Job Description

Executive Director, San Francisco Public Health Foundation (SFPHF)

Location: San Francisco / Bay Area (Hybrid)

Salary Range: $190,000 – $220,000

Timeline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a focus on those received by Sunday, May 10 .

Target Start Date: July 2026

About the Organization

The San Francisco Public Health Foundation (SFPHF) is a recognized leader in advancing public health in San Francisco and strengthening nonprofit governance, bringing more than 27 years of experience improving population health, supporting the City's public health system, and partnering with community-based mission-driven organizations. The Foundation's work spans executive leadership, cross-sector collaboration across San Francisco's health and social service sectors, fiscal sponsorship, and Board governance, shaping long-term strategy, partnering with executive teams, and driving meaningful impact for San Francisco.

About the Opportunity: Executive Director

We are seeking a visionary and hands-on Executive Director to lead our organization into its next chapter of impact. The Executive Director will advance public health outcomes in San Francisco by stewarding a diverse portfolio of fiscally sponsored projects, strengthening organizational infrastructure, and positioning SFPHF as a trusted intermediary and leader in public health and the nonprofit sector.

This is a pivotal role for a leader who thrives at the intersection of complex financial management, fiscal sponsorship expertise, and leading with a values first approach. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will act as a central integrator to improve operations and model accountability during this next period of change.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational & Financial Stewardship: Manage a $10M+ annual budget with a focus on rigorous financial reporting, risk assessment, and long-term sustainability.
• Board & Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with the Board to drive strategic goals, and maintain deep, collaborative relationships with city and community partners.
• Team Leadership: Lead and inspire a distributed team (mostly Bay Area-based) in a remote-first work environment, fostering a culture of internal engagement and values-driven decision-making.
• Public Health Advocacy: Leverage deep expertise in the San Francisco public health landscape to ensure services effectively reach and support diverse local populations.
• Organizational Growth: Conduct ongoing assessments to optimize operations, HR, and risk management protocols.

Target Outcomes

In your first six months in the role, you will have established a relationship with all SFPHF staff and the Board of Directors, and gained a firm understanding of all key partnerships and external relationships. You will also have led a thorough assessment of operational and financial infrastructure to identify priority improvements.

As you approach your first year of service, you will have taken initial steps to embark on a strategic plan and you will have supported the Board in its efforts to recruit additional members with relevant expertise. You will also have gained a full understanding of the accounting operations, including funding sources, expenses, sponsored partner projects, and contracts. In conjunction with the Director of Finance, you will oversee timely financial reporting to the board and stakeholders, budget management and process, cash flow, and forecasting.

About You:  Experience & Expertise

• Nonprofit Leadership: At least 10 years of progressive nonprofit experience, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role (ED, COO, CPO, or VP). Strongly prefer candidates with domain expertise in Finance and/or Operations.
• Financial Acumen: Proven experience managing budgets of $10M or greater.
• Public Health Background: Strong familiarity with San Francisco's public health ecosystem and the populations SFPHF serves.
• Intermediary Models: A clear understanding of the distinct legal and operational obligations across fiscal sponsorship models, and balancing the organization's mission with the diverse missions of FSPs.
• Remote/Hybrid Leadership: Skilled in hiring, coaching, and leading diverse teams. Experience leading across physical and digital workplaces is a significant plus.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related; Master's degree preferred.

About You: Core Competencies & Values Alignment

• Collaborative: Building trust-based relationships, a track record of moving boards forward, and seeking input to inform governance, operational, and programmatic decisions.
• Analytical: Performing high-level organizational and risk assessments, and ensuring financial integrity, compliance, and measurable outcomes across projects.
• Systems Thinker: Educating on the complexities of fiscal sponsorship and guiding appropriate governance models to position SFPHF as a trusted intermediary in the nonprofit ecosystem.
• Embodies SFPHF's Values: Leading through the lens of the following core values:
  • Equi ty & Justice:  We are committed to advancing health equity, dismantling systemic barriers, and ensuring that all fiscally sponsored partner communities – especially those historically marginalized – can thrive. 
  • Collaboration & Community Voice:  We center partnership, trust, and shared decision-making. Lived experience and community wisdom are essential sources of leadership.
  • Integrity & Accountability:  We hold ourselves accountable for ethical governance, transparent oversight, and the responsible stewardship of community resources.
    
  • L earning & Adaptability:  We are committed to evidence-informed decision-making, continuous improvement, and humility in learning from community partners.
  • Trauma-Informed Leadership:  We prioritize practices that promote safety, trustworthiness, empowerment, and cultural responsiveness across all organizational relationships.

Logistics & Compensation

• Location: This is a hybrid role based in San Francisco. With the flexibility to work from home, you will also have access to a desk in a co-working space in the Financial District and will convene the team in person at your discretion. We are focusing our search on candidates who currently reside in the Bay Area.
• Compensation: Salary range is $190,000 – $220,000 , commensurate with experience.
• Travel/Meetings: Participation in 6 board meetings per year (1–2 in person), and routine meetings with the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
• Benefits: We offer a generous benefits package including: comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance (100% employer paid), generous paid time off, 12 holidays plus end-of-year closure, life and disability insurances, and a 403b plan with a 4% match.

Application Instructions

Please submit a resume (in PDF format) that outlines your most relevant experiences and levels of impact, and respond to a brief set of application questions. A cover letter is not required with your application, but will be requested of candidates who proceed through the interview process.

We will review applications on a rolling basis, with a focus on those received by  Sunday, May 10 .

Commitment to Inclusion

At SFPHF, we are committed to building a diverse team that is representative of the communities we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences who are passionate about the health and well-being of San Francisco residents. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the process. If you seek an accommodation, please advise in writing when you apply.

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