Executive Director

Overview

Executive Director Jobs in Sacramento, CA at California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA)

Title: Executive Director

Company: California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA)

Location: Sacramento, CA

Company Description

The California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA) is a statewide nonprofit association dedicated to strengthening California’s public agency risk financing joint powers authorities (JPAs) through advocacy, accreditation, education, and collaboration. Established to promote excellence and best practices in pooling, CAJPA provides a unified voice for risk financing JPAs across the state and offers members opportunities to engage in policy development, professional growth, and shared learning within the pooling community.

Role Description

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of CAJPA and is responsible for leading the organization’s strategic direction, operations, and external relations. Reporting directly to the CAJPA Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides leadership across all aspects of the association, including governance, legislative advocacy, member services, conference planning, and communications. This position is employed by the Association Management Company (AMC) and functions under the oversight of the CAJPA Board.

The Executive Director works within CAJPA’s established governance structure, under the direction of the Board of Directors. The Board sets organizational policy, strategic priorities, and overall direction, while the Executive Director is responsible for implementing Board-approved policies and initiatives and providing leadership for the day-to-day management of the association. Committees support the Board and Executive Director in an advisory capacity, and administrative and operational services are provided through the Association Management Company (AMC).

CAJPA anticipates this to be a part-time position (approximately 20 hours a week) starting July 1, 2026, if a successful candidate is identified. Interested candidates must respond by April 8, 2026, by 5pm PST with resume/cover letter sent directly to [email protected]. Please include salary requirements. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Leadership and Governance

• Implement the strategic direction and priorities established by the CAJPA Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Board, offering guidance on emerging issues affecting pooling, public agency governance, and risk management.
• Coordinate all Board and committee meetings, including agendas, reports, and follow-up actions.
• Committee activities are conducted under the authority of the Board of Directors, with the Executive Director supporting and coordinating committee work to advance CAJPA’s goals.
• Maintain compliance with CAJPA’s bylaws, policies, and accreditation standards.
• Ensure the Board receives timely, accurate, and relevant information for decision-making.

2. Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy

• Serve as CAJPA’s primary representative and spokesperson before state and federal legislators, regulatory agencies, and allied organizations.
• Collaborate with CAJPA’s legislative advocates to monitor, analyze, and communicate legislative or regulatory developments impacting risk financing JPAs.
• Develop and promote CAJPA’s legislative agenda in collaboration with the Board and committees.
• Strengthen relationships with key policymakers, associations, and partners to advance CAJPA’s mission.
• Conducts advocacy efforts in alignment with Board-adopted legislative priorities and in coordination with CAJPA’s legislative advocates.
• Ensures that advocacy activities are carried out in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations and that the Board is kept informed of significant developments.

3. Strategic and Program Development

• Lead implementation of CAJPA’s strategic plan, ensuring measurable progress toward organizational goals.
• Identify opportunities for program and partnership growth consistent with CAJPA’s purpose.
• Evaluate existing programs and services to ensure continued relevance, quality, and value to members.
• Oversee initiatives that support accreditation, education, and best practices for member JPAs.

4. Annual Conference and Education Oversight

• Provide executive leadership for CAJPA’s Annual Conference, coordinating with staff, committees, and event partners to ensure a successful and mission-aligned program.
• Oversee development of educational content, keynote speakers, and sponsorship engagement.
• Support year-round professional development and networking opportunities for members.
• Ensure that events reflect CAJPA’s values, professionalism, and commitment to member service.

5. Member and Stakeholder Engagement

• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with CAJPA members, committees, and partner organizations.
• Communicate regularly with members regarding legislative updates, training opportunities, and industry developments.
• Represent CAJPA at industry conferences, meetings, and forums to enhance visibility and thought leadership.
• Promote a culture of transparency, responsiveness, and inclusion across the association.

6. Administrative and Financial Coordination

• Oversee day-to-day administrative and operational functions in collaboration with AMC administrative and accounting staff.
• Prepare and present, in partnership with AMC accounting staff, annual budgets, financial reports, and program updates to the Board.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance with established financial policies and controls.
• Manage contracts, vendors, and consultants in support of CAJPA’s objectives.
• Directs and coordinates the work of AMC staff, consultants, and vendors engaged in support of CAJPA’s programs and services.

7. Communications and Public Relations

• Serve as CAJPA’s primary spokesperson to members, media, and the public.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality communications across digital platforms, publications, and presentations.
• Elevate CAJPA’s brand and advocacy voice within the pooling community and the broader public agency sector.

8. Other Duties as Assigned

• Perform additional tasks, projects, or responsibilities as directed by the Board of Directors or Executive Committee in support of CAJPA’s mission.

9. Performance Accountability

• The Executive Director is accountable to the CAJPA Board of Directors and is evaluated based on progress toward Board-approved goals, strategic priorities, and organizational objectives.
• Carries out responsibilities consistent with this role and does not independently establish CAJPA policy or perform functions assigned to external professionals or the Association Management Company.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in public administration, business, law, or related field preferred.

Minimum Required Knowledge and Experience:

• Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in risk pooling, joint powers authority administration, or a related public-sector organization.
• Demonstrated success in legislative advocacy, organizational leadership, and member relations.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, direct staff or contractors, and implement board-approved initiatives.
• Strong public speaking, writing, and presentation skills, with experience engaging elected officials and public sector leaders.
• Experience supporting or managing a volunteer board of directors and multiple committees.

Preferred Knowledge and Experience:

• Familiarity with the structure and operations of joint powers authorities, pooling programs, and public entity governance.
• Experience in association management, education program development, and event leadership.
• Understanding of California’s legislative process and public-sector regulations relevant to pooling.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid California driver’s license and ability to travel statewide and periodically out of state.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to set direction, align stakeholders, and translate vision into measurable results.
• Relationship Management: Builds trust and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including boards, legislators, and partner organizations.
• Communication: Exceptional written and oral communication skills with ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Advocacy and Political Acumen: Demonstrated ability to navigate the legislative and regulatory environment effectively.
• Organizational Management: Skilled in planning, budgeting, delegation, and performance oversight.
• Public Speaking and Facilitation: Confident and engaging presenter in large and small group settings.
• Innovation and Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying challenges and implementing creative, effective solutions.
• Commitment to Service: Embodies CAJPA’s member-driven values and dedication to advancing public agency risk pooling.

WORK STANDARDS

• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
• Conduct oneself with professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
• Demonstrate accountability, reliability, and responsiveness in all interactions.
• Effectively manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Represent CAJPA and AMC in a positive and professional manner.
• Work collaboratively as part of a high-performing team environment.
• Travel regularly to meetings, conferences, and member events as required.

CAJPA anticipates this to be a part-time position (approximately 20 hours a week) starting July 1, 2026, if a successful candidate is identified. Interested candidates must respond by April 8, 2026, by 5pm PST with resume/cover letter sent directly to [email protected]. Please include salary requirements.