Summary
Description
We believe in the power of cooperation to build more just, sustainable, and democratic communities. The California Center for Cooperative Development (CCCD) is dedicated to the development, growth, and support of cooperative businesses. For almost two decades, CCCD has provided technical assistance, education, and resources to support cooperatives, foster economic democracy, and cultivate community resilience and sustainable development across California. We work with many cooperative sectors, including housing, childcare, agriculture, worker, electric, and consumer, and we connect the various sectors and industries to one another. Now, CCCD is entering an exciting new chapter and we’re looking for our next Executive Director to help shape the future of cooperative development in California.
This position requires a visionary leader with a passion for cooperative development, strong organizational management skills, and the ability to enhance our financial base, including the continued transition to increased funding from philanthropic grants and individual donors, as well as the maintenance and cultivation of organizational partnerships with diverse communities and sectors. The Executive Director is CCCD’s chief executive officer and is responsible for the overall leadership, fundraising, management, and strategic direction of the organization. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and key stakeholders to advance the mission of CCCD.
As a 501(c)3 California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation, the California Center for Cooperative Development's purpose is "to foster and promote statewide understanding of cooperatives and how they can be used to address community issues, problems, and concerns; provide education and technical assistance to workers, consumers, renters, and others wishing to form cooperatives; and to encourage cooperation and coordination among various types of cooperatives, and between cooperatives and other community institutions such as government agencies and nonprofit organizations."
Required Qualities, Skills, & Experience
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At least 5 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, cooperative development, or mission-driven organizations.
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Proven experience in fundraising, including philanthropic grant writing, relationship building, or securing diverse revenue streams.
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Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing sustainable financial management strategies.
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Experience in managing and developing programs and teams in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
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Demonstrated commitment to cooperative principles and knowledge of cooperative models, structures, and values.
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Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, grounded in emotional intelligence and maturity, with the ability to build trust, collaborate across diverse stakeholders, navigate conflict constructively, and lead with empathy, clarity, and composure under pressure.
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Ecosystem thinker with the ability to balance overarching strategy with practical implementation.
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Ability to drive a car and travel throughout California, and use air travel across the US as needed.
Desired Qualities, Skills, & Experience
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Extensive experience in the cooperative ecosystem, working with cooperatives, a cooperative development organization, and/or lived experience as a member of a cooperative.
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Strong budgeting and financial analysis.
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Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a related field (cooperative development, business, nonprofit management, community development, etc.)
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Experience in public policy, legislative advocacy, and government relations.
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Experience working with social, economic, environmental, climate, and/or racial justice movements, disadvantaged communities, or cooperative development organizations.
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Experience implementing new or innovative technological, organizational, interpersonal, and other tools into organizations that have increased the organization’s impact.
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Spanish language proficiency.
