Chief Executive Officer

Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises has retained Scion Search to assist in hiring our next Chief Executive Officer.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will guide the organization through its next phase of alignment and performance, ensuring strong financial outcomes while deepening collaboration with University leadership and campus stakeholders.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides vision, executive leadership, and strategic direction for the Foundation’s diverse auxiliary enterprises. This role requires an executive who understands the distinctive function: balancing entrepreneurial performance with public mission.

The successful candidate will be politically astute, highly relational, and capable of navigating the CSU system with confidence and integrity. This leader must be equally comfortable driving profitability, optimizing operations, and fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and trust.

QUALIFICATIONS:

*  7+ of senior executive leadership experience, including at least 5 years in higher education, auxiliary enterprises, or similarly complex, multi-entity environments.
*  Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
*  Experience overseeing complex operations with budgets approaching or exceeding $100 million, with demonstrated success in financial stewardship, resource development, and sustainable enterprise management.
*  Strong understanding of 501©(3) nonprofit governance, ideally within a university setting, including experience working effectively with governing boards and public-sector stakeholders.
*  Strategic leadership with the ability to set vision, lead through complexity and change, and align organizational priorities with mission and long-term goals.
*  Proven executive management experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams and cultivating high-performing organizational cultures grounded in accountability, collaboration, and service excellence.
*  Demonstrated success managing or overseeing diverse enterprise operations with a focus on operational excellence and program effectiveness.
*  Experience advancing strategic partnerships, real estate initiatives, public-private collaborations, or other revenue-generating ventures that support long-term institutional value.
*  Entrepreneurial mindset paired with disciplined execution, strategic and analytical decision-making, and a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
*  Strong political acumen and ability to navigate complex institutional environments, balancing mission-driven priorities with sound business performance.
*  Exceptional listening skills, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal effectiveness, with the ability to build trust, lead with transparency, and maintain productive relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
*  Courage and judgment to make difficult decisions while maintaining organizational trust, integrity, and alignment with institutional values and mission.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
In addition to a competitive base salary of $224,800 to $250,000, Cal Poly Pomona Foundation also provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; life Insurance; long term disability; Flex Dollars program; EAP; In-Lieu Cash Benefit option; voluntary benefits; and retirement benefits.

Employment with Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc. is at-will.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS:
Cal Poly Pomona Foundation has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in nonprofit recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration, please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via: https://scionexecutivesearch.com/job/14178.