Executive Director, Liberty Community Land Trust

ABOUT US:

At Liberty Community Land Trust, we're not just redefining community empowerment, we're revolutionizing it. Through bold, innovative, and collaborative real estate stewardship, we're building a future where community ownership and justice are the cornerstones of a more equitable world.

We’re not your typical non-profit. Liberty Community Land Trust is a movement of land liberators and visionary community-driven real estate operators. Our mission is unapologetically ambitious: to establish community control of land and advance racial, economic, and climate justice through groundbreaking innovation, deep collaboration, and fearless public advocacy. We are known for leading the most successful raise for a community-owned real estate project in American history and developing a pioneering model for community ownership. We are the state’s fastest growing community land trust with over 10 properties filled with residents, Black-owned small businesses, and Black cultural institutions, and 5 more properties currently in escrow. Now, we’re looking for a leader to join forces with co-creators, trailblazing innovators, and disciplined practitioners - someone ready to dream big and drive tangible change.

YOUR ROLE:

As the first permanent Executive Director of Liberty Community Land Trust, you won’t just be managing an organization, you’ll be at the helm of a transformative movement. Working closely with engaged ecosystem visionaries, you’ll lead our mission to steward land for the community while driving strategic growth, fostering community partnerships, and amplifying our impact across South Central Los Angeles and beyond.

You’ll oversee administration, programs, and the strategic vision of our organization, focusing on bold initiatives that redefine what’s possible in community stewardship. From fundraising and marketing to community outreach and government relations, you’ll be the face and force behind Liberty’s mission. This is more than a leadership role, it’s a chance to build something extraordinary from the ground up.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Partner closely with the executive leaders of other entities within the Liberty Ecosystem to implement the strategic plan through operational execution and cross-functional coordination.
• Translate organizational goals into annual work plans, scalable systems, and performance dashboards that drive execution.
• Champion local program excellence, ensuring rigorous evaluation and consistent quality across finance, administration, fundraising, communications, and systems.
• Oversee the organization’s supporting functions and the related relationship management responsibilities, including governance alignment, compliance, and strategic collaboration with key external partners.
• Cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with community organizations, funders, policymakers, and local leaders to advance LCLT’s mission, unlock new opportunities, and amplify our impact.
• Build and sustain relationships with elected officials, planning agencies, lenders, and coalition members to align projects with community priorities and build political and financial support.
• Coordinate with development partners, property managers, contractors, planning officials, and community organizations to move projects forward.
• Monitor organizational performance against the budget, identifying and addressing variances; ensuring alignment between financial plans and programmatic priorities.
• Coordinate closely with Legal/Compliance partners on risk identification, data governance, contract negotiation, and regulatory readiness.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors on policy decisions, fundraising strategies, and increasing LCLT’s brand awareness and visibility.
• Cultivate a dynamic, engaged Board of Directors, fostering strategic involvement and transparent communication around organizational goals.
• Champion a collaborative, transparent, and results- focused workplace culture that aligns with LCLT’s values and commitment to equity.
• Implement systems to track progress and measure success, ensuring we can tell powerful stories of our impact to the board, funders, and community.
• Expand revenue streams, fundraising and grantmaking activities to support existing programs while driving efforts to retire debt.
• Deepen community engagement through an elevated communications strategy
• Serve as a public champion of our work, sharing successes and positioning LCLT’s model for replication on a national scale.

WHO YOU ARE:

• 5+ years of management or relevant leadership experience, with a track record of successfully leading teams and driving organizational growth.
• Nonprofit experience is a plus, but not essential. A passion for community empowerment is a must.
• Knowledge of community-owned and community-driven real estate is highly desirable.
• Strategic Execution: Ability to translate long-range strategies into short- and medium-term operational plans with clear ownership, sequencing, and accountability.
• Financial and Operational Acumen: Deep understanding of nonprofit finance, budgeting, risk management, and shared services operations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Skilled at navigating and influencing across teams - without silos or overreach.
• Culture Building: Committed to fostering inclusive and high-trust work environments while strengthening team cohesion and performance.
• Familiarity with property management / development and construction.
• Experience with community development and community resident organizing.
• Exceptional strategic planning, delegation, and program development skills.
• A natural communicator and relationship-builder with a deep commitment to racial equity and fostering inclusivity in diverse communities.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with a focus on results, impact, and long-term vision.
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies, donor relations, grantmaking
• Ability to inspire and collaborate with board members, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
• Agile, adaptable, and resilient - you thrive in fast-paced environments and are energized by innovation.
• Creative problem-solver who brings fresh ideas and bold solutions to the table.

OUR ORGANIZATION’S CORE VALUES:

• Mission Alignment and Advancement: We are dedicated to our collective goals and the advancement of our community.
• Loyalty: Our commitment to our organization and to each other is unwavering.
• Curiosity and Creativity: We encourage innovative thinking and the exploration of new ideas.
• Initiation and Follow-Through: We are proactive in our efforts and committed to seeing projects to completion.

Respect for Confidentiality: We handle sensitive information with care and integrity.

Flexible work schedule designed to support work-life balance. You’ll have unique opportunities for professional growth and community involvement, including access to workshops, conferences, and engagement initiatives. We offer a competitive health and wellness benefits package to support your overall well-being.

JOIN US:

This isn’t just a job - it’s a call to action. You’ll be leading an organization at the forefront of meaningful, transformative change. Here’s what you can expect:

• Community Connection: Play a key role in initiatives that empower Black Los Angeles, Black America, and the solidarity economy.
• Access to Visionaries: Collaborate with and learn from the country’s leading thought-leaders and practitioners in community-owned real estate and land liberation.
• Professional Growth: Unlock unique opportunities for personal and professional development, with leadership pathways and skill-building experiences.
• Work-Life Harmony: Experience the freedom of flexible hours and a hybrid model that nurtures both your personal well-being and professional aspirations.