Executive Director

Organizational Overview: Mission: Waterside Workshops engages youth and the community through hands-on learning in bicycle mechanics, wooden boatbuilding, and outdoor education. Waterside is a safe place for youth to feel heard, gain confidence, develop work skills, and access the tools and resources needed to lead healthy, sustainable lives. Waterside Workshops was established in 2007 to address the disappearance of shop and vocational programs from surrounding schools. We offer a non-traditional educational space for youth to learn and practice core job skills under the supervision of experienced and caring professionals. Waterside provides job training and education programs in a safe and supportive environment, serving over 300 youth each year. Working in collaboration with schools and partner organizations in the community, we offer holistic support services that help meet our participants’ individual needs. Waterside’s programs are transformative for youth, helping them grow into skilled, engaged, and empowered members of our Bay Area community. About 55 percent of Waterside’s revenue is foundation and donation funded, and about 45 percent is earned revenue from our social enterprises. We also receive funding for youth internships and programming from municipal, state, and federal programs. Role Overview: We seek an Executive Director (ED) to lead and grow one of the most impactful youth-serving organizations in the East Bay, ensuring that Waterside is fulfilling its vital mission in the community. The ED oversees the operations of our youth programs and three social enterprises: Street Level Cycles, Berkeley Boathouse, and Waterside Cafe. The ED provides leadership to a hard-working and passionate team of 15+ and collaborates with a host of community partners. The ED reports to the Board of Directors. Key Duties and Responsibilities Organizational Leadership MaintainWaterside’s positive, supportive, and collaborative staff culture Lead, grow, and manage a diverse and enthusiastic team Support staff professional development through coaching, mentoring, and training Strive for inclusive and transparent decision making Cultivate board and staff alignment on strategic planning, organizational structure, and programmatic and financial goals Nonprofit Administration Manage all administrative functions of the organization, including planning, budgeting, and forecasting Work collaboratively with program directors to maximize the impact of Waterside’s job-training social enterprises Development and Fundraising Develop and steward relationships with institutional funders and individual donors to support the organization’s work In partnership with development staff and the Board, lead fundraising activities to solicit contributions from major donors, grantmakers, and corporate partners Communications Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups and organizations Represent the programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations, the media, and the general public Desired Qualifications We strongly encourage people of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. The ideal candidate will have many of the following qualifications: An experienced leader who sets clear goals and expectations, thoughtfully gives and receives feedback, encourages a healthy work-life balance, and promotes both personal and professional growth At least 5 years of senior leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, with experience in nonprofit administration and operations, nonprofit finance, and fundraising Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills Experience in nonprofit fundraising, especially in foundation grants, individual donors, and government contracts Experience with strategic planning, budgeting, and team management responsibilities Experience with organizations that center equity and inclusion in their internal and external work Passion for youth development, sustainability, outdoor education, equity, and social justice Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this full-time, exempt, salaried position is $80,000–$100,000, commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications. Waterside Workshops’ benefits include: Health and dental plan 6 days paid sick leave 10 days paid time off accruals increasing in subsequent years 5 paid holidays, plus a paid annual holiday break in December 403(b) plan Professional development opportunities Location In-person at Waterside’s campus at the Berkeley Aquatic Park: 84 Bolivar Dr. Berkeley, CA 94710 Application Process Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to Waterside’s Board President, Petrina Alexander, at boardpresident@watersideworkshops.org. Please include “Executive Director” and your name in the subject line. Applications will only be considered from candidates who send a resume and cover letter to the above email address. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. No phone calls please. Waterside Workshops is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to assembling a diverse and talented staff. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, Waterside Workshops does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or marital status. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year Benefits: Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Schedule: Monday to Friday Ability to commute/relocate: Berkeley, CA 94710: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required) Application Question(s): I understand that my application will not be considered unless I submit a resume and cover letter to the email address listed in the job description. Work Location: In person