Overview
Executive Director Jobs in San Francisco, USA at California Preservation Foundation
Location: San Francisco, CA
Type: Full Time
Sector: Nonprofit / Advocacy
The California Preservation Foundation seeks a forward-thinking Executive Director who is committed to expanding the story of preservation and ensuring that CPF’s programs reflect the full range of the state’s people, cultures, and experiences.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CALIFORNIA PRESERVATION FOUNDATION
Salary: $120,000–$150,000, commensurate with experience
Key Responsibilities
Vision and Leadership
The California Preservation Foundation seeks a forward-thinking Executive Director who is committed to expanding the story of preservation and ensuring that CPF’s programs reflect the full range of the state’s people, cultures, and experiences.
- Advance CPF’s mission by positioning historic preservation as essential to California’s environmental sustainability, housing, and economic goals.
- Champion policies that protect and adapt California’s diverse cultural resources while expanding recognition of underrepresented communities and histories.
- Inspire and guide a passionate community of more than 20,000 supporters, including professionals, advocates, students, and partners across California and the nation.
- Elevate CPF’s role as a national thought leader in inclusive, community-centered preservation.
Organizational and Fiscal Management
This leader is a proven administrator with a deep understanding of nonprofit governance and operations, who understands both nonprofit culture and political environments. This individual has experience collaborating and effectively working with the Board of Trustees and values shared leadership and transparent decision-making.
- Oversee operations and a dedicated team (currently two professional staff), fostering growth, collaboration, and leadership development.
- Develop and manage annual budgets, grants, and financial reporting to ensure transparency and fiscal health.
- Cultivate partnerships that expand CPF’s capacity through innovative funding strategies, sponsor ships, and collaborative programs.
Board Engagement
- Partner with the active Board of Trustees and its committees to shape strategic direction and statewide impact.
- Support governance, committee work, and board development with clarity, responsiveness, and a shared, mission-driven vision.
Advocacy and Public Presence
The ideal candidate is an active member of the California historic preservation community, with meaningful involvement in preservation issues at the local, state, and/or national level. They possess a strong understanding of California’s preservation laws, public-sector infrastructure, and policy environment, along with experience advocating for preservation priorities and influencing decision-makers.
- Serve as CPF’s public voice—conveying preservation’s role in shaping more livable, equitable communities.
- Work closely with policymakers in Sacramento and across California to influence preservation-related legislation, planning, and regulatory frameworks.
- Build relationships with allied organizations, state and national agencies, cultural leaders, and networks to amplify CPF’s advocacy reach and reputation.
Programs, Education, and Next-Generation Leadership
The Executive Director brings a deep appreciation for how history, place, and power intersect and understands that preservation efforts are strongest when they engage communities that have not always been centered or represented. They are committed to broadening participation, welcoming new voices, and fostering stronger relationships across California’s diverse regions and communities.
- Oversee CPF’s flagship events—the California Preservation Conference, Preservation Design Awards, and Doors Open California—and guide a robust calendar of workshops, webinars, and training programs.
- Expand CPF’s educational impact by connecting historic preservation to climate resilience, disaster recovery, and cultural inclusion in communities of all sizes.
- Lead CPF’s commitment to mentoring emerging leaders by:
- Integrating student and early-career tracks, volunteer roles, and leadership opportunities into programs and events.
Title: Executive Director
Company: California Preservation Foundation
Location: San Francisco, USA
Category:
