Executive Director

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

J-Sei is a multi-generational and multi-cultural community organization rooted in Nikkei values and culture, dedicated to serving seniors and fostering connections across generations. As a trusted provider of culturally responsive senior services, J-Sei offers nutritious meal programs, case management, caregiver support, wellness activities, and educational and cultural programming that enrich the lives of older adults and their families in the East Bay counties of Alameda and Contra Costa. Over the years, J-Sei has expanded its services to meet the evolving needs of the community while remaining committed to its core mission of care, cultural preservation, and connection.

J-Sei is seeking a compassionate and strategic Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and impact. The next ED will inherit a financially stable organization with a strong reputation and a dedicated team. This leader will be responsible for stewarding J-Sei’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, strengthening community partnerships, continuing long term financial sustainability, and ensuring J-Sei’s continued relevance to an increasingly diverse and multi-generational community. The ideal candidate will bring experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement, with a deep appreciation for the values and traditions that shape J-Sei’s work, and preferably, experience in aging services or a demonstrated commitment to supporting older adults.

ABOUT J-SEI

J-Sei was founded in 1971 as East Bay Japanese for Action (EBJA) and has evolved over the decades to meet the changing needs of the Japanese American and broader Asian American communities. Today, J-Sei serves over 37,000 meals annually, offers a wide range of senior services, and provides cultural and educational classes that foster intergenerational engagement. With a $2M annual budget, a team of 25 staff, and 250 dedicated volunteers, J-Sei is a vital hub for older adults and families seeking culturally sensitive services.

The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to build on recent momentum and further strengthen J-Sei’s community-based programs, ensuring the organization remains a welcoming, adaptable, and thriving resource for generations to come.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Executive Director will be a compassionate, strategic, and community-centered leader with the ability to navigate complex organizational needs while fostering a culture of trust, inclusion, support, and collaboration. They will be instrumental in advancing J-Sei’s mission by strengthening programs, deepening community engagement, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. This role requires a visionary and adaptable leader who can balance tradition with innovation, proactively expand services, and cultivate meaningful relationships with staff, board members, donors, community stakeholders and government partners to sustain and grow J-Sei’s impact.

This role will include the following responsibilities:

Strategic Vision & Leadership

• Lead the implementation of J-Sei’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, community needs and long-term viability.
• Strengthen J-Sei’s role as a leader in culturally responsive senior services in Alameda and Contra Costa County, while exploring opportunities for growth in areas such as caregiver support, mental health, and engaging the younger generation.
• Navigate demographic shifts and evolving community expectations to ensure that J-Sei remains inclusive, relevant, and impactful.

Community Engagement & Program Development

• Deepen relationships with Japanese American and broader Asian American communities, ensuring that J-Sei continues to be a hub for cultural connection and social services.
• Expand partnerships with local nonprofits, government agencies, funders and donors to enhance J-Sei’s services and outreach.
• Foster community connections by participating in events on behalf of J-Sei, including those held outside of typical business hours.
• Ensure that volunteer engagement and multi-generational programming remain central to J-Sei’s work, strengthening the relevance to the changing needs and interests of all generations and communities served by J-Sei.

Fundraising & Financial Sustainability

• Lead diverse fundraising efforts, including individual giving, major gifts, foundation grants, and government funding, to maintain J-Sei’s financial health.
• Steward relationships with existing donors and cultivate new supporters, ensuring confidence in J-Sei’s mission and leadership.
• Oversee financial management and planning, ensuring long-term stability and resource allocation that aligns with strategic goals.

Organizational Leadership & Staff Development

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing staff culture that values teamwork, innovation, and professional development.
• Ensure effective delegation and staff leadership, providing guidance and mentorship while empowering staff to take ownership of key initiatives.
• Strengthen internal systems and processes to support operational efficiency and program impact.

Board Relations & Governance

• Partner with the Board of Directors to align on strategic priorities, financial stewardship, and governance best practices.
• Maintain open communication and transparency with the board, ensuring they are engaged and informed.
• Support board development and succession planning to sustain strong leadership for the organization.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

While no one candidate will possess all the qualifications listed below, the ideal candidate will be passionate about J-Sei’s mission and bring many of the following skills and experiences:

• Leadership & Strategy: At least 7-10 years of leadership experience in a nonprofit, senior services, or community-based organization, with a track record of strategic growth and impact.
• Community Engagement & Cultural Competency: Deep appreciation for Japanese American, Asian American, and multi-generational community-building. Familiarity with Japanese American community values, traditions, and history is highly desirable, though not required.
• Fundraising & Financial Acumen: Proven success in securing grants, major gifts, and government funding to support nonprofit programs and operations.
• Program Development: Experience designing and overseeing culturally responsive social service programs, ideally in aging services, senior wellness, or community engagement.
• High Emotional Intelligence: Ability to foster trust, build relationships, and lead with compassion, integrity, and humility.
• Operational & Financial Management: Experience overseeing budgets, financial planning, and organizational systems.
• Collaboration & Team Building: Strong people management skills with the ability to mentor and empower staff.

WORK, LOCATION, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Location: This position is based at J-Sei’s office in Emeryville, CA. The Executive Director is expected to be onsite five days a week.

Salary & Benefits: $150,000-175,000. J-Sei offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.