Executive Director

ABOUT US

The El Monte Promise Foundation (EMPF) is a community-based nonprofit working to create a seamless cradle-to-college pathway for students in El Monte, South El Monte, and nearby communities. Our mission is to ensure that every child—regardless of background—has the support, tools, and opportunities needed to thrive in school, graduate college, and pursue a meaningful career.

We operate as a regional collaborative, engaging school districts, families, higher education institutions, local government, nonprofits, and business partners in a shared commitment to educational equity. EMPF aligns systems, shares data, mobilizes resources, and fosters a college-going culture that reflects the strengths and aspirations of our community.

We focus our efforts on addressing long-standing opportunity gaps faced by immigrant, low-income, and first-generation college-going students. Our programs—including the Roadmap to College and Scholars Savings Program—connect students and families with the knowledge, tools, and financial resources needed to pursue and complete higher education. Together, we are building a future where young people in the San Gabriel Valley have access to opportunity and the power to shape their own paths. For more information visit: https://promisenow.org/

POSITION OVERVIEW

The El Monte Promise Foundation seeks a strategic, community-rooted Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter. This leader will advance a shared vision of cradle-to-college success, ensuring EMPF’s strategy, programs, and partnerships remain grounded in student needs and responsive to local priorities.

The Executive Director will serve as EMPF’s primary ambassador and strategic lead—guiding the creation and implementation of the Foundation’s updated strategic plan, cultivating strong partnerships, expanding and leveraging resources, identifying and implementing innovative programming, and supporting cross-sector collaboration. This is a hands-on role for a leader in the field of college access who has demonstrated success in building trust among diverse stakeholders, working across institutions, and inspiring shared leadership to advance student success and equity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Lead EMPF through a strategic planning process that focuses on student outcomes and alignment with school district and community goals.
• Develop and accomplish a robust implementation plan to achieve new strategic goals.
• Regularly convene and collaborate with district leaders, educators, families, and partners to drive cradle-to-college alignment.
• Promote a culture of shared responsibility for student success across EMPF’s network

Program & Partnership Oversight

• Ensure high-quality implementation of EMPF’s signature initiatives, including the Roadmap to College and Scholars Savings Program.
• Engage students, families, and community members through culturally responsive, multilingual strategies.
• Identify community needs and regional assets to strengthen programming and support for El Monte students.

Organizational & Operational Management

• Supervise EMPF team and oversee day-to-day operations.
• Ensure effective contract management, grant compliance, and performance tracking.
• Maintain clear, consistent communication with the Board of Directors, partner districts, and stakeholders.

Fundraising & Development

• Lead fundraising strategy and serve as the organization’s chief ambassador to donors and philanthropic partners.
• Secure grants and develop a sustainability strategy that includes individual giving, sponsorships, and campaigns
• Collaborate with the Board to set and achieve annual development goals

Governance & Board Engagement

• Build strong, transparent relationships with the Board of Directors and key advisory groups, including the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC).
• Support Board development, governance best practices, and inclusive representation across stakeholders

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as Education, Public Administration, Social Work, or a similar discipline required. Relevant lived or professional experience may substitute for formal education.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in nonprofit, education, or community-based work, with

at least five years in organizational leadership.

• Deep passion and commitment to the value of higher education and supporting communities of El Monte, South El Monte, and nearby communities.
• Deep understanding of an experience working in education equity, college access, and family engagement.
• Demonstrated success in building partnerships, leading community-centered strategies, and mobilizing stakeholders to action.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with experience managing sensitive dynamics and building trust across differing perspectives.
• Demonstrated experience working within public systems—such as school districts and local government—and navigating complex political environments with tact, diplomacy, and a strong understanding of local dynamics.
• Strong fundraising, grant writing, and budget management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, writing, and facilitation.
• Strong cultural competency to communicate effectively and inclusively across diverse groups.
• Highly organized with strong time management and strategic planning skills.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Canva, Mail Chimp, Network for Good, Netsuite
• Verbal fluency in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Tagalog, or another language spoken by El Monte communities.

TIME COMMITMENT, COMPENSATION & LOCATION

This is a full-time in-person position based in El Monte, CA with a salary of $90,000 - $100,000 depending on experience. EMPF has a generous benefits package that includes vacation, sick leave, and holidays, health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement plan with employer matching program, basic life and disability insurances, professional development, and more.

This role requires regular local travel to meetings and community events, including some evenings. Candidates must have reliable transportation and the ability to commit to occasional nontraditional hours.

DO YOU THINK THIS MIGHT BE YOU?

If you see yourself in this job description but don’t feel like you meet every single criterion, we encourage you to apply anyway! Research shows that individuals from historically marginalized groups tend to self-select out of opportunities at higher rates. We take a holistic approach to all of our hiring practices and want to hire those who best align with our mission and goals.

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume and cover letter explaining your interest in becoming EMPF’s next Executive Director and how your professional experience aligns with the position qualifications. Electronic submissions only. No phone calls, please. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2025. The expected start date is September 2025.

To submit your applications or if you have questions, email Johanna Arias at SecoyaSearch@gmail.com.

A background check and proof of a negative TB test are required for the selected candidate.

The El Monte Promise Foundation is a fiscally sponsored project of Community Partners®, an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse staff.