President and Chief Executive Officer

ABOUT THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF LOS ANGELES

The Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA) supports the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) in its effort to provide all 3.8 million Angelenos with equitable access to thousands of free programs, resources, and services.

Through fundraising, advocacy, and innovative programs, LFLA strengthens the Librarys commitment to educate and empower every individual in our city’s diverse communities.

At LFLA, we are committed to keeping the Library thriving for generations to come and to providing all Angelenos with the tools to enrich and improve their lives. 

Since its founding in 1992, LFLA has been a vital partner for all of the Library’s 73 locations, raising over $150 million.

LFLA fundraising creates programs that promote literacy and help students succeed, equips libraries with updated technology, and supports life-long learning.

Our dream is to transform Los Angeles and the world through the power of Libraries.

Our Core Values include:

• High Achievement – We set high bars for performance

• Accountability – Each of us is responsible for our individual and team outcomes

• Empathy – Our work is defined by caring for others

• Learning – Learning enables growth

• Curiosity – Brave, bold questions help us evolve

• Adaptability – We welcome change

• Partnerships – We do our work by building bridges

• Collaboration – Respect and communication build successful teams

POSITION OVERVIEW

The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles is an experienced and enthusiastic leader, setting an organizational vision that is responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.

A purpose-driven executive, the ideal candidate provides direction and mentorship to the staff of LFLA, inspires strategic vision with the Board of Directors and the staff, and builds outstanding relationships throughout Los Angeles to advance LFLA fundraising and programmatic objectives.

The President and Chief Executive Officer is primarily responsible for the organization’s ambitious fundraising goals, working with our dedicated team to raise an operating budget of $8M per year and driving LFLA’s overarching organizational strategy.

In collaboration with the executive fundraising team, the candidate will identify, cultivate, and solicit gifts from individual donors, corporations, and foundations in support of LFLA’s vision and mission.

The President and Chief Executive Officer embodies the vision, mission, and core values of LFLA and is the public face of the organization.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• In collaboration with the Board of Directors, creates, develops, and implements a strategic plan that aligns LFLA-supported programs and activities with LFLA’s core values, mission, vision, and long-term goals.

• Responsible for the overall management and leadership of the organization including operations, programming, partnerships, advocacy, fundraising, communications, and finances.

• Ensures proper oversight of LFLA-funded projects, including the ALOUD series, exhibitions, and other new program initiatives.

• Effectively collaborates with the executive team to improve organizational efficiency and capacity.

• Cultivates a team-centric culture and a cohesive, collaborative, and supportive workplace environment.

• Invests in recruiting, engaging, developing, and retaining a high-quality workforce.

• Works with Board leadership to develop and implement ongoing strategies that support Board recruitment, engagement, good governance, and cohesiveness.

• Facilitates and leads discussion and deliberation on new opportunities and policymaking that align with LFLA’s strategic vision.

Financial Management & Fund Development

• In collaboration with the Board of Directors and City Librarian, develops and implements a comprehensive fund development strategy, leveraging existing revenue streams for growth and creating new opportunities for funding to support the Los Angeles Public Library’s programs and services.

• Establishes a financial strategy, aligned with the overall vision of the organization, that ensures sustainability, healthy cash flow and adequate reserves.

• Cultivates fiscally sustainable relationships with foundations, corporations, major donors, and prospects, taking a leadership role in developing donor engagement strategies.

• Sets annual fundraising goals and ensures LFLA’s budget is being appropriately administered.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

• Initiates, develops, and maintains cooperative relationships with key constituencies including LAPL, membership groups, government officials, leaders of nonprofit organizations, corporations, foundations, and private philanthropists.

• Oversees a robust communications strategy, bringing awareness to the Library Foundation of Los Angeles’s mission, engaging donors, and increasing overall reach in the community.

• Serves as a spokesperson for LFLA with the media and at public events.

• Generates opportunities to regularly engage with members, donors, and the Board to improve services and generate increased community involvement.

• Acts as an advocate, within both public and private sectors, for services and constituencies relevant to LFLA as well as LAPL.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Significant prior experience in a nonprofit Executive leadership position for an organization with an annual operating budget greater than $5M required. 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience. Master’s degree in business, nonprofit management, literature, or a related field preferred.

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in progressively responsible roles within senior management positions.

• Demonstrated fundraising success with major donors, private foundations, and institutional partnerships.

• Demonstrated success in creating and implementing a strategic plan, as well as forming strong community partnerships.

• Demonstrated experience in risk management, with an emphasis on addressing strategic, financial and community implications.

• Demonstrated belief in and a commitment to continued professional growth and development of employees, volunteers, and a Board of Directors.

• Ability to lead operations and collaborate with staff, work with diverse groups of people and a wide range of faiths, beliefs, ages, cultures, and experiences.

• A passion that aligns with LFLA’s core values and mission to transform Los Angeles and the world through the power of Libraries.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary commensurate with experience and a competitive benefits package.

The Library Foundation of Los Angeles is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.