Executive Director

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) activates Jobs With Justice San Francisco’s mission, centering coalition-building and shared power to advance social justice. Leading alongside a dedicated staff, the ED drives organizational strategy and sustainable growth. This is a pivotal opportunity to bridge governance and grassroots action, strengthening the vital infrastructure and fundraising needed to scale our movement's impact.

This is a full-time, exempt position, reporting to the Co-chairs of the Board of Directors, and will supervise a staff of 3- 6 people.

Our Mission & Movement

Jobs With Justice San Francisco (JWJSF) is a multi-racial coalition of labor unions, worker centers, and community organizations working to build power with and for working people. We believe that economic, racial, and gender justice are deeply interconnected. Our work brings together diverse communities, including immigrants, Black and Brown workers, tenants, and historically marginalized groups, to advance systems change rooted in dignity, equity, and collective power. At JWJSF, you’ll join a values-driven coalition, lead alongside the community, and contribute to a collaborative, sustainable movement for long-term change.

The Kind of Leader We’re Seeking

You may be a strong fit if you:

• Are deeply committed to economic, racial, and social justice
• Lead with emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and reflection
• Build relationships grounded in trust, empathy, and accountability
• Are comfortable navigating ambiguity, change, and complexity
• Listen deeply and communicate clearly across diverse audiences
• Value collaboration, shared leadership, and collective success
• Bring adaptability, creativity, and resilience to fast-moving environments
• Lead and strengthen coalitions through collaboration and shared purpose

Relevant Expertise

• Have 5 to 8+ years of senior leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit, labor union, or worker center
• Ability to cultivate authentic, values-aligned relationships with funders, coalition members, and community partners
• Strong understanding of nonprofit governance, budgeting, financial oversight, and sustainable organizational operations
• We value lived experience, community connection, and non-traditional career paths as much as formal titles or years of experience.

Key Skills & Knowledge

We recognize that candidates bring a wide range of lived and professional experiences. If you connect with many of the areas below, we encourage you to apply.

Movement & Coalition Leadership

• Experience working in or alongside labor unions, community organizing, or social justice movements
• Ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders, identities, and power dynamics
• Skilled in navigating complexity, conflict, and shared decision-making
• Facilitate inclusive member engagement in shaping coalition priorities and policy positions
• Build shared agenda and strategy across the coalition with E-board and Leadership Team
• Manage relationships with coalition members (Steering Committee & Executive Board), including check-ins and conflict resolution

Board Partnership & Governance

• Build collaborative relationships with the Executive Board, Executive Committee, and Steering Committee in support of transparent governance and shared leadership
• Coordinate meetings, board processes, and member engagement with strong attention to communication, accountability, and follow-through
• Understanding of nonprofit governance, compliance, and organizational policies, including bylaws, legal requirements, and Collective Bargaining Agreements

Strategic & Systems Thinking

• Skilled at co-creating and guiding long and short-term strategies in dynamic environments
• Experience aligning multiple stakeholders around shared goals
• Comfort working within evolving and emergent strategies
• Coordinate long- and short-term strategies, including campaign planning and responsive decision-making

People-Centered Leadership

• Demonstrated ability to manage, support, coach, and develop staff and teams
• Commitment to cultivating an inclusive, accountable, and supportive workplace culture
• Awareness of power, positionality, privilege, and equity in leadership practice

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Lead fundraising strategies, including prospecting, funder relations and grant management related to foundations, grassroots initiatives, and individual giving
• Ability to build meaningful relationships with funders and partners

Organizational Stewardship

• Experience overseeing or contributing to organizational operations (finance, budgeting, HR, compliance, etc.)
• Ability to balance big-picture vision with day-to-day management needs
• Responsible for cultivating a healthy and productive staff culture

Benefits

JWJSF offers an excellent benefits package currently including:

• Paid vacation that starts with 3 weeks for new employees and increases thereafter
• Additional paid leave during a scheduled 2 week winter break
• 401(k) Employer contributions begin after one year at 3% of salary and increase annually by 1% to a maximum of 12%, with no employee match required.
• 100% employer-paid premiums for high quality family healthcare, vision and dental coverage through our union health and welfare fund

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

JWJSF is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates of all abilities to apply.

• Work involves a combination of computer-based tasks, virtual communication, and in-person meetings
• Role includes regular engagement in community spaces, events, and meetings across the Bay Area
• Some evening or weekend participation may be needed, with flexibility and support provided
• Travel within the Bay Area is expected; additional travel may occur occasionally
• Some activities may involve moving or carrying materials

Accommodations

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process and during employment. If you require support with any of the above, we welcome conversation to ensure access and success in this role.

Commitment to Equity

JWJSF is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans and those from diverse backgrounds. Consistent with San Francisco’s Fair Chance Ordinance, JWJSF will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to be thoughtful, transparent, and respectful of candidates’ time. It typically includes an initial screening conversation, one to two interviews with staff and coalition leadership, and a final conversation with representatives from the Board. We aim to share clear expectations at each stage and provide updates throughout the process.

How to Apply

JWJSF has partnered with The Arora Collective to lead the search for its next Executive Director. Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and brief cover letter outlining their interest in the role, relevant leadership experience, and connection to JWJSF’s mission. Applications may be submitted through LinkedIn or emailed to apply@thearoracollective.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled.