Executive Director

What We Do

We believe mobility is one of the most fundamental forces supporting equity and social justice. The California Bicycle Coalition (CalBike) is California’s only state-level bicycling advocacy organization, working to advance pro-bicycle and equitable mobility legislation in Sacramento. We also work closely with state agencies and decision makers to secure funding for infrastructure and programs that make our streets and communities safer and more welcoming to people who bike and walk. CalBike also represents California transportation positions and initiatives at the national level, working to ensure continued funding and focus from federal programs to support California’s active and accessible transportation goals. Our successes in 2022 include unprecedented bike-friendly, safety, active transportation and mobility legislation in Sacramento. 

Our strategic priorities:

  1. Prioritize underserved communities in transportation spending and policy decisions.
  2. Improve the built environment for biking, walking and transit.
  3. Change our transportation policies to support an equitable, environmentally sustainable, and safe future.
  4. Strengthen the power of the transportation justice movement.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

We work to reframe and shift the dominant discourse on transportation, planning, and policies to relieve historical and current burdens on low-income communities of color and to provide affordable, dependable, and safe transportation options that improve neighborhoods and opportunities in marginalized communities. We collaborate with, learn from, and center marginalized peoples and intersectional allies on issues of mobility justice. At CalBike, we advocate for bicycling not only because we love the bike as a machine but also because we love how bicycling can make our communities better: more equitable, prosperous, healthy, connected, and inclusive. 

Our board is incredibly diverse and engaged, comprised of community leaders from almost every region of California. And our work has never been more important than at this moment. With the former and long-serving Executive Director Dave Snyder moving on to an allied organization that works nationally, CalBike is seeking new leadership to further our mission of active transportation advocacy and continue expanding our reach and impact.

BENEFITS & FEATURES

  • Salary – $130,000-$150,000
  • Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Bike commuter benefit
  • Cell phone and internet reimbursement. Ergonomic office stipend
  • IRA retirement plan 3% employer match
  • Generous paid leave policy

LOCATION

Based in California and can easily travel to Sacramento to meet with legislators, agency personnel and attend Capitol activities such as committee and policy-related meetings.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director will be supported by our small, tight-knit team, which works remotely and collaboratively. Reporting to our 9-member board of directors, they will guide the strategic direction of the organization and build new programs to support that vision. Our organizational structure includes two entities, both of which fall under the leadership of the CalBike Executive Director:

  • California Bicycle Coalition, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, engages in direct political advocacy and electioneering, and is comprised of individual and corporate members across the state. CalBike advocates for equitable, inclusive, and prosperous communities where bicycling helps to enable all Californians to lead healthy and joyful lives.
  • California Mobility Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, engages in public outreach, education, and planning projects, and works to strengthen the transportation justice movement through events like the California Bicycle Summit. The California Mobility Fund is committed to collaborating with housing, transit, environmental, and justice organizations to fight for a sustainable and just future, fostering communities where residents do not have to rely on cars.
  • The ideal candidate will have an understanding of bicycle and active transportation advocacy work. They must be able to engage strategically with partners and understand relevant policy impacts in intersecting and interconnected issue areas. This could include housing, gentrification, and displacement; transit advocacy; climate change and sustainability; and disability mobility. Working in close partnership with our staff, board, and stakeholders, they will develop and execute an inspiring, ambitious, and achievable vision for CalBike’s next chapter.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Represent California in national bicycling and transportation discussions, serving as the key subject matter expert on developing partnerships with federal government funding.
  • Serve as our principal spokesperson on policy and advocacy campaigns, including representing CalBike in California legislative hearings and sessions, as well as building relationships with elected and government officials.
  • Develop and steward relationships with donors, grant makers, corporate partners, and stakeholders.
  • With the program team, develop and support external partnerships to grow CalBike’s coalition of support and advance our leadership and reputation across California and nationally.
  • Work with finance and operations staff to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements, develop and monitor the annual budget, and provide timely internal reporting and forecasting.
  • Maintain and advance a healthy, diverse, inclusive, and positive workplace with a climate of trust.
  • Set clear goals and expectations, thoughtfully give and receive feedback, encourage a healthy work-life balance, and promote both personal and professional growth.
  • Facilitate a strong board of directors, engaging members around strategic planning, fundraising, and long-term programmatic and organizational goals.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

  • 10 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership position serving as a coalition builder, strategist, and team leader passionate about bicycling and its various intersections.
  • Professional and/or personal experience working in and with broad and diverse communities, including but not limited to BIPOC communities, communities negatively impacted by environmental injustice, and other underserved and historically marginalized groups.
  • An inclusive leader who can strengthen and build upon CalBike’s value of supporting people marginalized by racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression to grow and advance their careers.
  • A track record of successful nonprofit fundraising, including experience with public and private sector funding, cultivating high net worth donors, and soliciting and closing major gifts.
  • An innovative thinker and skilled collaborator who can work effectively and deepen relationships with a diverse staff, board members, and external stakeholders. Experience developing partnerships among nonprofits, community-based organizations, private sector entities, and social justice organizations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY, PLEASE CONTACT:

Shira Jacobs, Director, Blair Search Partners
1855 1st Ave., Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92101
shira@blairsearchpartners.com