Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

S

Sierra HR Partners

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Fresno, CA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    The Organization:

    The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (Fresno EOC) is one of the largest and most impactful Community Action Agencies in the nation. With over 1,000 dedicated employees and more than 30 innovative programs, Fresno EOC reaches more than 100,000 residents annually. Our mission is clear: to empower low-income individuals and families with the tools, resources, and pathways to achieve lasting self-sufficiency.

    Rooted in the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, Fresno EOC was founded in 1965 as part of a national movement to confront poverty head-on. Today, we continue to honor that legacy through holistic, data-informed programs that address critical needs across education, workforce development, housing, health, nutrition, and more.

    The scope of service spans all facets of human services and economic development – from preschool education and vocational training to senior meal services, crisis intervention, energy conservation, job placement, and prenatal heath. Our programs are designed to meet immediate needs while building the long-term capabilities of individuals and families.

    With an annual budget of approximately $110 million and diverse funding from local, state, federal, and private sources, we operate with the scale and agility necessary to create real, measurable change. Fresno EOC is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation governed by a 24-member tripartite Board of Commissioners, ensuring broad representation from public officials, private-sector leaders, and the communities we serve.

    Our Vision — Helping People. Changing Lives — is more than a slogan; this guiding principle drives our work every day. It reminds us to meet each individual with empathy, dignity, and respect— and to hold ourselves accountable to transformational impact.

    The Mission:

    To humanely focus all available resources to empower low-income families and individuals working toward the skills, knowledge and motivation for self-sufficiency.

    The Vision:

    “Helping People. Changing Lives.”

    Value Statement

    Clients, who are treated with respect, dignity, and compassionate understanding.

    Employees, who are appreciated and treated with fairness.

    Excellence in leadership with high ethical standards to guide social change and innovation.

    Reflective of a community that empowers low-income persons to be dynamic, thriving, and self-sufficient.

    Partnerships and collaborative relationships with those who share the vision.

    Advocacy for public policies that benefit clients and the community

    The Opportunity:

    The Board of Commissioners is seeking a mission-driven, visionary, and operationally astute Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead Fresno EOC into its next era of impact. Reporting directly to the Board, the CEO serves as the agency’s chief strategist, ambassador, and administrator, charged with stewarding our mission, advancing strategic goals, and ensuring organizational excellence across all dimensions. This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally respected organization with deep community roots and expansive reach. The CEO will guide a high-performing senior leadership team, foster a culture of collaboration and accountability, and represent the agency in critical conversations across sectors—locally and nationally. The incoming leader will inherit a respected organization poised for continued growth and innovation.

    The Ideal Candidate:

    A seasoned, values-aligned executive who brings:

    • Proven success managing complex, multi-million-dollar organizations with diverse funding streams and programmatic portfolios.
    • Demonstrated excellence in financial management, budgeting, and strategic resource development.
    • Experience leading senior teams, cultivating talent, and fostering equitable, collaborative, and high-performance cultures.
    • Deep familiarity with governance, preferably reporting to or serving on public or nonprofit boards.
    • Sophistication in government, community, and media relations; exceptional public presence and communication skills.
    • A systems-level thinker with a strategic mindset and passion for innovation.
    • Commitment to fair access, broad participation, and opportunity for all with a nuanced understanding of the systemic issues affecting low-income and marginalized communities.
    • Integrity, authenticity, and emotional intelligence to inspire trust and drive collaboration.
    • This is a role for a bold and humble leader—someone who can hold a long-term vision while managing daily complexity. The CEO must bring a spirit of service, a commitment to continuous learning, and the agility to navigate change.

    Strategic Priorities

    BUILD RELATIONSHIPS ACROSS THE ECOSYSTEM:

    • Establish trust and shared purpose with staff, board members, funders, partners, and the community. Prioritize inclusive listening and authentic engagement.

    ASSESS ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND STRATEGY:

    • Evaluate current systems and structures. Collaborate with stakeholders to refine or redesign an integrated strategic plan to guide the next chapter.

    ENHANCE PROGRAMS AND SERVICE DELIVERY:

    • Lead with responsiveness to the evolving needs of Fresno County. Identify opportunities to expand access, address service gaps, and increase impact—such as affordable housing initiatives, rural outreach strategies, wraparound intake systems, and services tailored to returning veterans.

    IMPLEMENT PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS:

    • Advance a cohesive, agency-wide framework to track outcomes, ensure accountability, and inform data-driven decision-making.

    STRENGTHEN EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS:

    • Deepen collaborations with fellow nonprofits, municipalities, and state and federal agencies to advance shared goals and serve communities holistically.

    DIVERSIFY AND STRENGTHEN REVENUE:

    • Pursue sustainable revenue strategies, including the development of a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), philanthropic initiatives, and a formal contributed income program.

    ADVANCE VISIBILITY AND ADVOCACY:

    • Serve as the agency’s primary spokesperson. Elevate Fresno EOC’s voice in regional and national conversations on poverty, equity, and systems change.

    MODERNIZE INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECHNOLOGY:

    • Lead a strategic review of facilities and technology systems to support effective, scalable service delivery.

    Additional Qualifications

    • Bachelor’s degree or a degree of higher learning from an accredited college or university required.
    • Master’s degree preferred.
    • Ten years of experience in an executive-level position.
    • Ten or more years of nonprofit experience, as well as experience in a multi-ethnic, diverse environment.
    • Demonstrated dedication to advocating for equitable opportunities and justice for families facing severe hardships; proven ability to foster collaboration and unity in environments with individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
    • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, as well as demonstrated skills in budget, staff and program management in a large organization; ability to effectively manage diverse programs and complex funding streams.
    • Systems thinker who is goal-driven and a strong advocate for systems and policy change.
    • The ideal candidate will be familiar with the structure and management of federally funded programs including Head Start, Early Head Start, and WIC.
    • Highly skilled in negotiations within the organization and with funding sources and outside partners.
    • Experience overseeing large, complex fiscal systems or clear understanding of agency’s financial complexity.
    • Ability to clearly define roles and authority while allowing necessary autonomy in decision-making.
    • Capability to inspire trust, motivation, commitment and loyalty to purpose.
    • Models and maintains high standards of integrity in professional and personal life.
    • Must have positive, engaging, and dynamic human relations skills.
    • Has the capacity to develop a clear vision and plan for the future of the Agency.
    • Demonstrated history of active involvement in community and civic activities.
    • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related business software.
    • Effective presentation, written and verbal communication skills.
    • Willing to work non-traditional hours and days to meet the needs of this position and the organization.
    • Maintain a valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, adequate auto insurance as required by State law, and insurability by agency carrier for those driving agency vehicles.

     

    Compensation Information

    The position offers a competitive annual salary between $180,000 - $220,000, plus an exceptional benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, PTO, sick time, and 401(k) with company match.

    Application Process

    • To be considered, candidates must apply by 12:00 PM, Friday, May 9, 2025.
    • Apply online through Sierra HR Partners: www.sierrahr.com
    • For confidential inquiries, contact Andres I. Magos, Lead Recruiter at magos@sierrahr.com or at 559.388.8423

    Fresno EOC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

     

     

     

     

  • Compensation
    $180,000-$220,000 per year