Summary
Description
The Krishnamurti Foundation of America (KFA) is an irrevocable, non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable trust founded in 1969 by J. Krishnamurti, the renowned 20th-century philosopher, speaker, author, and educator. Based in Ojai, California, KFA’s core mission is to preserve and disseminate Krishnamurti’s teachings—that distinct body of his talks, dialogues, and writings that centrally engage with his singular, lifelong concern: a fundamental exploration of the human potential for unconditional freedom and the transformation of consciousness.
KFA serves as a repository of Krishnamurti’s complete works—including audio, video, and written materials—and makes these resources widely available through archives, publications, digital platforms, and educational programs. The Foundation operates the Krishnamurti Center, which provides places for contemplative study and inquiry, offering libraries, dialogues, other programs and residential retreats; and Oak Grove School, an independent K–12 school founded on and guided by Krishnamurti’s educational vision. As part of a global network of Krishnamurti foundations, KFA works closely with sister organizations in the U.K., India, and Latin America. Its work is sustained by donors, volunteers, and individuals committed to self-inquiry, human transformation, and holistic education.
KFA currently operates with a total annual budget of approximately $8.7 million—comprising $1.7 million for the Krishnamurti Center and $7 million for the Oak Grove School; a total investment portfolio of approximately $10.7 million; and a combined staff of 83—23 at the Center, and 70 at the School.
THE CURRENT CONTEXT
We are at an important juncture in the Foundation’s journey. Our current Executive Director is stepping down after a successful 14-year tenure marked by organizational growth, expanded outreach, and financial stability. The Board of Trustees seeks a new Executive Director who will build on this groundwork, sustain organizational integrity, and lead with vision into a time of continued relevance, accessibility, and innovation in how Krishnamurti’s teachings are shared and engaged with worldwide.
Key areas of focus for coming years include:
- Preserving the authenticity and integrity of Krishnamurti’s teachings in a rapidly changing world.
- Expanding access and engagement through digital platforms.
- Strengthening staff engagement and enriching organizational culture and institutional resilience.
- Enhancing collaboration with international Krishnamurti foundations.
- Building long-term financial sustainability.
THE OPPORTUNITY
KFA is seeking a reflective and capable individual to serve as its next Executive Director. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Krishnamurti’s work. The Executive Director will work closely with a supportive Board of Trustees and experienced staff to ensure that the Foundation remains a vibrant, responsive, and mission-aligned presence in the world.
CORE QUALITIES AND CAPABILITIES
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strengths across five core domains:
Mission Alignment
- Deep understanding and appreciation of Krishnamurti’s work, without assuming interpretive authority.
- Capacity to preserve the integrity of the Foundation’s purpose while remaining responsive to a changing world.
Leadership and Judgment
- Demonstrated ability to lead with clarity, discernment, and steadiness—especially in complex or evolving circumstances.
- Sound judgment and integrity in decision-making, grounded in an ethos of service.
- Delegates appropriately and promotes distributed leadership.
- Actively seeks and is receptive to feedback—particularly critical feedback—and is committed to reflective learning.
Communication and Relationships
- Articulate and measured communicator, attentive to tone and meaning in both writing and conversation.
- Highly skilled in listening with attention and engaging effectively across diverse perspectives.
- Builds and sustains trusting relationships with internal and external stakeholders—including trustees, staff, donors, and international partners.
Organizational Sensibility
- Strong strategic and operational thinking—able to connect vision to practical execution.
- Sensitive to interpersonal and institutional dynamics; able to promote a collaborative and supportive culture.
- Supports clear roles and expectations; fosters shared accountability.
Adaptability and Innovation
- Embraces the role of technology and digital platforms in enhancing impact.
- Balances innovation with fidelity to the Foundation’s core purpose.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Mission Stewardship and Strategic Leadership
- Serve as the Foundation’s principal executive officer and public representative, ensuring clarity, coherence, and integrity in communicating and implementing its mission.
- Uphold the Foundation’s philosophical identity and core intent.
- Translate board-approved strategies into actionable plans.
- Foster long-term vision and relevance across generations.
Operational Oversight and Financial Stewardship
- Provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of KFA’s operations, including programs, facilities, finances, and administrative functions.
- Ensure legal, financial, and regulatory compliance, while managing budgets and resources with transparency, care, and alignment with the Foundation’s values.
- Monitor and evaluate the reach, integrity, and effectiveness of programs; foster a culture of learning and reflective improvement.
Staff Management and Organizational Culture
- Supervise and support staff with attentiveness to professional growth, team cohesion, and a mission-aligned organizational culture.
- Establish formal performance management systems, including annual reviews and professional development planning.
- Implement systematic communication protocols that establish transparency and inclusiveness.
Governance and Board Relations
- Report to and work with the Board of Trustees to shape and implement strategic direction that aligns with the Foundation’s priorities.
- Maintain strong communication and partnership with the Board, supporting its governance role through timely updates, strategic input, and well-reasoned reflections.
External Relations and Community Engagement
- Cultivate relationships with donors and supporters; lead fund development and communication efforts that reflect the Foundation’s ethos and tone.
- Coordinate and collaborate with sister Krishnamurti foundations in India, the UK, and Latin America on shared priorities and mutual support.
- Serve as communication liaison between the KFA Board of Trustees and the Oak Grove School Board members, supporting alignment while respecting the school’s governance structure.
Educational and Programmatic Leadership
- Support programs and dialogues inspired by Krishnamurti’s teachings.
- Oversee preservation, digitization, and accessibility of archival materials.
NOTE: The KFA Executive Director does not manage the operations or the budget of Oak Grove School. That responsibility lies with the Oak Grove School Board and the Head of School. The Executive Director serves as the liaison between the KFA Board and the OGS Board to promote communication and coordination where appropriate.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The annual salary for the position ranges between $90,000 and $120,000, depending on qualifications and experience. In exceptional cases, compensation may fall outside the posted range. The position also provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid vacation, and participation in a retirement savings plan. Additional benefits may include professional development support and relocation assistance, as appropriate.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
- Cover letter outlining interest in the position and your relevant experience in relation to the responsibilities and qualities described above.
- Current resume or CV.
- Short essay (maximum 500 words), written entirely in your own words and conveying your own understanding and perspective. Please do not use artificial intelligence (AI) language models, AI tools, or any other technological assistance in composing your response.
The essay should address both of the following prompts:
Part 1: Share your understanding of the core tenets of Krishnamurti’s teachings, as you would explain them to someone unfamiliar with his work. You are not expected to summarize the full content of the teachings, but rather to convey—as clearly and systematically as possible—what they are fundamentally about.
Part 2: Reflect on how your leadership style aligns with the values implicit in Krishnamurti’s teachings, particularly in relation to fostering a constructive, engaged, adaptable, inclusive, and reflexive organizational culture.
The two parts of the essay need not be of equal length; you are free to decide how much emphasis to give each part within the overall word limit.
TO APPLY
To apply for this position please submit all required materials using the application provided below, and complete the embedded questionnaire.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning on September 30, 2025. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by that date.
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references.
For questions, please contact the KFA Executive Leadership Transition Committee at edsearch@kfa.org. All applications and inquiries will be treated with confidentiality.
Preference will be given to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. While the KFA may consider applicants requiring visa sponsorship, successful sponsorship for this role may be challenging due to immigration limitations for nonprofit executive positions.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The Krishnamurti Foundation of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences who are aligned with the Foundation’s mission and values.
