Chief Executive Officer

Founded in 1967 with the opening of the nation’s first shelter for minors, Huckleberry Youth Programs (HYP) has always responded to community needs with innovation and collaboration. Today, we provide a wide spectrum of services including mental and physical health care, counseling, juvenile justice diversion, education and career access, an emergency shelter, and support for survivors of human trafficking.

HYP’s mission is to work in solidarity with young people and their families to advance their personal growth and social equity. We are a community-based organization serving youth ages 12- 24 and their families in San Francisco and Marin counties, with programming focused on safety, health, justice, and education. Every day, our dedicated team partners with youth and their families to ensure that services are holistic, youth-centered, and grounded in dignity and equity.

HYP offers a continuum of services across crisis intervention, mental and behavioral health, health care, education, and justice diversion—grounded in the belief that when all youth succeed, our community is stronger. HYP operates innovative and integrated programs such as:

• Huckleberry Youth Health Center (San Francisco & Marin) providing comprehensive adolescent and reproductive health, peer-counseling, health education, HIV/PrEP services, and drop-in care.
• Behavioral Health services, including individual and family therapy, case management, groups, substance use counseling, and behavioral health education.
• Huckleberry House offering24/7 crisis response and emergency shelter for youth in immediate need.
• Juvenile justice diversion & assessment programs, e.g. CARC and Seeds of Change, focusing on restorative justice, case management, service integration, and reentry to schools and communities.
• College & career access programming, e.g. ACE (Access to College Equity) Academy, which supports first-generation students through internships, academic support, college prep, and transitions.
• Support for sexually exploited youth, e.g. HART (Advocacy & Response Team), delivering crisis intervention, case management, and field-based support in partnership with child welfare, law enforcement, and community systems.

The new CEO benefits from a deep history and reputation of trust, with staff, partners, funders, and communities knowing HYP for its resilience, integrity, and capacity to serve in the most challenging contexts.

This unique career opportunity offers you the chance to lead at the intersection of service, advocacy, and systems change—not only managing existing programs but shaping how HYP will respond and grow in the years ahead.

In short, this role isn’t just about leadership—it’s about stewardship of a holistic, mission-driven institution that approaches youth and families through multiple interconnected lenses: health, justice, education, crisis, and equity.

With a multi-million-dollar operating budget and a long history of innovation, HYP delivers essential programs for thousands of young people each year.

The Board of Directors has engaged the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) to conduct the search for the next Chief Executive Officer. Interested individuals are encouraged to connect with Tom Hayashi (thayashi@cvnl.org, 415-448-0336) for confidential inquiries or to express interest.

The Opportunity

• Providing dynamic leadership for an executive team of 6–7 senior leaders, cultivating a collaborative and accountable culture by upholding the organizational mission, vision and core values.
• Guiding organizational change and aligning resources with evolving community needs through bold and adaptive strategic planning.
• Ensuring fiscal health by managing an $8–12 million annual budget, overseeing diverse revenue streams, and stewarding strong financial systems.
• Leading HYP’s fundraising efforts with creativity and drive, cultivating individual, foundation, government, and corporate support—including six- and seven-figure commitments.
• Deepening HYP’s visibility and influence as a trusted partner in youth development, locally.
• Serving the external face of the organization, with excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Experience in media relations, public speaking, and community engagement to effectively represent HYP to diverse stakeholders.

Program Stewardship & Accountability

• Accountable for compliance with contracts, grants, and licensing requirements that sustain HYP’s programs.
• Support and empower program leaders, recognizing their expertise and contributions to mission success.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of HYP’s core services to represent them accurately to funders, partners, and the community.
• Foster continuous improvement in program delivery through data-informed decision making and active staff engagement.

Essential Qualifications

• Leadership Experience: Minimum of 10–15 years of leadership, including at least 5 years in a senior executive role (CEO, Executive Director, COO, or comparable C-suite position). Nonprofit leadership experience is preferred. Senior executives from corporate, government, or philanthropic sectors are encouraged to apply.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required and advanced degrees in business administration, public administration, public health, social work or related field is preferred. Advanced degree in mental health (MSW, MFT, PsyD, or similar) will be an asset.
• Fiscal Stewardship: Proven experience managing budgets of $8–12 million or greater, with accountability for financial oversight, compliance, and sustainability.
• Change Management & Strategy: Success leading organizational transformation, building alignment across staff and board, and guiding institutions through growth and external challenges.
• External Relations & Fundraising: An inspiring communicator who can speak powerfully about Huckleberry’s mission and mobilize resources in support of it. Demonstrated ability to secure significant funding from major donors, institutions, and government contracts and strong track record in expanding and diversifying revenue streams.
• Executive Team Leadership: Skilled in managing high-performing teams and supporting professional development for direct reports at the executive level.

Why Now?

This is a pivotal moment for HYP. Our new CEO will leverage on 50 years of impact, where mission, service, and innovation converge. We are nearing the end of our ambitious strategic plan and the new Theory of Change reaffirms our commitment to advancing social equity for young people. We are looking for a CEO who can carry this vision forward, someone who can honor our history while boldly imagining and working towards a future where all young people can thrive.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation for this position will be based on a variety of factors. The total rewards package includes:

• Base Salary: $195,000 – $245,000
• Time Off: Generous vacation, personal days, paid holidays, and sick leave
• Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical (health and vision) package with 100% employer-paid coverage for employees and 50% employer-paid coverage for dependents
• Retirement: 403(b) retirement plan
• Insurance & Support: Life insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), short- and long-term disability coverage
• Professional Development: Dedicated funds to support ongoing learning and growth
• Relocation Assistance: Financial support for relocation expenses, subject to board approval

Equal Employment Opportunity

Huckleberry Youth Programs is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing equal opportunity to its employees and applicants for employment without discrimination on the basis of race; color; ethnic background; religion; gender; gender identity ar expression: sexual orientation; national origin; ancestry; age; marital status; pregnancy, childbirth, or other related medical condition; disability, including HIV-related conditions; or status as a covered veteran. This policy applies to every aspect of employment, including but not limited to: hiring, advancement, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, compensation, benefits, training and working conditions.

Fair Chance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Life in the Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area offers one of the most dynamic and diverse living environments in the country. Known for its natural beauty, innovation, and cultural vibrancy, the Bay Area provides access to world-class arts, cuisine, and outdoor recreation—from the Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific coastline to wine country and national parks just a short drive away.

Communities across San Francisco, Marin, Oakland, and the Peninsula offer rich cultural traditions, diverse neighborhoods, and strong public and independent schools. The region is also home to a globally recognized nonprofit and philanthropic community, creating a unique ecosystem for social impact leaders. While the Bay Area is fast-paced and globally connected, it is also deeply community-oriented—an ideal setting for a leader committed to youth development.

Search conducted by Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL)

For more information or to apply, please contact:

Tom Hayashi, Chief Capacity Building Officer

Email: thayashi@cvnl.org

Phone: 415-448-0336

• Time Off: Generous vacation, personal days, paid holidays, and sick leave
• Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical (health and vision) package with 100% employer-paid coverage for employees and 50% employer-paid coverage for dependents
• Retirement: 403(b) retirement plan
• Insurance & Support: Life insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), short- and long-term disability coverage
• Professional Development: Dedicated funds to support ongoing learning and growth
• Relocation Assistance: Financial support for relocation expenses, subject to board approval