POSITION SOLICITATION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Reports to: La Luz Center Board of Directors
Location: Sonoma, California
Organization: Non-profit 501(c)(3)
Since its founding in 1985, La Luz Center (LLC) has become the primary resource in Sonoma Valley for disadvantaged families seeking opportunities to improve their lives and achieve economic self-sufficiency. The La Luz Center is a hub and sanctuary for
those seeking assistance with basic needs but also offers enhanced programs that further support economic advancement, personal empowerment, and engagement in the community.
While La Luz Center programs and services are available to all in need, Latinx families represent our largest client population. La Luz bilingual services and community outreach activities primarily serve low income clients and have been particularly vital during the past 4 years when immigration issues, wildfires and the pandemic have converged on our community. Many of our clients are employed in industries that drive the economic vitality in the Valley and yet were hardest hit by these events—tourism, hospitality, and the agricultural sector.
The broad range of services at La Luz are delivered directly through LLC programs and through strong partnerships with other local, County, State and Federal organizations providing health, education, legal, employment training, and disaster relief services.
Ensures residents in Sonoma Valley can improve their lives and strengthen their
families by providing easily accessible family services, effective child-parent development programs, and culturally relevant mental health services.
Builds a pathway to a strong middle class through skill building programs that level the economic playing field for low-income families and through financing small business and entrepreneurial ventures in Sonoma Valley.
Engages Sonoma Valley residents in building a resilient and more inclusive community through community-civic activities that strengthen communications and connection between the Latinx and broader community.
The La Luz Center campus is located in the Sonoma Springs community. La Luz also
operates a Family Resource Center (FRC) at El Verano elementary school, an early
childhood education program (AVANCE) at Hanna Boys Center and service hubs at affordable housing centers. La Luz hosts community events (live and remote) that celebrate Latinx history and culture to help build cultural bridges and mutual understanding and a unified sense of community throughout the entire Sonoma Valley. The LLC Community Engagement team also actively participates in community initiatives to advocate and ensure the priorities of Latinx and low-income families are represented.
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and has responsibility for
planning and directing all functions and day to day operations of the organization:
Fundraising, Financial Management, Organizational Development, Community Relations and Outreach, Staffing and Human Resources, Operations and Administration
and Board Relations.
Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the ED helps set the mission, vision and
values of the organization. This includes working with the Board to develop the strategic
plan and direction for the organization. The ED is responsible for implementation plans and keeping the Board informed of progress on strategic plan milestones.
A primary ED responsibility is establishing a strong partnership with the Board and
Staff to secure sustainable income sources and deliver relevant programs to ensure the
economic well-being and advancement of families in Sonoma Valley. A top priority of
the new ED will be to develop the staff and infrastructure to increase the impact of new and existing programs, while maintaining responsiveness to changing community needs and preserving the core principles of hope, empathy, passion and love for community
that are central to the organization’s identity and success.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
broader community
and outcomes
leaders and other non-profits
other legal and governmental regulations and reporting requirements
community needs and LLC activities and program results
Maintain all La Luz Facilities and plan for facilities needed to support La Luz programs
CANDIDATE PROFILE:
The LLC Executive Director will be an experienced, dynamic, bilingual and bicultural leader with exceptional interpersonal skills. They will be a team builder with expertise in
fundraising, organizational development, financial and program management and
community relations. They will exhibit excellent communication skills and a collaborative management style. They will bring examples of successes with building a talented
staff, strong partnerships and collaborative Board relationships.
Successful candidates will demonstrate a connection with La Luz Center’s mission and
enthusiasm for the work of LLC. They will have broad understanding of the issues facing Latinx families as well as a deep appreciation for the history and contributions of
the Latinx community.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
skills in both languages
environment
personal cultivation of donor relationships and in the securing of foundation and government
grants
successes
donor contributions
levels
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
donor management systems
OTHER DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS:
APPLICATION PROCESS:
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit an electronic version of your resume and cover letter to cvnl.org/executive-search.