB TITLE: Program Specialist (PS)
JOB SUMMARY: The Program Specialist (PS) facilitates and supervises daily Program activities with a focus on the comprehensive development and mentorship of participating youth. Reporting to the Program Manager, the PS ensures the success of program participants by coordinating a range of activities aimed at personal, professional, and civic growth. Key responsibilities include facilitating professional development workshops, conducting site visits with program participants, bi-weekly check-ins, and developing basic professionalism workshop content. The PS will work closely with City staff where youth are placed, partner nonprofit organizations, an advisory board of community organizations, and other stakeholders. Flexibility and strong problem-solving skills are important, as the position requires adapting to the diverse needs of youth and addressing unexpected challenges.
JOB PAY RANGE: $24 – $27 hourly, plus benefits. Compensation is contingent upon experience, qualifications, and skills. This is a full-time position (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM). This position may be required to work evenings, weekends, and other non-standard work hours as needed. Benefits include comprehensive healthcare coverage, generous paid time off (PTO), and retirement contributions. Additionally, mileage reimbursement is provided for work-related travel using personal vehicles.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Directly mentor and guide youth participants on a daily basis;
Organize and lead events to foster youth development;
Conduct casework site visits and maintain regular communication with youth;
Call for bi-weekly check-ins with program participants;
Maintain detailed casework notes documenting program participant progress;
Document program processes and workflows;
Manage routine correspondence and inquiries related to the Program;
Collect and organize data for Program evaluation and oversight;
Prepare detailed reports and recommendations;
Coordinate cross-departmental or external agency activities as necessary;
Attend community events representing the Program to connect with youth and nonprofits;
Participate in program outreach events;
Assisting program participants in accessing resources to secure employment that aligns with their needs;
Provide overall support for Program management;
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Social Work, or a closely related field required.
3 – 4 years of experience working with youth ages 16 -30 is strongly preferred; or
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the capabilities required in the Job Summary.
Required Skills/ Abilities:
Knowledge of youth mentorship and development;
Basic understanding of city government and operations;
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Canva, Smartsheet, and other similar tools;
Experience with research, data collection, and report writing;
Ability to manage projects, data, and multiple tasks at once;
Strong skills in engaging youth and building professional relationships;
Accurate recordkeeping and data analysis skills
Preferred Skills/ Abilities:
Clear verbal and written communication;
Ability to build and maintain partnerships;
Strong planning and organizational skills;
Experience using databases for data entry and reporting;
Ability to understand and explain regulations;
Effective presentation skills for diverse audiences
Licenses and Certificates
A valid driver’s license and current auto insurance are required due to the travel demands of the position, including driving to multiple host sites throughout Kern County. Must successfully complete Sexual Harassment Prevention Training, Workplace Violence Prevention Training, and Child Abuse Mandated Reporter training within 30 days of hire.
TO APPLY:Please submit a resume and cover letter to info@kernfoundation.org. Please place the job title in the subject line.
The Kern Alliance of Nonprofit’s (KAN) 4th Annual KAN Leadership Awards is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Woman’s Club of Bakersfield, 2030 18th St. The purpose of the Nonprofit Leadership Awards is to recognize distinguished Kern County residents who have made significant contributions to the nonprofit sector in the region.
Nonprofit Professional of the Year (25-26) – It takes passion, drive and intellect to craft true transformation for people served by the non-profit community. This award honors the leader who has best used those tools to make a dramatic impact in the lives of their non-profit clients and, through service, improved the communities of Kern County.
Board Member of the Year – This honor goes to the non-profit board member whose commitment, engagement and stewardship has helped shape growth, improvement, and accountability at a Kern County Non-Profit. By providing financial support, oversight, guidance, and encouragement this leader has helped staff and the non-profit exceed its plans and expectations.
Rising Star Award – Non-profit staff and young leaders are on the frontlines of our efforts to impact community problems, overcome social barriers to success and improve people’s lives. This award honors an emerging star in the nonprofit world who made a powerful impact this year and who we are excited to see grow and develop in the coming years.
Lifetime Achievement Award – This category is designed to honor the legends of Kern County’s non-profit community. Their decades of commitment and effort have built a lasting legacy for the organizations they serve, created a foundation of structure and knowledge all nonprofits can benefit from, and served as the measure of attainment that new generations should aspire to.
Unsung Hero – These quiet champions transform services from routine to exceptional because they get things done, serve with heart and don’t waste time asking for recognition. They’re an example of how to truly excel and an inspiration for those around them. This award exists to create a space where these humble leaders get the recognition they deserve.
