Executive Director

Executive Director

Sunflower Hill

Location: Pleasanton, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $140,000–$165,000

 

About Sunflower Hill

 

Sunflower Hill is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating places and spaces where individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) can live, work, learn, and thrive.

 

Founded in 2013, Sunflower Hill addresses the need for long-term affordable housing, community-based programs, and opportunities for adults with I/DD. Its flagship community, Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch in Pleasanton, opened in 2020 and provides 30 affordable housing units within an independent and supportive services environment. Three additional residential communities in Dublin and Lafayette, California, are in early development.

 

Beyond housing, Sunflower Hill provides enrichment programs and community-based activities that foster life skills, social connection, and personal growth. Its one-acre organic garden at Hagemann Ranch in Livermore serves adult day programs and high school I/DD transition classes and produces approximately 5,000 pounds of fresh produce, eggs, and flowers annually for donation.

 

Sunflower Hill believes housing is foundational and belonging can be transformative, envisioning a world where people of all abilities are welcomed, empowered, and valued.

 

The Opportunity

 

The Executive Director, under the guidance of the Board of Directors, provides visionary and operational leadership for Sunflower Hill.

 

The Executive Director will lead organizational strategy and operations while cultivating strong relationships with families, community partners, funders, service providers, and local stakeholders. The position is responsible for organizational sustainability, financial management, fundraising, Board relations, programs, housing initiatives, community engagement, and organizational impact.

 

Organizational Management & Leadership

 

• Serve as the Chief Executive of Sunflower Hill, advancing its mission, vision, and values.

• Lead implementation of the organization’s strategic plan and annual operating and revenue goals.

• Oversee day-to-day management and operations, including staff, consultants, and participant programs.

• Work with the Board to support the development and expansion of affordable residential communities for adults with I/DD.

• Ensure residential, community, and garden programs promote independence, interdependence, inclusion, and quality of life.

• Work with the Board to recruit, manage, and retain consultants, vendors, and professional advisors needed to support organizational operations.

 

Fiscal Management

 

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Board.

• Ensure strong financial controls, transparency, and compliance with nonprofit regulations.

• Oversee financial reporting, audits, tax filings, and Form 990 preparation.

• Monitor financial performance and provide regular financial updates to the Board.

• Lead fundraising efforts, including grants, donations, sponsorships, and partnerships.

• Oversee the full grant administration process, including proposal development, reporting, compliance, and funder relationship management.

 

Board Operations, Governance & Development

 

• Partner closely with the Board of Directors to strengthen governance, leadership, and strategic oversight.

• Participate in Board-driven strategic planning, goal-setting, and evaluation of organizational impact.

• Prepare agendas, reports, and materials for Board and committee meetings.

• Serve as an ex-officio member of Board committees.

• Ensure timely, accurate, and transparent communication between staff and the Board.

 

Programs & Housing Administration

 

• Provide leadership and oversight for Sunflower Hill’s residential communities and community and garden programs serving adults with I/DD.

• Serve as a senior-level liaison to Sunflower Hill partners and vendors.

• Understand and articulate the evolving needs of adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families.

• Ensure program outcomes are measured, documented, and aligned with the organization’s mission.

• Support innovation and continuous improvement in housing and program offerings.

 

Community Relations & Outreach

 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, community partners, service providers, funders, and local agencies.

• Represent Sunflower Hill, in partnership with the Board and staff, at community events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.

• Serve as a visible advocate for supportive housing, disability services, and community programs.

• Oversee marketing, communications, and outreach efforts, including website content and organizational storytelling.

• Communicate the impact of Sunflower Hill’s housing and programs to donors, partners, and the broader community.

 

Qualifications & Attributes

 

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

• At least five years of senior-level leadership experience required.

• Previous experience managing nonprofit teams required.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational abilities and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Ability to respond appropriately to critical incidents and emergency situations.

• Ability to observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate policies and procedures.

• Physical ability to lead and participate in group activities and perform related physical responsibilities.

• Proven supervisory skills, including training, evaluating, and motivating staff and volunteers.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage an effective staff team.

• Professional demeanor and ability to work effectively with the public, staff, and volunteers.

• Passion for serving neurodiverse individuals.

• Strong understanding of nonprofit governance, financial management, fundraising, grants, and strategic planning.

• Fundraising experience, including major and legacy gifts.

• Experience working with Boards of Directors and community stakeholders.

• Passion for advancing inclusion, equity, and opportunities for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

• Ability to lead with empathy, vision, and accountability.

 

Compensation

 

The salary range for the Executive Director position is $140,000–$165,000 per year.