Job Description

The California Bicycle Coalition (CalBike) is seeking an executive director to continue its record of successful active transportation advocacy and lead the organization as it continues to expand its reach and impact in generating an equitable and sustainable transportation system. The executive director will guide the strategic direction of the organization and build new programs to support that vision.

CalBike’s director will share our members’ passion for better biking and be enthusiastic about our mission to advocate for equitable, inclusive, and prosperous communities where bicycling helps enable all Californians to lead healthy and joyful lives. The incoming executive director must have a thorough 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 such as policing and traffic enforcement; housing, gentrification, and displacement; transit advocacy; climate change and sustainability; and disability mobility. 

The executive director is the chief executive officer of the California Bicycle Coalition, a 501(c)(4), and the California Mobility Fund, a 501(c)(3). The executive director reports to the board of directors and is responsible for ensuring the organization consistently achieves its mission and financial objectives. 

The executive director will be supported by our small, tight-knit team, which works remotely and collaboratively. 

About CalBike

CalBike is California’s state-level bicycling advocacy organization. We advocate for pro-bicycle and equitable mobility legislation in Sacramento and work closely with state agencies to secure funding for infrastructure and programs that make our streets and communities safer and more welcoming to people who walk and bike. CalBike also represents California transportation positions and initiatives at the national level and works to ensure continued funding and focus from federal programs to support California’s active and accessible transportation goals.

Compensation

CalBike offers a competitive compensation package with a salary ranging from $130,000-$150,000, commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications. CalBike also provides employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, a bike commuter benefit, cell phone and internet reimbursement, ergonomic office stipend, a 3% employer match to a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan, and a generous paid leave policy. 

Location

The executive director must be based in California. Most work will be remote. Preference for Sacramento, the Bay Area, or a location where you can easily travel to Sacramento as needed to meet with legislators and agency personnel.

Responsibilities

• In collaboration with staff, board, and stakeholders, develop and execute an inspiring, ambitious, and achievable vision for CalBike
• Act as the principal spokesperson for the organization and our campaigns, including representing CalBike in California legislative hearings and sessions, as well as building relationships with elected and government officials
• Support policy work by planning and working in collaboration with staff to develop effective communications strategies for policy and advocacy initiatives
• Represent California in national bicycling and transportation discussions and act as the key subject matter expert on developing partnerships with federal government funding to support California state active transportation initiatives
• Develop and steward relationships with donors, funders, and movement allies
• Actively participate in fundraising activities to solicit contributions from major donors, grantmakers, and corporate partners
• 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, provide timely internal reporting and forecasting, and ensure that adequate funds are available to permit CalBike to carry out its work
• Lead, grow, and manage an effective and enthusiastic team
• Maintain and advance a healthy, diverse, inclusive, and positive workplace with a climate of trust and openness
• Facilitate a strong board of directors, engaging members around strategic planning, fundraising, and long-term programmatic and organizational goals 

What we’re looking for

Our executive director will have most or all of these qualifications:

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership position with strategic planning, budget, and management responsibilities.
• 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
• A thorough understanding of issues related to racial justice and equity, a clear vision that will enable the advancement of diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion, internally and externally, and a track record of implementing those same principles 
• Experience as a coalition builder, strategist, and team leader who is passionate about bicycling and its various intersections
• 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 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
• Experience developing partnerships among nonprofits, community-based organizations, private sector entities, and social justice organizations
• An innovative thinker and skilled collaborator who can work effectively and deepen relationships with a diverse staff, board members, and external stakeholders
• Confidence representing CalBike and presenting ideas to a range of audiences, including internal and external stakeholders
• Sets clear goals and expectations, thoughtfully gives and receives feedback, encourages a healthy work-life balance, and promotes both personal and professional growth.

How to apply

Please send a resume or CV with a cover letter as a single PDF document, with a subject line including the job title and your full name, to cbc@calbike.org.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. All applications and candidates will be kept confidential.

CalBike provides equal employment opportunities without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, mental or physical disability, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply, especially people of color, women, immigrants, people of all abilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Top applicants might not have expertise related to every qualification listed above, but will bring experience in at least two, plus a willingness to learn and excel at the others. A core qualification for this position is that you must advocate for and deeply value equity and inclusion.