Youth Award (High School) – The next generation of non-profit leaders and innovators are already giving of their time and individual passion as they work toward their high school graduation. This award will recognize one of these young people for the work they do on behalf of causes they care for.
Nonprofit Contributor/Partner – Non-Profits don’t succeed without the support of community supporters who give of themselves and their resources to empower the transformative work our organizations do each day. This awards a community contributor and partner who has a heart for making sure nonprofits have what they need to succeed.
The Women’s and Girls’ Fund of Kern Community Foundation is asking the community to nominate women and young women ages 16 to 25 for the 2026 Judi McCarthy Women’s Philanthropy Award between now and January 16, 2025. The namesake of this prestigious award, which honors women and girls committed to improving the lives of Kern County residents through their giving and leadership, is Judi McCarthy, a well-known local philanthropist and a founding member of The Women’s and Girls’ Fund of Kern Community Foundation.
The awards selection committee will review all nominations and select the 2026 recipient in late February. One award in each category will be presented at the Women’s & Girls’ Fund Annual Luncheon scheduled for March 25, 2026. The committee is responsible for the final selection. (In the unlikely event that the committee feels that no nominees have met the criteria, the awards may be withheld.)
The Women’s Philanthropy Selection Criteria
Demonstrates a philanthropic spirit through personal giving or inspiring others to support charitable organizations;
Exhibits a long-term commitment to, and a passion for, bettering the lives of Kern County residents;
Focuses on seeking solutions to a problem rather than easing the symptoms; and
Inspires others to take a leadership role in philanthropy.
Bakersfield, CA — December 26, 2025: Kern Community Foundation (KCF) announces that Aaron Falk, President and CEO, will be stepping down as he prepares for his next chapter in South Carolina. The Board Chair, Lydia Chaney, thanks Aaron for his leadership and the difference he has made in Kern County through KCF’s programs and partnerships. “Aaron has done a wonderful job with the Foundation’s growth. While we are saddened to see him go, we wish Aaron and his family the absolute best in their upcoming chapter,” said Chaney.
Since December 2021, Aaron has strengthened KCF’s programs and built strong relationships with local nonprofits and donors. Through his leadership, the Foundation grew its scholarship program to over $1 million and increased Give Big Kern’s visibility, supporting over 120 local nonprofits and reaching $1.7 million in 2025. He also launched the Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program in partnership with the City of Bakersfield, serving over 300 youths, and led Borel Fire disaster relief, granting over $180,000.
To ensure a smooth transition, the Board has appointed Fatima “Teems” Tulfo, the Foundation’s Chief Impact Officer, as Interim CEO. Tulfo will lead the Foundation and collaborate with the Board during the transition. Details about the search process will be shared in late winter.
About Kern Community Foundation Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a simple mission: “Growing Community. Growing Philanthropy.” For 25 years, the Foundation has been in business to serve as a charitable resource for local donors and corporations and to generate capital that provides philanthropic solutions to help make Kern County a better place to live, work, and visit. Since its establishment in 1999, we have been home to almost 200 charitable funds with assets over $50 million. We have awarded close to $30 million in grants and scholarships. For more information about Kern Community Foundation, visit kernfoundation.org.
Kern Community Foundation Paid Fellow – Clerical Support
Location: Kern Community Foundation – Kern Alliance of Nonprofits (KAN), Bakersfield, CA
Position Type: Paid Fellowship – Part-Time 20 hours a week
Duration: January 2026 – October 2026
Overview:
Kern Alliance of Nonprofits (KAN), under the authority of Kern Community Foundation, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Fellow in the Clerical Support department. This internship provides an excellent opportunity for entry-level candidates to gain valuable hands-on experience in a professional office environment.
Eligibility:
This position is part of the Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program, a youth employment initiative that provides meaningful work experience and skill development opportunities for young individuals. Participation in this position is limited to individuals who meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
To be eligible for this program, applicants must:
Be at least 18 years of age by January 1, 2026;
Have graduated high school or received their General Educational Development (G.E.D.);
Be no older than 30 years of age by December 31, 2026;
Be available to work no less than 20 hours per week; and
Have a Social Security Number (SSN).
Responsibilities:
Communication: Assist in handling phone calls, emails, and other forms of communication as directed.
Documentation: Prepare, review, and organize various documents as needed.
Graphic and Design Support: Collaborate with the marketing team to assist in the creation of visually appealing graphics and design elements for presentations, reports, and other collateral.
Membership Management: Take a lead role in managing membership databases, ensuring accurate records, and overseeing the collection of dues.
