Kern Community Foundation seeks Chief Executive Officer
Role Summary
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.
All inquiries should be directed to CEOSearch@kernfoundation.org.