Executive Director

Executive Director Opportunity: Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation

The Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation (AARBF), a 53-year-old California-based nonprofit, whose mission is to significantly reduce the number of burn injuries through prevention education and to enhance the quality of life of those affected by burn injuries in California, is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Executive Director. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader with proven fundraising expertise, a passion for program management, and the ability to inspire and lead a dedicated team. Creativity and experience in securing grants and new funding sources are critical for success in this role. As a hands-on leader, the ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of nonprofit operations and will report directly to the Board of Directors.

About the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation

AARBF is a statewide nonprofit organization that has been enhancing the lives of burn survivors and promoting burn prevention education since 1971. The Foundation has earned widespread recognition for the “Stop, Drop, and Roll” prevention message and for establishing Champ Camp, the world’s largest and longest-running camp for child burn survivors.

Today, AARBF operates with a hybrid work model, with staff based remotely throughout California in the SF Bay Area, Central Valley and LA region. The Executive Director oversees a five full-time staff and hundreds of dedicated volunteers, managing an annual budget of approximately $1 million. The Foundation has also established an endowment fund to ensure long-term sustainability and is focused on expanding it over time.

AARBF has strong partnerships with burn units at hospitals across California and works closely with fire departments and community organizations to offer our vital programs and services.

Position Overview

As Executive Director, you will provide vision and leadership to the Foundation’s staff, volunteers, and Board. You will be responsible for driving growth through strategic fundraising and ensuring the Foundation’s programs align with its mission and working to expand our reach. The role requires a unique combination of administrative, financial, marketing, and program management skills, as well as the ability to manage diverse stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and community partners. Applicants must be able to travel throughout California.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• • Collaborate with the Board to set the strategic direction and goals.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture.
  • Serve as ambassador for AARBF, advocating for burn prevention and survivor support.

Fundraising & Development

• • Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including grants, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and special events
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with key donors, sponsors, and grantmakers.
  • Identify new funding sources
  • Lead initiatives to grow the Foundation’s endowment and planned giving programs.

Financial Stewardship

• • Oversee annual operating budget of approx. $1 million, ensuring fiscal health and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Ensure growth and effective management of the Foundation’s endowment funds.

Program Oversight

• • Lead the design, delivery, and evaluation of impactful programs and services for burn survivors and prevention education.
  • Ensure programs align with AARBF’s mission and meet the needs of our clients.

Board Relations

• • Act as the liaison between staff and the Board of Directors, providing updates on organizational performance and strategic initiatives.
  • Engage Board members in fundraising, advocacy, and governance activities.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• • Build and maintain partnerships with hospitals, burn centers, fire departments, and other community organizations.
  • Represent AARBF in public forums to raise awareness of burn prevention and survivor support programs.
  • Increase AARBF’s public profile through enhanced social and traditional media outreach.

Staff & Volunteer Management

• • Lead, recruit, and retain a high-performing team of staff and volunteers, driving a positive, inclusive work environment that supports professional development.

Compliance & Risk Management

• • Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in nonprofit management.
  • Oversee internal controls, policies, and risk management practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • A minimum of 8-10 years of senior leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, with a focus on fundraising, program development, and financial management.
  • Proven success in fundraising, including securing major gifts, managing grants, and cultivating donor relationships.
  • Extensive experience managing budgets of $1 million or more.
  • Strong ability to lead and inspire both staff and volunteers.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral.
  • Willingness to travel throughout the state and work evenings and weekends as required.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• • Familiarity with the burn survivor community, fire service, medical services or other mission related services.
  • Background in community-based advocacy or health-focused nonprofits.

Personal Characteristics

• • Passionate about the mission and values of AARBF.
  • Strategic, creative thinker with a focus on results and outcomes.
  • Collaborative, transparent, and adaptable leadership style.
  • Requires Livescan background check for work with children

Compensation and Benefits

• • Competitive salary: $100,000 - $130,000 annually, depending on experience.
  • Remote, must be located within State of California
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement options.

Application Process

To apply, please submit a cover letter and résumé

The Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. AARBF does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by law.