Executive Director

Organization Overview: Since 1997, CALICO (Child Abuse Listening, Interviewing, and Coordination Center) has served as Alameda County's Children's Advocacy Center, bringing together law enforcement, child welfare, medical, mental health, prosecution, and victim advocacy professionals to provide a coordinated response to child abuse.

CALICO's mission is to provide a safe, child-focused environment for forensic interviews while facilitating a collaborative multidisciplinary response that places the needs of children and families first. Each year, CALICO serves approximately 500–600 children, adolescents, and adults with developmental disabilities who have experienced abuse, neglect, exploitation, or exposure to violence.

Through collaboration, coordinated services, and compassionate support, CALICO helps reduce trauma for children, strengthens investigations, and connects children and families with the medical, therapeutic, advocacy, and legal resources they need to begin healing.

Position Description: The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and overall management of CALICO, ensuring the organization's mission, vision, and policies are effectively implemented. As the chief executive of a nonprofit children's advocacy center, the Executive Director oversees all aspects of agency operations, including forensic interview and family support services, financial management, fundraising, human resources, compliance, and community partnerships.

The Executive Director fosters strong multidisciplinary collaboration among law enforcement, child welfare, medical, mental health, prosecution, and other partner agencies to ensure a coordinated response to child abuse throughout Alameda County. The position also provides leadership and administrative oversight for the Children's Advocacy Centers of California (CACC), supporting and strengthening the statewide network of children's advocacy centers.

Serving as the organization's primary representative, the Executive Director builds and sustains funding, cultivates strategic partnerships, and promotes CALICO's mission within the community while ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of both CALICO and CACC.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Leadership: Provides leadership and direction for the organization in partnership with the Board of Directors. Implements Board policies, oversees daily operations, ensures compliance with National Children's Alliance standards, and supports the organization's strategic goals. Builds strong relationships with multidisciplinary partners and promotes collaboration throughout Alameda County.

Financial Management: Oversees the organization's finances, including budgeting, financial reporting, grants, contracts, audits, and compliance. Develops and maintains diverse funding sources to support the organization's long-term sustainability.

Human Resources: Leads recruitment, hiring, supervision, performance management, and professional development for staff and volunteers. Promotes a positive workplace culture and ensures compliance with employment laws and organizational policies.

Community Relations: Represents CALICO and the Children's Advocacy Centers of California (CACC) in the community. Builds partnerships with funders, government agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders to strengthen support for the organization's mission.

Operations: Oversees day-to-day operations to ensure high-quality, trauma-informed services for children and families. Maintains effective systems, monitors program performance, and ensures compliance with organizational policies and accreditation standards.

Collaboration, Advocacy, and Innovation: Strengthens partnerships with multidisciplinary agencies to improve outcomes for children and families. Advocates for the Children's Advocacy Center model, identifies opportunities for growth and innovation, and fosters a collaborative, trauma-informed workplace culture.

Qualifications

Educational Background: An advanced degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Policy, Social Work, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Experience

We are open to a range of leadership backgrounds. Candidates may bring:

• Senior leadership experience in a nonprofit or public sector organization (preferably in children’s advocacy, child welfare, victim services, or a related field), or
• Significant experience (5+ years) in a high-responsibility, high-stakes environment with increasing leadership responsibilities.

Successful candidates will demonstrate experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, fundraising, financial management, and working with a Board or senior leadership team. Experience building partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and multidisciplinary stakeholders is highly valued. Knowledge of trauma-informed and child-centered practices is preferred.

Skills

Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills. Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, manage complex operations, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment. Experience with fundraising, grant management, budgeting, and organizational planning is preferred. Must demonstrate integrity, emotional intelligence, and sound judgment.

Schedule

This is a full-time, on-site leadership role with a Monday through Friday schedule. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. Remote work is limited and approved only when necessary to meet organizational needs.

Additional Requirements

• Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance, and ability to travel throughout Alameda County and California.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Why Join Us?

CALICO is a well-established Children’s Advocacy Center that has served Alameda County for nearly 30 years, supported by an experienced staff and strong multidisciplinary partners.

This is a highly independent leadership role with significant opportunity for learning, growth, and initiative. We are seeking a motivated leader who is comfortable taking ownership, solving problems, and growing into the role with support from a dedicated team.

We welcome applicants who are stepping into an Executive Director role for the first time, as well as those with prior leadership experience. Most important is a strong commitment to the mission and the ability to build relationships and lead collaboratively.

To Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to ***email_hidden***.

CALICO is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Annual Salary: Up to $110,323.20, depending on experience.

The organization and Board are committed to ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand long-term funding to support organizational sustainability and leadership capacity.

Benefits

For your Health & Well-Being

Medical – HMO & PPO Plans

Dental – HMO & PPO Plans

Vision or Vision Reimbursement

Share the Savings

Basic Life Insurance

Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

County Allowance Credit

Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance

Short-Term Disability Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Long-Term Care, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services

Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)

Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

12 paid holidays

Floating Holidays

Vacation and sick leave accrual

Vacation purchase program

Management Paid Leave**

Catastrophic Sick Leave

Pet Insurance

Commuter Benefits Program

Guaranteed Ride Home

Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)

Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)

Child Care Resources

1st United Services Credit Union

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement. This provides a summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three (3) days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to eight (8) days of management paid leave.