BRITISH BENEVOLENT SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 
 
 
 

THIS POSITION IS FULLY REMOTE. RESIDENCY IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA OR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IS PREFERRED. 

ABOUT BRITISH BENEVOLENT SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA
The British Benevolent Society of California (BBS) is a longstanding nonprofit dedicated to providing charitable relief and community support to British nationals and their families throughout California. Founded on principles of dignity, compassion, and community, BBS offers direct financial assistance to individuals in need, fosters connections among British expatriates and Anglophiles, and collaborates with the British Consulates in San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well
as partner organizations across the Western United States.

BBS is governed by a committed Board of Directors and supported by a network of dedicated volunteers and committee members. The organization operates with a strong sense of mission: to ensure that no member of the British community in California faces hardship without a compassionate and effective source of support.

For more information, please visit www.britishbenevolentsociety.com.

OPPORTUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Salary Range: $115,000 - $120,000

    • Bonus based on mutually agreed upon benchmarks

  • Benefits include:

    • Vacation: 20 days annually, in addition to time off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day

    • Sick Days: 40 hours annually

    • 11 Paid Holidays Annually

    • 100% Employee premiums paid for Kaiser Medical Plans

    • 401(k)

    • Fully remote

YOU ARE

  • A strategic, mission-driven executive leader with a growth mindset and a track record of translating vision into action.

  • A skilled relationship builder who cultivates trust across diverse stakeholders, volunteers, donors, and community partners.

  • A compassionate and empathetic leader who centers the dignity and well-being of those you serve.

  • An articulate and inspiring communicator, equally comfortable speaking with a major donor, addressing a community gathering, or presenting to a board.

  • Inclusive, humble, and courageous—someone who brings people together and leads with both conviction and care.

  • Deeply committed to advancing the mission of the BBS and to the communities it serves.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Executive Director (ED) of the British Benevolent Society of California is a full-time leadership role responsible for developing and executing strategic goals in alignment with BBS’s mission and vision. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED oversees all aspects of organizational performance, fiscal health, stakeholder engagement, and programmatic impact.

This role calls for a thoughtful, compassionate, and equity-minded leader with strong fundraising expertise, a commitment to ethical standards, and the ability to engage meaningfully with a wide range of stakeholders. The ideal candidate will bring both strategic vision and hands-on operational capacity and will serve as the public face and primary advocate for BBS and its mission.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Executive Director reports to and works closely with the Board of Directors, board committees, and volunteers to advance the mission and strategic direction of the organization. This is currently a solo staff role with no direct FTE supervision; the ED will engage and motivate a robust network of volunteer leaders.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Relief Program Management

  • Partner with the Relief Committee Chair to ensure all requests for assistance are handled with compassion, discretion, and a commitment to timely, meaningful impact.

  • Analyze all relief applications and provide well-reasoned recommendations to the Relief Committee to support informed, equitable decision-making.

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for direct assistance applications, communicating clearly and respectfully with applicants regarding request status and timing.

  • Collaborate with the British Consulates in San Francisco and Los Angeles on relief requests received directly through consular channels.

  • Identify the most appropriate, economical, and efficient payment method once relief requests are approved by the committee.

Board Governance & Organizational Operations

  • Plan, organize, and direct the organization’s programs and day-to-day operations in alignment with the board’s strategic direction.

  • Develop and implement consistent cost accounting policies, procedures, and operational reporting metrics.

  • Prepare accurate, timely analyses that capture and communicate fundraising results, variances, and performance trends for the Board of Directors.

  • Cultivate and retain a diverse, highly qualified volunteer base, including board members, committee members, and event volunteers.

  • Keep the board fully informed of operational developments, donor activity, campaign outcomes, and areas requiring board support.

  • Plan and prepare monthly board meeting materials in coordination with the Board President.

  • Equip the board with tools that support collaborative decision-making, communication, and effective governance.

Financial Management

  • Lead annual budget development and review processes, including monthly and quarterly reviews and periodic forecast updates, in partnership with the CFO.

  • Maintain working knowledge of Form 990 filings, annual audits, and nonprofit financial compliance requirements.

Technology

  • Oversee various technology tools including Givebutter CRM, Constant Contact and others to ensure accurate data including membership management, fundraising tracking, and donor records.

  • Ensure the organization has access to, and actively uses, technology that support effective governance, communication, and collaborative decision-making.

Fundraising

  • In partnership with the Board of Directors, design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy encompassing individual giving, institutional grants, corporate sponsorships, and membership programs.

  • Manage a major gifts portfolio: identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors and prospective supporters.

  • Proactively engage all BBS communities to build new relationships and identify partnerships that expand organizational reach and impact.

Events & External Relations

  • Facilitate the Board’s Events Committee, ensuring all event initiatives align with the organization’s charitable strategy.

  • Organize, attend, and host fundraising and community events that reflect BBS’s values and strengthen community bonds.

  • Serve as a liaison between BBS and a broad network of external stakeholders, including the British Consulates, partner nonprofits, and Anglophile organizations across the Western US.

  • Cultivate relationships with peer nonprofit leaders and identify opportunities for collaborative partnerships aligned with BBS’s mission.

Communications & Marketing

  • Develop and maintain a proactive marketing and communications strategy that elevates BBS’s visibility and mission.

  • Oversee website content development and maintenance using Squarespace, ensuring the site reflects the organization’s voice and values.

  • Draft engaging newsletters that keep members and supporters informed of relief initiatives, board updates, partner events, and organizational developments.

  • Execute event marketing and promotion using digital platforms including Constant Contact.

Compliance

  • Ensure BBS operates in full compliance with all applicable state and federal nonprofit laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.

COMPETENCIES

  • Five or more years of executive or senior nonprofit leadership experience, with demonstrated ability to lead organizational strategy and operations.

  • Proven nonprofit fundraising experience, including cultivating individual and institutional donor relationships and soliciting major gifts.

  • Track record of developing and refining fundraising strategies with clearly defined goals, priorities, and measurable outcomes.

  • Experience working with and motivating a Board of Directors, board committees, and fundraising volunteers.

  • Experience working in or alongside organizations that collaborate with governmental or consular agencies.

  • Financial acumen sufficient to develop, track, and manage a budget that includes general and restricted funds.

  • Technologically savvy with experience using the Google suite and fundraising CRMs

  • Knowledge of and/or experience with Givebutter and Constant Contact, a plus.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to serve as a compelling and authentic voice for BBS’s mission, vision, and values.

  • Genuine, diplomatic, inclusive, and collaborative leadership style—someone who leads with both humility and courage.

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience; coursework or certification in nonprofit governance or fundraising is highly regarded.

  • Deep passion for the mission and community of the British Benevolent Society of California.

  • Prior experience working with a nonprofit board, with a demonstrable understanding of board governance, fiduciary responsibilities, and collaborative decision-making preferred.

  • Experience in nonprofit organizational development, with a track record of building strong, effective teams and establishing operational infrastructure to support a growing organization preferred.

EQUITY STATEMENT
The British Benevolent Society of California is committed to building an inclusive organization that reflects the full diversity of the communities it serves. BBS believes that diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and backgrounds strengthen our work and our mission. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, religions, and national origins. BBS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

TO APPLY
For more information, or to apply for the Executive Director position, please upload your resume and cover letter here. All applications will be kept confidential, and every applicant will receive a response.