Executive Director

RISE Scholars, Inc.

Full-Time | Onsite (during school year and summer program) | Novato, CA

Salary: $100,000–$195,000 DOE performance bonus

Organization Overview

RISE Scholars, Inc. is an educational nonprofit dedicated to expanding opportunity for students at Hamilton School and beyond in Novato, CA. Through targeted academic and enrichment programs including math, reading, mentoring, athletics, chess, and SummerHawks, RISE provides high-impact, relationship-driven support that builds skills, confidence, and long-term success.

Position Overview

RISE Scholars is seeking a full-time Executive Director to lead the organization’s day-to-day operations and fundraising efforts.

This is a senior leadership role for a mission-driven operator and proven fundraiser who can both run a complex, community-based nonprofit and significantly grow its financial resources.

The Executive Director serves as the primary leader of RISE, working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and community partners to ensure strong program execution today while building a sustainable and expanding organization for the future.

This role requires a full-time, highly engaged, on-site presence during the school year.

Key Responsibilities

Program Oversight

• Oversee all RISE programs, including:
• Math & Reading Intervention
• Math Academy & Advanced Math Academy
• Mentor Program
• Chess Program
• Athletics Program
• SummerHawks
• Ensure strong execution, consistency, and quality across all programs
• Supervise program leads and support staff
• Monitor student outcomes and continuously improve program effectiveness

(This role oversees programs but does not include teaching responsibilities.)

Operations & Administration

• Oversee all day-to-day operations of the organization
• Manage staff hiring, onboarding, training, evaluation, and retention
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and engagement
• Maintain policies, procedures, and operational systems
• Ensure effective coordination across all programs and activities
• Provide regular reporting to the Board on programs, finances, and fundraising performance
• Maintain strong relationships with Hamilton School administration and Novato Unified School District

Fundraising & Development Leadership

• Lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy with annual targets of $650K–$1M
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, foundations, and corporate partners
• Leverage and build relationships with high-net-worth individuals and community leaders
• Lead the annual “Have a Heart” event and other fundraising events
• Oversee grant strategy, including prospecting, proposals, and reporting
• Develop compelling donor communications, storytelling, and impact reporting
• Track and report fundraising performance and pipeline
• Partner with the Board to drive major gifts and expand donor networks

Human Resources & People Management

• Serve as the organization’s HR lead
• Maintain employee handbook, policies, and compliance practices
• Manage employee relations, performance management, and staff development
• Build a strong, mission-aligned culture across staff and volunteers
• Partner with payroll and benefits providers to ensure a smooth employee experience

Financial Management

• Oversee budgets, financial tracking, and reporting
• Maintain visibility into program costs and organizational financial health
• Serve as liaison with external accountant/bookkeeper
• Serve as liaison with payroll provider to ensure accurate and timely payroll
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit financial and reporting requirements
• Support annual budgeting and financial planning

Community Engagement & External Relations

• Serve as the primary public-facing leader of RISE
• Represent RISE within the school, community, and donor networks
• Build strong relationships with families, volunteers, donors, and partners
• Strengthen and expand RISE’s presence in Marin County

Qualifications Required

• 7 years of leadership experience, ideally in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization
• Proven track record of successful fundraising, including major gifts
• Experience raising $500K annually (ideally $1M )
• Strong operational and organizational leadership skills
• Experience managing teams, staff, and/or volunteers
• Financial literacy and experience overseeing budgets
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to think strategically and execute effectively
• Passion for education, equity, and youth development

Qualifications Preferred

• Proven track record as an Executive Director for an education-driven nonprofit
• Experience in education or school-based programs
• Established relationships in Marin County or the Bay Area philanthropic community
• Experience working with a Board of Directors
• Experience in volunteer-driven organizations

Compensation & Schedule

• Full-time, year-round position
• Onsite presence required during the school year and summer programs
• Occasional evenings and weekends for donor meetings and events
• Salary: $100,000–$195,000 DOE
• Performance bonus tied to fundraising and organizational growth

Why This Role Matters

This is a unique opportunity to lead and grow an organization that is already making a meaningful impact in the lives of hundreds of students.

The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in:

• Expanding access to opportunity for underserved students
• Building a stronger and more sustainable organization
• Growing a community of supporters, volunteers, and advocates
• Ensuring RISE continues to change lives for years to come