Executive Director - Inland Empire at Woodcraft Rangers – Moreno Valley, California

Executive Director – Inland Empire Area Office

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Status: Full-Time; Exempt

Location: Riverside, CA (Hybrid – minimum 2 days/week in office)

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Salary Range: $155,000 – $190,000 annually (based on experience and qualifications)

Are you passionate about giving back to your community and making a lasting difference in the lives of young people?

Who We Are:

In 1922, Woodcraft Rangers opened its doors in Los Angeles and began its mission of guiding young people as they explore pathways to purposeful lives. As a progressive organization, Woodcraft has always been responsive to the evolving needs of the communities served, and is notably inclusive, youth-led, and rooted in the Woodcraft Way, a holistic framework that develops body, mind, spirit, and service. Continuously at the forefront of expanded learning opportunities, Woodcraft Rangers has a rich history of making a significant impact in the greater Los Angeles area, believing that all youth are innately good, deserve the opportunity to realize their full potential, and should be an active participant in defining their own path.

What We Do:

Woodcraft Rangers provides TK-12 expanded learning programs, including before and after school, specialty enrichment, and summer learning. In the past few years, Woodcraft has expanded its menu of services beyond traditional afterschool programs and summer camps to include early learning, environmental and social justice, college access, and inclusion services for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, we offer Lifecraft, a college and career advancement program to support the development of approximately 2,000 staff. Today, Woodcraft Rangers serves more than 30,000 youth ages 4 to 18 each year across 150 plus Title I schools in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties, and continues to expand its reach.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is a steady, credible leader who brings maturity and sound judgment to a complex, matrixed organization. They are highly relational, able to build trust across diverse stakeholders, and comfortable leading through influence rather than direct authority. This individual is decisive and composed under pressure, strategic yet pragmatic, with strong execution instincts and a deep commitment to Woodcraft Rangers’ mission.

Why Work for Woodcraft Rangers:

● Competitive salary – $155,000 – $190,000 annually (based on experience and qualifications)

● Paid vacation & sick time – generous time off to recharge

● Lifecraft program – free college & career advancement for all staff

● Upward mobility – promote-from-within culture

● Health, dental & vision – comprehensive benefits coverage

● 403(b) retirement plan – invest in your future

● Pet insurance – because your whole family matters

● Mission-driven work – impact 30,000 + young people annually

Role Overview:

The Executive Director (ED) for the Inland Empire Area Office serves as the senior-most leader responsible for the organization’s regional presence, external relationships, and office management. Reporting directly to the CEO, the ED acts as the organization’s primary representative in the Inland Empire—ensuring strong community partnerships, operational cohesion, and leadership continuity across a complex, matrixed structure. This role is designed for a seasoned, high-judgment leader who provides steady leadership during ambiguity, manages crises, and coaches regional team members who may not directly report to them.

Responsibilities:

Culture Stewardship & Organizational Continuity

· Serve as the primary steward of organizational culture in the Inland Empire, ensuring alignment with the vision, values, and leadership tone set by the CEO and HQ.

· Act as a visible culture carrier, reinforcing expectations, norms, and leadership standards across all regional team members.

· Lead and host core organizational milestone events in the region (e.g., kickoffs, celebrations, recognition moments, strategic convenings) to ensure continuity with enterprise-wide priorities.

· Partner closely with the CEO and HQ leaders to translate organizational priorities into meaningful regional experiences and rituals.

· Identify and address cultural gaps or misalignment within the regional ecosystem, proactively reinforcing a cohesive and high-performing environment.

Regional Leadership & Office Management

· Lead and manage the Inland Empire Area Office, ensuring a high-functioning, professional, and aligned regional presence.

· Directly supervise and develop the Office Manager, External Relations Director, and Communications Manager.

· Establish strong internal coordination across regional staff and HQ-based teams operating locally.

· Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and mission alignment within the regional office.

External Relations & Partner Development

· Serve as the primary external ambassador for the organization in the Inland Empire.

· Build and maintain strategic relationships with school districts, community-based organizations, funders, civic leaders, and key stakeholders.

· Identify and cultivate new partnership opportunities to expand regional impact and revenue.

· Support advancement and fundraising efforts in coordination with central development functions.

Strategic Partnership with Program Leadership

· Act as a strategic partner to the Sr. Director of Programs overseeing operations at 50+ local schools.

· Provide regional context, stakeholder insight, and problem-solving support to strengthen program success.

· Influence outcomes through collaboration rather than direct authority, ensuring alignment between program delivery and regional strategy.

Cross-Functional Alignment & Advisory Role

· Serve as the regional advisor to shared services functions (Finance, HR, IT, Risk Management), ensuring local needs are understood and addressed.

· Advocate for resources, systems, and support required for effective regional operations.

· Facilitate communication and alignment between HQ and regional teams.

Crisis Management & Leadership Coaching

· Act as the escalation point for regional challenges, including operational, reputational, or personnel-related issues.

· Provide calm, decisive leadership during crises and high-stakes situations.

· Coach and support regional team members—particularly those in matrixed reporting structures—on leadership, performance, and problem-solving.

· Reinforce organizational standards, expectations, and culture in the region.

Qualifications/Skills:

· 10+ years of senior leadership experience, preferably in education, youth development, or community-based organizations.

· Demonstrated success leading in complex, matrixed organizations.

· Strong external relations experience, including partnership development and stakeholder management.

· Proven ability to manage crises and navigate ambiguity with sound judgment.

· Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills.

· Experience working with school districts and public-sector partners (preferred).

· Background in scaling regional operations within a larger organization (preferred).

· Familiarity with Southern California, particularly the Inland Empire region (preferred).

Physical Demands:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following physical demands may be essential for the effective performance of this position. Reasonable accommodation will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:

● Frequent standing is required during working hours

● The ability to travel across the Great Los Angeles area, using either a car or public transportation, is necessary several times a month.

● Regular use of hands for various tasks, such as operating a computer and handling objects, is essential.

● Must be able to occasionally lift/move up to 40 pounds.

● Reasonable accommodation is available for individuals with disabilities.

Work Environment:

We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and will actively consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals to effectively perform their roles. This position operates in environments typical of the following key aspects:

● Regular exposure to computer monitors during work.

● The typical noise level of a standard work environment.

● Stable internet access is required for effective work-from-home performance.

Woodcraft Rangers provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief, color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breastfeeding), age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, transitioning status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. We also prohibit discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.