Executive Director

About League of Women Voters of California

The League of Women Voters of California (the League) is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights, build grassroots power in our communities, drive policy change on the biggest challenges facing our state, and ensure that everyone is represented in our democracy.

The League co-sponsors legislation and ballot measures to enact vital changes in California. The League has co-sponsored ballot propositions, including one that led to the creation of an independent citizens' redistricting commission and one that will reform recall elections scheduled to be on the ballot in 2026. The League has successfully supported legislation on a range of critical issues for Californians, such as the DISCLOSE Act, which increases transparency in campaign financing for ballot measures; the extension of the cap-and-trade program to address climate change; and the California Values Act, which prohibits local authorities from inquiring about immigration status during routine activities.

Through the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund, the League produces voter education tools such as the online voter guide Vote 411 and the Easy Voter Guide, available in five languages. These products, along with voter registration activities, reach millions of voters with the information they crave.

Learn more about League of Women Voters of California at www.lwvc.org

The Opportunity

The League has been a steadfast champion of democracy for 105 years, committed to amplifying every voice. As a nonpartisan force, it remains dedicated to protecting and strengthening democratic participation, regardless of political shifts. With new leadership, the League is entering an exciting chapter of growth and impact. Rooted in a legacy of civic-minded women driving change, it is now embracing a more diverse and inclusive future—bringing fresh energy and new opportunities to advance its mission.

Operating remotely, the League's small but dedicated team remains connected, resilient, and mission driven. More than just a job, this work is a calling. In a time of ongoing challenges, the League leads with conviction. The new Executive Director will guide these efforts, shaping the team's future and strengthening its voice.
When the League speaks, people listen. Its advocacy shapes policy, fosters collaboration, and drives meaningful change. Though remote, the team remains united through regular engagement, ensuring its impact continues to grow. Volunteers are the backbone of voter engagement and policy advocacy, and the Executive Director will play a pivotal role in strengthening this collaborative spirit.

Working closely with the Board of Directors and 60 local LWV associations, the new Executive Director will leverage their collective expertise and passion to advance the League's mission, drive key initiatives, and expand its influence statewide. By nurturing strong board relationships and aligning efforts with strategic goals, they will foster community engagement and drive impactful change.

The League is more than an organization—it is a movement, a legacy, and a relentless force for good, ready for bold leadership in its next era.

Candidate Profile

The Executive Director will be a dynamic and confident leader, excelling in relationship building, fundraising, and external engagement. Working closely with an engaged Board and dedicated staff, they will develop strategic fundraising plans, strengthen outreach and advocacy efforts, and uphold the organization's steadfast nonpartisan approach. By leveraging the expertise of staff and volunteers, the Executive Director will foster a collaborative, supportive culture that prioritizes professional development and inclusive decision-making.
The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:

Passion for the Mission

The Executive Director will be deeply committed to advancing the League's mission of empowering voters and defending democracy. Their passion for civic engagement and advocacy will align with the League's rich history of nonpartisan education and policy leadership. The Executive Director will be driven to protect voting rights, promote informed participation, and elevate underrepresented voices across California's diverse communities. They will bring a strong general knowledge of the legislative process and a collaborative spirit, demonstrating a diplomatic ability to listen and learn from others to build inclusive, effective strategies for change.

Strategic and Visionary Leader

With a clear vision for expanding the League's impact, the Executive Director will bring a forward-thinking mindset to advance the organization's mission in a rapidly evolving civic landscape. This leader will excel at developing and implementing strategic plans that advance policy initiatives and increase civic participation. With experience guiding teams through complex challenges, the Executive Director will leverage emerging technologies and inclusive outreach strategies, aligning efforts with the organization's values and goals to ensure the League remains a leading voice for democracy in California.

External Relations and Fundraising

Serving as a prominent face and voice of the organization, the Executive Director will champion the League's public presence, forging strong alliances with donors, partners, and community leaders. Skilled in developing impactful fundraising strategies, this leader will foster relationships that increase visibility and financial sustainability, actively pursuing partnerships with constituents, collaborators and funders. They will amplify the League's influence through effective community outreach, concentrating on cultivating, diversifying, and sustaining funding sources to drive the growth and sustainability of the organization's programs and influence.

Business Acumen, Board Relations, and Manager

The Executive Director will bring strong business acumen and deep expertise in nonprofit management, excelling in goal setting, fiscal oversight, and budget management. Partnering closely with the Board of Directors, they will provide timely financial reports, offer strategic recommendations, and support sound governance practices. Additionally, they will play a pivotal role in board development, identifying and recruiting new members to enhance capacity, diversify perspectives, and strengthen organizational leadership.
Adaptable and composed under pressure, the Executive Director will effectively manage shifting priorities, demonstrating sound judgment and steady leadership during times of change or challenge. Skilled in leading remote teams, they will set clear goals, monitor staff performance, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth. By prioritizing open communication and aligning team efforts with the League's mission, they will empower staff, promote work-life balance, and cultivate an inclusive environment where both individual and organizational success can thrive.

Excellent Relationship Builder, Communicator and Collaborator

The Executive Director will lead with responsiveness, warmth, and a supportive approach, prioritizing clear and effective communication in both written and verbal forms. With strong emotional intelligence, they will foster open, consistent dialogue with staff, volunteers, and the broader community.

Deeply appreciative of the League's volunteer culture, the Executive Director will recognize and honor the grassroots strength volunteers bring to the organization. They will champion a people-first, diplomatic leadership style—mentoring, inspiring, and empowering others to contribute their best efforts. Embodying a collaborative leadership approach, they will amplify staff voices, value diverse perspectives, and create an inclusive environment where lived experiences and expertise shape the League's impact.

Primary Responsibilities

Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to enhance the current vision and policies of the League.
Provide assistance and leadership in coordination with key staff and Board members in determining League policies and priorities.
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders including community and national leaders (including local league leadership), peer organizations, volunteers, advocates, and supporters.
Manage all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the League including staff management, internal and external communications, finance, and Board governance.
Manage systems, policies, and procedures that ensure cost-effective management, accurate budgeting, transparent fiscal oversight, and financial accounting practices of an annual operating budget in excess of $1 million.
Maintain financial controls and work with the Board of Directors and financial officers to assure best practices are followed.
Manage and mentor staff and volunteers, both directly and indirectly.
Drive and implement a full range of fundraising initiatives that assure diverse sources of contributed income.
Actively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from individuals, foundation grantors, corporate grantors, and family foundations and maintain a portfolio of these prospects and donors.
Manage grants administration.
Actively participate in the League community including engaging with local League volunteers, LWVUS leadership, and Executive Directors of state Leagues across the country.
Nurture relationships with all volunteers.
Other duties as required.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $140,000 - $150,000 with a generous benefits package.

Contact

Koya Partners has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at LWVC_ED@koyapartners.com. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.

Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email NonprofitSearchOps@divsearch.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
League of Women Voters of California is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

About Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group

Koya Partners, a Diversified Search Group company, is the nation's premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.

Diversified Search Group is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of "America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms" and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams. Learn more about Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group via the firm's website.

To apply, visit: https://www.dsgco.com/search/21945-lwvc-ed/