Executive Director at Diabetes Camping and Educational Services (DCES)

Executive Director at Diabetes Camping and Educational Services (DCES)

Supporting Type 1 Diabetic Families through Camp Conrad Chinnock

Join an organization where camp isnt just a placeits a turning point. Were seeking a leader who can grow our impact strengthen our community and carry forward a family legacy.

This role is atDiabetes Camping and Educational Servicesand the search is being assisted byRiverwalker Talent

About Us:

Diabetes Camping and Educational Services (DCES) is a nonprofit organization with a family legacy of serving children teens and families living with Type 1 diabetes. For over 75 years DCES has provided annual support to 500 campers from Southern California and beyond. Through Camp Conrad Chinnock and related programs we provide life-changing experiences education and support that empower young people to thrive while building lifelong connections.

About the Role:

DCES is seeking an innovative and mission-aligned Executive Director to lead the organization through its next chapter of growth and impact. The Executive Director will serve as the face of the organization with a primary focus on fundraising and donor development increasing camper enrollment and building strong community partnerships. This leader will work with the Board of Directors and the Executive Camp Director providing leadership to other senior staff members and ensuring financial sustainability in alignment with DCESs mission.

Our camp is located in the San Bernardino Mountains and we have satellite offices in Los Angeles and Orange County. This will be a hybrid position with a primary work location in our office in Orange County.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Development

• Build and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy with a focus on major gifts grants events and individual giving.

• Lead planning and execution of DCESs signature Gala ensuring strong donor participation sponsorship engagement and revenue growth.

• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors foundations corporate partners and community stakeholders.

• Generate off-season revenue opportunities with our facilities.

• Partner with the Board to expand DCESs donor base and secure sustainable funding for camp programs.

• Articulate the organizations mission vision and strategic direction.

Camper Enrollment & Community Outreach

• Lead efforts to increase enrollment at Camp Conrad Chinnock and other programs.

• Build partnerships with hospitals clinics schools and diabetes-focused organizations to raise awareness and strengthen referral pipelines.

• Develop marketing and outreach strategies to engage new families

• Manage public image. Oversight of the Camps website social media channels and promotional materials.

Leadership & Operations

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to staff board and volunteers.

• Oversee financial management budgeting and reporting in collaboration with the Executive Camp Director Board Treasurer and Finance Committee.

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance standards and all applicable regulations. Stay informed of and ensure the organization follows best practices and legal requirements.

• Foster a culture of inclusivity compassion and community aligned with the camps mission and values.

• Develop off-season programs for our campers families and community.

What We Need From You:

Required

• Proven success in fundraising donor cultivation and nonprofit revenue generation. We imagine this will include 5 years of fundraising experience or clearly delineated transferable skills.

• Strong financial acumen organizational management and strategic planning skills.

• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to connect authentically with families donors and partners.

• Relationship builder at heart with a track record of using marketing community outreach and connection to build partnerships relationships and achieve KPIs.

• Commitment to and passion for serving children families and communities affected by Type 1 diabetes.

Strongly Preferred

• Experience leading major fundraising events (Galas auctions donor recognition events) strongly preferred.

• Experience in community outreach marketing or enrollment growth strongly preferred.

• Leadership experience in a nonprofit youth development healthcare or camp setting is highly desirable.

Nice to Have

• Lived experience with Type 1 diabetes or a connection to the community

• Former camper experience

• Former Executive Director experience

What We Offer You:

• Location: Hybrid schedule: partially remote role with a working office in Orange CA. Camp is in the San Bernardino Mountains occasional travel to camp both on and off-season.

• Salary: Base salary $100000-$120000 (commensurate with experience). Opportunities for performance bonuses and raises based on fundraising revenue growth and organizational impact goals.

• Benefits: Medical vision and dental insurance with 100% employer coverage match up to 3% in a retirement fund paid sick leave and paid time off

• Community: Opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families living with diabetes.

How to Apply:

Riverwalker Talent has been retained to support this search and initial screening interviews. To apply please fill out this lieu of a cover letter you will be asked 4 short answer questions and will upload your resume.

1. Share an example of a fundraising success story. What were you responsible for and what was the outcome

2. Please elaborate on your budget management skills and experiences that would help you succeed in this role.

3. How do you envision leveraging your experiences to support the growth of DCES
4. What draws you to this role and the mission at DCES

What to expect:We will be collecting applications until MondayJanuary 5 2026 and screening interviews will begin in early January.

If you have any accessibility issues need accommodations or have questions please contact Jessye Kass Karlin ().

We follow Californias Fair Chance Act. A criminal background check is conducted only after a conditional offer of employment is made. A conviction does not automatically disqualify a candidate; all findings are reviewed through an individualized assessment consistent with state law.