Overview
President & Chief Executive Officer Jobs in San Diego, California, USA at Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC)
WHAT WE DO
UPAC is a multicultural beacon of hope for all underserved communities in San Diego. With an annual operating budget of $18M and a dedicated team fluent in over 30 languages, we deliver more than 18 programs across 10 office sites and more than 20 schools each year, serving nearly 6,000 individuals. Our comprehensive programs encompass mental health, addiction recovery, housing counseling,
community engagement
, business development, and cultural competency
education
.
OUR HISTORY
Since our founding over 50 years ago, our mission remains steadfast: to strengthen and empower
diverse
, underserved, and vulnerable communities in San Diego. Every day, our team works to unite people across cultures while empowering individuals and strengthening communities toward self-sufficiency. In 1974, Beverly Yip and six Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community leaders founded the Unions of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) to address the urgent need for cultural adjustment and language assistance programs in San Diego, breaking barriers to essential services for impoverished, elderly, and limited-English-speaking residents.
As waves of refugees from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia arrived with complex health, behavioral health, and housing needs, UPAC expanded its offerings to include culturally and linguistically tailored services. Today, we are extremely proud to serve community members from around the world who have chosen to make San Diego their home.
LEADERSHIP
& CULTURE
As a trusted service provider in San Diego, UPAC is guided by an engaged board of five dedicated community leaders deeply committed to our mission. UPAC’s culture of connection and cultural competency is at the heart of everything we do – honoring, respecting, and empowering the
diverse
communities we serve.
For the past 35 years, President & CEO Margaret Iwanaga Penrose has been the visionary force behind our remarkable growth and transformation. Under her
leadership
, UPAC grew and evolved from an API-focused organization into a multicultural agency serving all underserved communities in San Diego. Margaret’s tireless dedication has touched countless lives, achieving milestones that define UPAC’s legacy of
compassion
and impact.
As Margaret plans her retirement in 2025, UPAC has launched a national search for its next President & CEO. This is a rare opportunity to build upon a legacy of
compassion
,
innovation
, and transformative
community impact
.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
• Salary – $185,000 – $215,000
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• ROTH/403B with an employer match
• PTO:
Accrued paid days off including sick days, 14 paid holidays, 1 floating holiday
LOCATION
This is an in-person role based at UPAC’s administrative office (1031 25th Street, San Diego, CA 92102).
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Board of Directors and supervising seven direct reports (CFO, HR Manager, four Vice Presidents, and a consultant), the President & CEO will shape UPAC’s
strategic vision
, program excellence, and
sustainability
. Overseeing an $18M budget, 209 staff, and 18 programs, they will ensure
impactful
programs and operations while fostering
collaboration
with the board and team to enhanc…
Title: President & Chief Executive Officer
Company: Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC)
Location: San Diego, California, USA
Category: Management, Non-Profit & Social Impact
