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.
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.
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) 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.
Links for Life, is seeking a Development Manager who will build strong community relationships with local businesses, organizations, and volunteers to build support for Links for Life. The position requires strong initiative and independent judgment. In addition, the Development Manager is responsible for assisting in all aspects of financial support for Links for Life programs and services. This position assists the Executive Director with the annual budget and is responsible for developing a comprehensive plan for raising support during the year. Responsibilities include developing project budgets, event coordination, and assisting in identifying high donor prospects. This position assists the Patient Advocate with training volunteers on a year-round basis. Education • B.A./B.S. preferred with an emphasis or concentration in nonprofit management, business, marketing, public relations or related field. • Two to five years of professional development and fund-raising experience. • Experience and contacts in Kern County are a plus. Please submit resume and letter of interest to jobs@PASassociates.com. Post-offer background check will be conducted. 35 hours/week Pay Range – $65,000 – $69,000 per year EOE Click Here for Full Description
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, nearly 170 local youth have been served. Targeting individuals aged 18 to 30, the Program offers temporary paid positions that instill essential skills and foster meaningful career pathways. Participants engage in hands-on experiences within the City of Bakersfield or local nonprofit organizations with a focus on public service and regional prosperity.
Job Summary: The Program Specialist 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. Responsibilities include participant selection, conducting site visits, facilitating regular development workshops, weekly check-in phone calls with program participants, and documenting progress and casework notes. The PS will work closely with City staff where youth are placed, partner nonprofit organizations, an advisory board of community organizations, and other stakeholders. This position is eligible for remote-hybrid work.
Save the Date for Give Big Kern 2024, Tuesday, May 7, 2024!!
The much-anticipated Give Big Kern 2023 Community Report has arrived, and it’s time to celebrate the incredible achievements of this year’s event! In the report, you will see the highlights, prize winners, and the impact made possible by our generous sponsors and donors.
Gratitude to Sponsors and Donors:
We extend our gratitude to all our sponsors and donors who made Give Big Kern 2023 possible. Your generosity and commitment to our community are truly remarkable. Without your support, none of this would have been achievable. Every dollar raised has a direct and lasting impact on local nonprofits and the people they serve.
A Record-Breaking Year:
One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s report is the astounding figure: GBK 2023 raised a grand total of $965,839 for local participating nonprofits! This remarkable achievement reflects the collective effort and passion of our community. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of those who rely on the services provided by these nonprofits.
Share the Report and Inspire Others:
We encourage you to share this report with others, especially nonprofit organizations that may not have participated in GBK before. By sharing Give Big Kern, we hope to inspire even more organizations to join us next year. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more vibrant Kern County.
Click on the image or link above to access our 2022 Report to the Community.
In this report you will view the highlights and prize winners! Thank you to all the sponsors and donors!
This year we raised $885,235 for local participating nonprofits!
Please share this report with others- especially with other nonprofits, to encourage those who have yet participated in Give Big Kern to consider doing so next year.
Save the Date for Give Big Kern 2023 May 2, 2023!!
