Description
So Say We All | San Diego, CA
Job Description
Executive Director
Organization Overview
Founded in 2009, So Say We All (SSWA) is a 501(c)(3) literary and performing arts nonprofit dedicated to helping people tell their stories—and tell them better. Through live performance, publishing, and education, SSWA creates accessible opportunities for creative expression and community connection.
With annual revenues under $100K, SSWA amplifies underrepresented voices by partnering with organizations such as The Braille Institute, Veteran Writers Group – San Diego, PEN USA, Southern California American Indian Resource Center (SCAIR), and Father Joe’s Village. Our programs provide tools, platforms, and mentorship for individuals who have been more often talked about than heard from.
At So Say We All, we believe that everyone has a story worth telling. Our mission is to make storytelling accessible to all, regardless of background, experience, or means.
Learn more at www.sosayweallonline.com.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, financial sustainability, and community impact.
The ED oversees and manages all strategic, operational, and artistic aspects of the organization—including programming, partnerships, fundraising, compliance, communications, and staff leadership. The ideal candidate will combine creative vision with strong administrative and organizational management skills, along with a deep commitment to San Diego’s arts and storytelling communities.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
Serve as the public face and primary ambassador of So Say We All, embodying its mission and values.
Provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure excellence across programming, finance, administration, and communications.
Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal nonprofit regulations, including 501(c)(3) reporting requirements.
Maintain and improve internal systems and policies that promote efficiency, accountability, and ethical governance.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with community organizations, cultural institutions, and funders.
Support, engage, and motivate the Board of Directors, volunteers, and partner networks; foster board participation in strategy and fundraising.
Oversees budgets, contracts, and organizational resources to ensure financial health and regulatory compliance.
Evaluate and refine programs to ensure mission alignment, impact, and sustainability.
Provide visionary leadership to expand SSWA programming and community projects to facilitate increased organizational funding, grant opportunities, and revenue.
Develop and implement a growth plan to increase staff size and capacity in alignment with programmatic and financial goals.
Programming & Community Engagement
Manage all aspects of So Say We All’s public programs, including VAMP, Long Story Short, Writing Workshops, education outreach initiatives, and special productions, ensuring all SSWA programs are adequately resourced and run.
Coordinate production logistics—scheduling, technical requirements, venues, and volunteer assignments.
Manage submission processes through Submittable—create calls, oversee review and selection, and finalize show lineups.
Oversee SSWA’s publishing, performance, and education programs, ensuring quality, accessibility, and inclusivity.
Develop and launch new initiatives in response to community needs and artistic opportunities.
Supervise media projects (e.g., social media marketing, website development, and graphic design), guiding creative growth and audience expansion.
Represent SSWA at events, festivals, and community forums.
Human Resources, Compliance & Organizational Development
Recruit, hire, and onboard staff and contractors in alignment with organizational values and priorities.
Maintain up-to-date volunteer rosters and ensure coverage for key production roles (e.g., coaches, media operators, front-of-house, photography, and merchandise).
Oversee and approve contracts for paid artists and educators, ensuring adherence to organizational policies and budgets.
Cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture that fosters creativity and professional growth.
Ensure compliance with all employment laws, nonprofit governance requirements, and internal policies.
Establish and maintain clear personnel procedures, employee handbooks, and reporting structures for staff & volunteers.
Conduct regular performance reviews, provide mentorship and feedback, and support professional development.
Manage relationships with external HR, payroll, and accounting service providers as needed.
Values & Culture
Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment for staff, artists, and participants.
Model ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability.
Champion diverse storytelling and authentic community representation in all organizational activities.
Requirements
Preferred Qualifications
7+ years of senior management experience, preferably in the nonprofit arts or cultural sector.
Proven record of success in fundraising, grant writing, marketing, and partnership development.
Strong knowledge of nonprofit management, governance, HR, and compliance best practices.
Experience managing budgets, audits, and regulatory filings.
Experience working with a Board of Directors and volunteers.Creative, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to balance artistic vision and business strategy.
Exceptional communication skills—verbal, written, and visual.
Deep familiarity with San Diego’s arts and literary communities is preferred.
Compensation
The annual base salary for this position is $70,000, with a negotiable total compensation package that is contingent upon revenue growth, performance incentives, qualifications, and experience.
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
A letter of intent describing your interest in the role, your connection to So Say We All’s mission, and your relevant experience.
A current CV or résumé outlining your professional background.
Please send application materials with the subject line “SSWA ED Application – [Your Name]” to Jay Vu, Vice President of the So Say We All Board of Directors: jayvu74@gmail.com.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through January 9th, 2026. Early submission is encouraged.
Sincerely,
The So Say We All Board of Directors
