Executive Director

About I3

The Intelligent Infrastructure Institute works to modernize the systems that underpin how communities function, economies grow, and democracy operates. Physical, energy, digital, and democratic infrastructure. All of it. We sit at the intersection of policy, public investment, technology, and stakeholder coordination. Our work requires people who can translate complex systems thinking into practical strategy, and who know how to build coalitions across government, industry, labor, and civil society.

The Opportunity

This is a founding role. You will set strategy, build relationships, and define what I3 becomes. The board has done substantive groundwork. There is no blank page. But there is genuine latitude, and real responsibility. In your first 90 days, you will assess what has been built, go deep into the field, and produce a clear three-year strategic direction. After that, you will execute it. The right person for this role is energized by building. You are comfortable with ambiguity, decisive once you have enough information, and skilled at earning trust with people who have little patience for anything that is not substantive.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead I3’s three-year strategy in partnership with the Board
• Build trusted relationships across California’s infrastructure, energy, policy, and civic ecosystems
• Represent I3 externally and position the Institute as a credible voice on infrastructure reform
• Lead organizational development, including team culture, hiring, and internal operating practices
• Partner with the VP of Operations and CFO on budgeting, financial stewardship, and operations
• Support the Board on governance, strategic alignment, and board development
• Contribute to fundraising strategy and cultivate philanthropic relationships

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of senior leadership experience, including responsibility for organizational strategy and team leadership
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizations through periods of growth, transition, or early-stage development
• Experience working closely with nonprofit boards and supporting strong governance practices
• Familiarity with infrastructure or energy policy, particularly within California’s regulatory landscape
• Track record engaging philanthropic partners and contributing to fundraising strategy
• Strong systems thinker able to translate complex ideas into focused, executable priorities
• Excellent communicator comfortable engaging policymakers, experts, funders, and cross-sector partners

Process + Start Date

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a four-week application window. Candidates will move through the process on a rolling basis as well, including an introductory conversation, a short written exercise, and interviews with the hiring team and Board of Directors. We aim to move candidates through the process efficiently while ensuring a thoughtful and thorough evaluation.

The anticipated start date is May–June 2026, with flexibility depending on how candidates progress through the process and individual availability.

The Intelligent Infrastructure Institute offers a competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and long-term sustainability of our leadership team. Benefits may include:

• Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Income protection benefits, including short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and organizational holidays
• Retirement benefits, including employer-supported retirement savings options
• Flexible and remote work arrangements, with an emphasis on sustainable work practices
• Professional development and leadership support, including opportunities for continued learning and growth
• Reimbursement for work-related travel and expenses

Benefits are subject to change and may evolve as the organization grows.

Professional fluency in English is required. Spanish proficiency or familiarity with other languages commonly spoken across California communities is a plus.