Description
Chief Strategy Officer
Modesto, California | Full-Time, Exempt | Reports to President & CEO
TO APPLY
Send cover letter and resume to:
Open until filled.
Target start: Q4 2026
Stanislaus Community Foundation (SCF) is looking for a bold, systems-oriented leader who sees Stanislaus County not as a place defined by its challenges but as a community on the edge of transformation — and who wants to help build the strategies and relationships that get it there.
ABOUT STANISLAUS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Established in 2002, the Stanislaus Community Foundation (SCF) is the central philanthropic institution of Stanislaus County — a community of 557,000 residents in California's Central Valley. With over $63M in assets, 228 active funds, and $9.4M in recent annual grantmaking, SCF has evolved from a transactional grantmaker into a catalytic leader working to build a thriving, resilient, and equitable community. SCF operates the Porges Nonprofit Excellence Initiative. supports civic infrastructure investments such as the new nonprofit newsroom The Modesto Focus, and incubates the Stanislaus 2030 economic transformation initiative.
SCF is now developing a bold 10-year leadership framework that will guide its work through 2037 — advancing systems-change strategies across five community domains including economic opportunity, youth development, health, civic life, and housing. The incoming Chief Strategy Officer will play a central role in bringing that framework to life.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) is SCF's lead architect of community impact — a senior leadership role responsible for translating SCF's emerging 10-year framework into coherent, measurable action across Stanislaus County. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the CSO leads SCF's community impact strategy, external grantmaking, cross-sector convening, and learning and evaluation work. The CSO supervises the Program Officer and is a full member of SCF's senior leadership team.
The ideal candidate is a proven systems leader with deep knowledge of the Central Valley or a comparable region, a track record of building coalitions across sectors, and a genuine commitment to equity and community voice. This person brings intellectual rigor, relational warmth, and the ability to translate big ideas into durable partnerships and funded strategies.
Requirements
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead SCF's community impact strategy — developing annual priorities and action plans across the five domains of the emerging 10-year framework, in close partnership with the CEO and Board.
Design and oversee SCF's discretionary and external grantmaking — including program design, evaluation, grantee relationships, and alignment with community needs and donor priorities.
Convene and build — facilitating cross-sector partnerships with government, philanthropy, nonprofits, and community residents; representing SCF in regional, statewide, and national funder networks.
Lead SCF's impact measurement and learning work — developing the data and evaluation frameworks that keep SCF accountable to the community it serves and inform strategy over time.
QUALIFICATIONS
8–12+ years of progressive leadership experience in philanthropy, community development, nonprofit management, systems change, or a related field.
Systems awareness — able to map and identify larger issues and gaps within complex community ecosystems, and the creative ability to develop programs and interventions that drive meaningful change.
Demonstrated success developing and leading cross-sector partnerships and convening diverse stakeholders — from grassroots organizations to government agencies to major funders — toward collective outcomes.
Deep knowledge of and commitment to the communities of California's Central Valley, or a demonstrated ability to quickly develop deep regional rootedness.
Strong track record working with Latino communities and other historically underserved populations, with an explicit commitment to racial and economic equity.
Proven ability to design and manage grantmaking programs with rigor, transparency, and community-centeredness.
Exceptional communication skills — written, verbal, and facilitative — with the ability to work credibly across a wide range of audiences.
Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
Core Competencies
Systems thinking and strategic leadership
Community-centered problem solving
Cross-sector relationship building
Facilitation and convening
Grantmaking design and oversight
Creativity and innovation mindset, knowledge of human-centered design
Data-driven decision making
Team leadership and coaching
Storytelling and public communication
Operational and project management
High emotional intelligence and adaptability
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary range: $120,000–$150,000 commensurate with experience. SCF offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid holidays and generous vacation; and 401(k) with employer match.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send the following to [email protected]:
A cover letter describing your interest in SCF and this role, your connection to or understanding of the Central Valley, and what you believe makes a community foundation genuinely transformative
A current resume
The position will remain open until filled. We encourage early applications. Target start: Q4 2026 or Q1 2027.