Recruitment of Non-Profit Organizations: Actively participate in the recruitment of new non-profit organizations, providing information about membership benefits and facilitating the onboarding process.
Collateral Development: Contribute to the development of promotional materials, brochures, and other collateral to support marketing and outreach initiatives.
Social Media Assistance: Support the social media team in creating and scheduling posts, generating content ideas, and maintaining a consistent online presence across various platforms.
Support Team Activities: Collaborate with team members to ensure the integration of graphic and design elements into day-to-day tasks and projects.
Data Entry: Accurately input information into databases and spreadsheets.
Filing and Organization: Maintain organized filing systems for easy retrieval of documents.
Office Supplies Management: Monitor and replenish office supplies as necessary.
General Administrative Tasks: Perform various administrative tasks to support the overall functioning of the office.
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled in a relevant degree program or recently graduated.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Communication Skills, both written and verbal.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Basic understanding of graphic design principles and familiarity with design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva).
Possess a basic understanding of grant writing and fundraising efforts, including identifying funding opportunities and preparing proposals.
Social media awareness and familiarity with major platforms.
Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities.
Ability to manage membership databases and coordinate recruitment efforts.
Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities.
Benefits:
Pay Range: $25.00 an hour.
Gain practical experience in a professional office setting.
Learn and develop essential clerical, administrative, and design skills.
Exposure to social media management and marketing strategies.
Networking opportunities within the organization.
Potential for a positive reference upon successful completion of the internship
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following:
Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program Kern Community Foundation Fellow Position 2026 Application Packet
Resume
A brief cover letter
To the Bakersfield Youth Jobs Human Resource Department
jobs@kernfoundation.org by Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:59:59 PM.
Please include “KCF Fellow – Clerical Support” in the subject line.
Kern Community Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
The Women’s and Girls’ Fund (WGF), a leadership initiative of Kern Community Foundation (KCF) has released of the 2025 Status of Women and Girls in Kern County Report. This report was prepared in pursuit of the Fund’s purpose to “Transform the Lives of Women and Girls in Kern County by mobilizing the power and passion of Women working together.”
The 2025 Report on the Status of Women and Girls in Kern County was commissioned by The Women’s and Girls’ Fund Vision Committee and Grants Allocation Committee and prepared by the Center for the Advancement of Women at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles. A complete report and executive summary are made available as a gift to the community in celebration of The Women’s and Girls’ Fund 20th Anniversary, honoring and recognizing the Founders and Advocate Donors. In recognition of National Mentoring Day on October 27, this milestone also honors all women in the community and the mentoring programs that build connection, leadership, and empowerment every day.
The 2025 Report on the Status of Women and Girls in Kern County was commissioned by The Women’s and Girls’ Fund Vision Committee and Grants Allocation Committee and prepared by the Center for the Advancement of Women at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles. A complete report and executive summary are made available as a gift to the community in celebration of The Women’s and Girls’ Fund 20th Anniversary, honoring and recognizing the Founders and Advocate Donors. In recognition of National Mentoring Day on October 27, this milestone also honors all women in the community and the mentoring programs that build connection, leadership, and empowerment every day.
The data included in the report, generated from the 2023 American Community Survey and other relevant reports, provide a portrait of the wellbeing and standing of women and girls in Kern County using a variety of economic and social indicators. The 2025 report examines the status of women and girls across the county in terms of economic wellbeing, home and family, health and safety, and educational attainment. The report highlights both progress and persistent disparities.
Good data should lead to complex questions, reflection, and potential new actions. The goal of this report is to help inform the important work of The Women’s and Girls’ Fund as it sets priorities and makes other data-driven decisions that will continue to improve the status of women and girls in the County and the state. The Fund hopes the findings inspire advocates to drive positive change for the more than 450,000 women and girls who call Kern County home. The report may also help local policymakers make informed decisions and direct resources to support women and girls in the years to come.
Key Takeaways
Demographic Shifts – Women and girls make up nearly half (49%) of Kern County’s population, with Latinas comprising the majority (57%). The county’s female population is younger than the state average, with a median age of 33.
Educational Gains but Persistent Gaps – Educational attainment has improved: 21% of Kern women now hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (up from 16% in 2018). However, only 42% of high school girls graduate meeting UC/CSU requirements, compared to 58% statewide. English learners have high graduation rates (84%) but low college readiness (20%).
Economic Progress with Continued Inequality – Median earnings for full-time working women rose 23% since 2018 to $44,700. Still, women earn only 83 cents for every dollar earned by men, with wider gaps for African American/Black and Latina women. One in three families headed by single women remains in poverty despite overall reductions.
