Monarch School Project, Chief Executive Officer

Company: Edgility Search
Location: San Diego
Posted on: February 15, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description ORGANIZATION Looking for a dynamic executive to lead a national model of education, care, and community. Monarch School is the only K–12 public school in the nation exclusively dedicated to educating unhoused youth. Since 1987, Monarch has demonstrated what is possible when education, compassion, and partnership come together to break the cycle of poverty and housing insecurities. Through a unique public private partnership between the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) and the Monarch School Project (MSP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Monarch provides a comprehensive, trauma-informed learning environment that supports nearly 300 students and their families each year. Students receive an accredited education alongside wraparound supports for the entire family that address academic growth, social and emotional well-being, and essential life skills development. Monarch integrates academics with trauma-informed care, strength-based practices, developmental relationships, and restorative approaches—creating a learning environment where every student is known, supported, and empowered to thrive in school and beyond. Our state-of-the-art campus features classrooms, arts and athletic facilities, counseling spaces, and family engagement areas. Monarch’s holistic services include clinical mental health care, a family resource center, regular family dinners, and alumni support programs that sustain connection and growth well beyond graduation. At Monarch, we believe that supporting students, families, and alumni together builds the foundation for lasting community transformation—replacing instability with opportunity and empowering every individual to thrive. To learn more about Monarch School Project, please visit www.monarchschools.org. OPPORTUNITY Reporting to a 15-person Board of Directors and managing a $7 million dollar budget, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will lead Monarch School Project into its next chapter, stewarding a 67,000-square-foot, $20 million campus and a dedicated multidisciplinary team. This leader will strengthen financial sustainability, advance Monarch’s trauma-informed educational model, and deepen partnerships across San Diego and beyond in response to the urgent reality that more than 233,000 young people in California experience housing instability or are unhoused. The CEO will be a visible, hands-on leader, deeply present on campus and building authentic relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners. The ideal candidate is mission driven and heart led, with a deep personal connection to Monarch’s work. This leader combines compassion with strong business acumen and a strategic mindset focused on long term sustainability. This person is equally comfortable in donor boardrooms and school classrooms. They are a trust builder and bridge builder who fosters and maintains relationships across staff, partners, and the Board. They lead with empathy and equity, centering wellness and belonging, and serve as a visible and relational presence with students, families, and the broader community. Calm and courageous in the face of change, they make values aligned decisions and adapt in complex environments. They are organized with excellent follow through and planning, and they are flexible about working evenings and weekends to meet the needs of the community. This deeply relational leader inspires others through presence, authenticity, integrity, and vision. Anticipated focus allocation: Fundraising & Financial Sustainability – 35% Organizational Culture, Staff Development & Partnership Alignment – 25% Board, Governance, & External Relations – 20% Strategic Planning & Program Alignment – 20% KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Fundraising & Financial Sustainability Lead the organization’s revenue strategy by expanding and diversifying funding streams, including major donors, foundation and corporate partnerships, and digital campaigns, while strengthening and deepening relationships with existing supporters. Design and execute a multi-year fundraising and sustainability plan that replaces sunsetting funders and secures long term commitments. Serve as Monarch’s chief spokesperson and public champion, raising the organization’s visibility locally, regionally, and nationally through authentic storytelling, public speaking, and presence at community and donor events. Oversee the organization’s finances, including budgets, reserves, forecasting, and investments, ensuring transparency and rigor. Align financial planning and reporting with strategic priorities to ensure long term stability. Organizational Culture, Staff Development & Partnership Alignment Inspire, develop, and retain a talented, mission-driven team committed to trauma-informed and equity-based practices. Foster a transparent, collaborative culture that builds morale and strengthens trust. Ensure clear systems for accountability, communication, and alignment across teams. Deepen relationships with the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) and other key partners, including civic leaders, philanthropists, and mission-aligned organizations through consistent communication, mutual trust, and shared goals. Model humility, empathy, and accessibility as a visible, supportive leader. Board, Governance, & External Relations Partner closely with the Board of Directors to drive strategic direction and monitor progress toward organizational goals. Equip the Board with clear financial, programmatic, and operational reporting to enable informed oversight. Leverage the Board’s expertise and networks to enhance fundraising, governance, and advocacy efforts. Represent Monarch as a trusted and credible voice on issues affecting unhoused and underserved youth. Influence systems and policy on behalf of unhoused youth by elevating Monarch’s model, shaping public understanding, and mobilizing investment in long-term solutions. Strategic Planning & Program Alignment Implement a refreshed 3 to 5 year strategic plan rooted in Monarch’s trauma-informed and equity-based model. Translate strategy into clear priorities, metrics, and progress reports for the Board and staff. Ensure all programs and initiatives uphold Monarch’s “whole child and family” approach and community-centered values. PRIORITIES Top outcomes and priorities for this position within year 1 include: Financial Stability: Grow and diversify revenue sources; establish multi-year donor commitments, strengthen fundraising systems and build a reserve. Culture & Trust: Build organizational trust, strengthen staff cohesion, align teams under shared goals, and model authentic leadership. Partnership Management: Establish trust and operational clarity with the SDCOE partnership to support long-term sustainability. Strategic Alignment: Ensure the deliverables are met in the current strategic plan in collaboration with the Board. Community Engagement: Be a visible and relational presence across campus, amplifying Monarch’s impact through authentic storytelling, public speaking, and advocacy within the broader community. Requirements In order to fulfill these responsibilities, the ideal Chief Executive Officer candidate will have: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. 7-10 years of senior level leadership. Solid business acumen for organizations of $5 to 7 million dollars or more. Proven record of building sustainable fundraising programs and managing major donor portfolios. Experience working closely with a governing board and diverse stakeholder groups. Success in creating lasting, impactful partnerships across organizations and communities and demonstrated success working in complex organizations with multiple stakeholder groups such as board, staff, donors, volunteers, and regional partners. Demonstrated ability to make data driven decisions that enhance outcomes and organizational performance. Familiarity with public education, youth development, or social services for vulnerable populations. Excellent communication and public speaking skills with the ability to inspire and engage diverse audiences. Bilingual English and Spanish is a plus. Benefits This position offers a competitive salary range of $200,000 - $235,000 . Benefits include medical and dental coverage, 401(k) employer match up to 6%, and generous paid time off that includes 3 weeks of PTO plus approximately 5 additional weeks during school recesses. More details can be provided upon request. TO APPLY Please submit a resume online at https://apply.workable.com/j/B08FABD9BE/. Monarch School Project is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. Recruiting staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Candidates are evaluated solely on their qualifications to perform the work required.

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