President & Chief Executive Officer

What We Do

We empower kids to lead healthy, productive lives through our focus on three key areas: 1) Providing safe and fun places for kids to grow and thrive, 2) Delivering engaging programs focused on academics, health, and leadership, and 3) Offering trained staff who guide, coach, and motivate kids to be successful. Established in 1979, the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos (the Club) is part of a nationwide movement of independent community-based organizations working to help youth of all backgrounds develop the qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders. We are committed to serving the needs of youth, ages 6 to 18, during the critical hours when they are out of school and away from parental supervision, ensuring they receive what they need most: a safe environment where they can have fun and be themselves, adult role models who respect and listen to them, and interesting, constructive educational and recreational activities that channel youthful energy into challenging and productive pursuits. With a $5.5M operating budget and 120 dedicated staff members, the Club proudly serves over 3,000 San Marcos youth across 14 sites, including schools, affordable housing communities, and two standalone clubs, each year. Most of our youth are from low-income families of color in San Marcos and neighboring communities, with an average of 2,000 children participating in our programs each day. The clubs are the only site-based programs serving youth within the entire city of San Marcos, with deep relationships across the community, including elected officials, government agencies, and businesses.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

The Club is guided by a remarkable executive team dedicated to fostering inclusivity, transparency, and growth, creating a safe and supportive environment for our staff, youth, and families alike. With a deeply engaged 15-member Board of Directors, some serving for over 12 years, we uphold our history while encouraging innovation and growth. Our current CEO, Cathy Baur, has built an incredible legacy at the Club, dramatically scaling our operations, building programmatic excellence, and increasing overall funding. As we plan for Cathy’s retirement in November, the board is embarking on a national President & CEO search to identify a talented new leader to take us into our next chapter. Detailed further in the next section, it is critical this candidate embody our core values of care, fun, inspiration, safety, inclusiveness, and trust.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary – $150,000 - $180,000
• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• Disability and life insurance
• 401(k)
• PTO: 120 hours paid time off, 48 hours paid sick time, 11 paid holidays
• Monthly cell phone allowance
• Reduced cost summer camp and day camps for dependents

LOCATION

This is a hands-on role based at our branch in San Marcos, although the CEO will have some flexibility with both work schedule and location, based on business needs.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to our Board of Directors and supervising two direct reports (VP of Operations and VP of Development & Marketing), the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will shape our strategic vision, oversee programmatic excellence, and lead our ongoing growth. The CEO will assume overall responsibility for the Club’s $5.5M operating budget, a team of 120 staff, and our programs across 14 sites. Collaborating closely with our VP of Development & Marketing on fundraising and stewardship initiatives, the CEO will cultivate robust community connections to bolster the Club’s visibility, influence, and resources. Serving as the Club’s public spokesperson, they will authentically convey the Club’s mission and impact. This is an excellent opportunity for an authentic leader who is excited to build on our incredible legacy and ensure the Club is well-positioned to meet the needs of our community now and into the future.

Strategic priorities for the first 12 months include:

• Continue to expand and deepen the Club’s relationships within San Marcos and across the North County San Diego community.
• Spend time getting to know each of the Club’s sites and programs.
• Meet extensively with staff and board members to develop trusting relationships.
• Support funding diversification efforts, including planning for the next funding and operational phase of our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program and ASES.
• Support talent development and retention strategies, including preparing the organization for new minimum wage requirements to ensure compliance and meeting budgetary and staffing requirements.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning & Program Development

• Ensure the effective operation and delivery of programs and services that are consistent with the organization’s commitment to a comprehensive, holistic approach to youth development.
• Develop and implement innovative ways to grow membership and programming.
• Assure program quality and consistency, building on gains, and exploring opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Leverage technology and data to track measurable outcomes, refine programs, and inform strategies.

Community Engagement & Fundraising

• Build authentic relationships with all stakeholders including Club members and families, staff, board members, prospective and existing donors, volunteers, community leaders, elected officials, and media to advance our mission.
• Work closely with the San Marcos Unified School District to facilitate programs and ensure the needs of students and parents are being met.
• Partner with the Vice President of Development & Marketing on fundraising and stewardship efforts, overseeing the planning and implementation of all fundraising strategies (e.g., capital campaigns, planned giving, major gifts, annual giving, and special events).
• Manage a personal pipeline of strategic donors, making solicitations and stewarding gifts.
• Lead the Board in assessing organizational readiness to launch a comprehensive campaign.

Board Relations

• Collaborate with the board in developing a strategic plan and operational goals for the Club.
• Develop an effective and motivated board, including recruitment, training, and engagement to help the Club achieve its programmatic goals and fundraising targets.
• Guide, support, and serve the board in establishing and developing policies, procedures, budgets, and programs.

Leadership & Management

• Ensure team members have appropriate KPIs in place for their position and experience level.
• Lead collaboratively, bringing staff and stakeholders into the strategic vision, and promoting a high degree of transparency.
• Partner with the Club’s leadership team to oversee all staffing activities including recruiting, training, and evaluation of both paid and volunteer staff.

Operations

• Monitor and approve the Club's program services to ensure the achievement of our mission and goals.
• Develop and manage the Club’s budget, ensuring fiscal discipline and financial integrity.
• Ensure operating policies, programmatic commitments, financial standards, and legal requirements are met.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

• Committed to the Club’s mission, with a passion for moving young people forward.
• Successful experience and expertise in strategic planning, board and volunteer engagement, fundraising, change management, team collaboration, talent development, and mentoring.
• Demonstrated executive-level leadership experience within a nonprofit organization, or senior-level corporate experience coupled with extensive volunteer experience at the board level.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong listening and interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience building and cultivating effective external partnerships and relationships.
• Business acumen – formidable skills in budgeting, reporting, and operations; gives attention to both short-term and long-term objectives.