Home and Family Pressures – Nearly half of renters spend over one-third of their income on housing. Marriage rates have declined, and 41% of new mothers in 2023 were unmarried. While homelessness has decreased slightly to 2,606 individuals, nearly one-third remain chronically unhoused.
Health and Safety Challenges – Kern women report mixed health outcomes: high rates of chronic illness and Valley Fever (14 times the state average), but lower breast cancer incidence paired with higher mortality for African American/Black women. Mental health concerns are acute—nearly 20% of women reported a serious psychological episode, and half of adolescent girls experienced chronic sadness. Domestic violence calls have decreased, but incidents involving weapons have surged from 36% to 76% since 2021.
Together, these findings highlight progress in education and earnings but also ongoing racial, economic, and health disparities that demand sustained, targeted action to improve the well-being of women and girls in Kern County.
Next Steps
The report will inform future initiatives aimed at improving the lives for women and girls throughout Kern County. The Women’s and Girls’ Fund is currently accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) for its 2026 – 2027 grant cycle. Organizations interested in applying should have a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation or a fiscal sponsor. All organizations seeking funds must have a presence in Kern County, benefit women and/or girls in Kern County, and meet Kern Community Foundation’s eligibility guidelines. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to apply for funding by the hard deadline of 5 p.m. Nov. 14, 2025. To apply, please visit WGF grantmaking page.
Launched in 2005, The Women’s and Girls’ Fund (WGF) is a leadership initiative of Kern Community Foundation (KCF). We work to transform the lives of women and girls in Kern County by mobilizing the power and passion of women working together. In particular, we educate to build awareness of needs unmet by current strategies, endow a permanent fund whose annual yield supports programs benefiting women and girls, and empower women and girls to be philanthropists and advocates for positive social change. The Fund has awarded 123 grants totaling $913,233. This year’s $100,000 grant cycle marks a significant milestone in the Fund’s history.
About Kern Community Foundation
Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a powerfully simple mission: “Growing Community. Growing Philanthropy.” For 25 years, the Foundation has been in business to serve as a charitable resource for local donors and corporations, and to generate capital that provides philanthropic solutions to help make Kern County a better place to live, work, and visit. Since its establishment in 1999, we have been home to almost 200 charitable funds. We have awarded close to $30 million in grants and scholarships. For more information about Kern Community Foundation visit kernfoundation.org.
The Women’s and Girls’ Fund (WGF) is a leadership initiative of Kern Community Foundation (KCF). We work to transform the lives of women and girls in Kern County by mobilizing the power and passion of women working together. In particular, we educate to build awareness of needs unmet by current strategies, endow a permanent fund whose annual yield supports programs benefiting women and girls, and empower women and girls to be philanthropists and advocates for positive social change.
The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to apply for funding by 5 p.m. Nov. 14.
We encourage applicants to do the following:
First, learn about The Women’s and Girls’ Fund by visiting the WGF page on Kern Community Foundation’s website, kernfoundation.org/WGF.
Review The Women’s and Girls’ Fund’s Grantmaking Policy, which outlines qualifying criteria and our focus for 2026-2030 Grants: Education + Daily‑Life Knowledge.
Grantees who received WGF grants in the Spring of 2025 may not apply for WGF 2026 funding. Any previous awardees of WGF or other grants from the Foundation that have outstanding follow-up reports must complete those reports before they can apply for WGF funding.
Agencies must also comply with Kern Community Foundation’s grantmaking guidelines, which include:
Being registered with Kern Community Foundation through the same Online Grants Platform that can be accessed via the hyperlink above; and
Having a Silver or higher transparency rating on GuideStar.org, the world’s largest database on nonprofits.
About The Women’s and Girls’ Fund
The Women’s and Girls’ Fund (WGF) is a leadership initiative of Kern Community Foundation (KCF). We work to transform the lives of women and girls in Kern County by mobilizing the power and passion of women working together. In particular, we educate to build awareness of needs unmet by current strategies, endow a permanent fund whose annual yield supports programs benefiting women and girls, and empower women and girls to be philanthropists and advocates for positive social change.
About Kern Community Foundation
Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a simple mission: “Growing Community. Growing Philanthropy.” For 25 years, the Foundation has been in business to serve as a charitable resource for local donors and corporations and to generate capital that provides philanthropic solutions to help make Kern County a better place to live, work, and visit. Since its establishment in 1999, we have been home to almost 200 charitable funds. We have awarded close to $30 million in grants and scholarships. For more information about Kern Community Foundation, visit kernfoundation.org.
