Now hiring: Executive Director

Hybrid in Alameda, CA

Executive Summary

Friends of the Alameda Free Library (FAL) seeks an experienced, innovative and community-centered Executive Director to lead the organization’s next chapter of growth and impact. Reporting to the President of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as FAL’s primary ambassador, advancing the organization’s mission by strengthening philanthropy, cultivating strategic partnerships and ensuring operational excellence. This highly visible leader will inspire donors, volunteers, board members and community stakeholders while championing the essential role the Alameda Free Library plays as a center for lifelong learning and community connection.

The Executive Director will lead fundraising and resource development, oversee organizational and financial operations, supervise a small staff and foster a collaborative volunteer culture that sustains FAL’s work. The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven nonprofit leader with demonstrated success in fundraising, community engagement and organizational management. They will bring exceptional communication skills, sound judgment and the ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders while positioning FAL for long-term growth, financial sustainability and lasting community impact.

About Friends of the Alameda Free Library

Friends of the Alameda Free Library is a vibrant nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that the Alameda Free Library remains a thriving center for lifelong learning and community connection. Through philanthropy, volunteerism and community engagement, FAL provides critical funding that makes innovative Library programs possible and helps create welcoming spaces where every resident can learn, connect and thrive.

FAL funding makes Library programs possible ranging from adult literacy education to summer reading adventures for children of all ages. Donations, used book sales, cafe purchases and event attendance help keep these programs thriving and central to the community.

The Opportunity

Friends of the Alameda Free Library is seeking an experienced, innovative and community-centered Executive Director to lead the organization’s next chapter of growth and impact. This is an exceptional opportunity for a relationship-builder who enjoys connecting people to a mission, cultivating philanthropy, building sustainable systems and ensuring that one of Alameda’s most beloved community institutions continues to thrive for generations to come.

Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership & Community Engagement

• Serve as FAL’s chief ambassador, building strong relationships with donors, civic leaders, community partners, volunteers, and the Alameda Free Library.
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors to advance organizational priorities, strengthen long-term sustainability and elevate FAL’s visibility through strategic partnerships and community engagement.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Lead all fundraising efforts by developing and implementing comprehensive donor engagement strategies, including annual giving, direct mail, online appeals, grants, sponsorships and major donor cultivation.
• Partner with and support Board members in fundraising activities while expanding philanthropic support and diversifying revenue streams to support FAL’s long-term financial sustainability.

Organizational & Financial Management

• Provide strategic and operational oversight for FAL, ensuring effective administration, prudent financial management and compliance with nonprofit regulations.
• Partner with the Treasurer on budgeting, financial reporting and internal controls while maintaining organizational systems, priorities, and operational efficiency.

People & Volunteer Leadership

• Supervise and mentor the Administrative Assistant and Bookstore Retail Manager and foster a collaborative, inclusive and mission-driven workplace culture.
• Partner closely with the Library Director and staff to align the Library’s strategic priorities with FAL fundraising efforts.
• Support a strong volunteer program by working with the Volunteer Coordinator to recruit, engage, train and recognize volunteers who are essential to FAL’s success.

Communications & Marketing

• Collaborate closely with the Communications Committee, which is responsible for FAL’s public-facing communications, to support newsletters, email campaigns, website content, social media and other marketing initiatives.
• Help ensure that public-facing communications use consistent messaging, tell FAL’s story effectively, strengthen community engagement and inspire support.
• Serve as a confident public speaker and community representative on behalf of FAL and the Board of Directors.

Desired Qualifications

Executive Leadership

• Demonstrated success leading a nonprofit, community organization or comparable mission-driven enterprise.
• Collaborative, transparent leadership style with the ability to inspire staff, volunteers, donors and board members.
• Strong judgment, emotional intelligence and commitment to inclusion and community engagement.
• A learner’s mindset, continuous curiosity and an interest in growing in this role.

Fundraising & External Relations

• Successful track record of securing philanthropic support from individuals, foundations, corporations and community partners.
• Experience cultivating and stewarding major donors.
• Excellent public speaking, networking and relationship-building skills.

Operations and Internal Management

• Strong people management skills, including experience building, mentoring and supervising high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and learning.
• Experience overseeing day-to-day organizational operations, including planning, budgeting, staff coordination and administrative systems.
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and navigate complexities.
• Ability to work independently from home and manage a small staff.

Communications

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing marketing materials and digital communications.

Additional Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with nonprofit platforms for donor management, email marketing and volunteer engagement.
• Familiarity with Canva, CRM systems or comparable platforms preferred.
• Experience planning and executing fundraising campaigns and community events.

Compensation and Benefits

Work Location: This hybrid position is based in Alameda, CA. The role does require attending events and programs on occasional evenings and weekends.

Compensation and Benefits: The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $100,000–$120,000. FAL offers 40 hours of sick leave, flexible holidays and a self-funded retirement plan option.

How to Apply

To learn more about Friends of the Alameda Free Library, visit: alamedafriends.org.

This search is being led by Phuong Quach and Ashley Jones of the national talent search firm NPAG. FAL invites applications that include a resume and cover letter outlining the candidate’s interest and qualifications through the portal on NPAG’s website.

FAL is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, sex, gender identity, age, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status or record of arrest or conviction. FAL is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and strives for a workforce that reflects the populations that it serves. Additionally, upon a job offer, each candidate is required to provide evidence of their eligibility to work in the United States.