The Farmworkers Institute of Education & Leadership Development (FIELD) is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1978 by Farmworker Leader César E. Chávez. Our core purpose is to empower underserved communities to achieve self-sufficiency through education, workforce development, and employee?owned social enterprises. We advance our mission through a continuum of programs, including:
EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School (EPIC) – a WASC-accredited charter high school for adult learners providing standards aligned instruction, ESL, and pathways that integrate academics with workforce preparation.
Cesar Chavez Environmental Corps (CCEC) – FIELD’s state certified local conservation corps (est. 2017), certified by the California Conservation Corps to operate statewide. CCEC employs young adults (ages 18–26) as paid Corpsmembers and provides workforce training while delivering critical environmental, recycling, emergency, and community services (see summary below).
Our Core Values—Integrity, Innovation, Opportunity, and “Sí Se Puede/Yes We Can”—guide our decisions and culture.
Why Lead FIELD as President/CEO
The President/CEO leads a value driven organization addressing California’s most urgent challenges—wildfire resilience, climate adaptation, clean energy workforce pipelines, and adult education access—through EPIC and CCEC. In partnership with a committed Board of Directors, the President/CEO sets strategy, ensures operational and financial excellence across a distributed footprint, builds a transparent, data-driven management system, and serves as FIELD’s public voice with communities, funders, and policymakers.
Position Summary
The President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides visionary leadership to advance FIELD’s mission and strategic objectives; ensures program excellence and compliance; and cultivates partnerships and resources to sustain impact and growth. The President/CEO directly supports the Director of Programs for EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School EPIC to align academic strategy, compliance, and workforce integration. The President/CEO reports to the Board of Directors.
Collaborate with the Board and senior leadership to define and execute FIELD’s long-term strategy.
Communicate mission, goals, and progress clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
Organizational Oversight
Oversee operational, financial, and programmatic performance; ensure alignment with strategy, policy, and risk management standards.
Direct and support senior leaders to implement programs effectively.
Provide strategic oversight and advocacy for EPIC to ensure instructional quality, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communications
Build strong relationships with community leaders, government agencies, educational institutions, funders, and partners.
Serve as FIELD’s public representative; elevate visibility and earned media opportunities to showcase impact and support recruitment.
Financial Management & Sustainability
Lead budgeting, multi-year financial planning, and stewardship of resources.
Secure and diversify revenue (grants, contracts, philanthropy, partnerships) in alignment with mission and compliance requirements.
Workforce Development & Equity
Champion a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) across programs and operations.
Advance workforce pathways responsive to FIELD’s target populations and California’s labor market needs.
Program Excellence & Compliance
Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and measurable outcomes.
Ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards.
Provide direct support to the Director of Educational Programs for EPIC to implement curriculum improvements, professional learning, and student success initiatives.
Board Collaboration & Governance
Partner with the Board to strengthen governance and policy.
Provide regular, data driven updates on performance, risks, and opportunities; coordinate staff support for effective oversight.
Leadership Development & Culture
Inspire and develop leaders at all levels; foster a high performing, collaborative culture grounded in FIELD’s values.
Build a strong talent pipeline and succession planning.
Risk & Compliance Management
Identify and mitigate organizational risks; ensure safety, integrity, and compliance across all operations.
Advocacy & Representation
Represent FIELD in policy and advocacy forums at local, regional, state, and national levels to advance educational and workforce priorities.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Nonprofit management, governance, fundraising, contracts, and compliance.
Educational program leadership (curriculum, assessment, program evaluation).
Workforce development (trainee programs, career pathways, labor?market trends).
Equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging best practices.
California Education Code (Ed Code) and adult education compliance frameworks applicable to charter and adult programs (required).
Ability to:
Develop and execute strategic plans; lead change and manage complex, multi-site operations.
Build partnerships with diverse stakeholders; serve as an effective public communicator.
Lead, coach, and hold teams accountable to outcomes.
Analyze data and apply evidence based approaches to improve results.
Write and speak clearly to varied audiences, including donors, partners, and policymakers.
Education & Experience:
Master’s degree in education, Business, Public Administration, or related field preferred; equivalent executive experience considered.
10+ years progressive leadership in nonprofit and/or educational organizations.
Demonstrated success leading complex organizations, managing cross-functional teams, and securing funding.
Experience with adult education and charter school oversight required.
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
Licenses/Certifications:
Valid driver’s license and personal automobile insurance (required).
Work Location & Travel
Primary worksite: Onsite in Bakersfield, CA.
Travel: Statewide travel to EPIC and CCEC sites, partner locations, and events as needed.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
Physical Demands: Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work; frequent standing, walking, and reaching; occasional stooping/kneeling/crouching. Must be able to lift up to 10 lbs. frequently and up to 40 lbs. occasionally. Close vision required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Work Environment: Primarily office/classroom environments; occasional exposure to outdoor conditions and standard risks associated with program operations and equipment. Reasonable accommodations available.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range (required for CA transparency):$150,000-$180,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plan (403(b); CalSTRS participation as applicable; paid time off and holidays; professional development.
Equal Employment Opportunity & Legal Notices
FIELD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
FIELD provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants with sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. To request an accommodation during the application or interview process, contact HR@fieldinstitute.org
Employment Eligibility: Offers are contingent upon verification of work authorization consistent with federal law. Background & Reference Checks: Finalists may be subject to reference checks and a background check consistent with the Fair Chance Act and other applicable laws. A credit check or personality/skills assessment may be requested for this executive role where permitted by law and job related. At-Will Employment: Nothing in this posting creates a contract of employment; employment with FIELD is at-will.
How to Apply:
Submit one PDF packet containing:
Cover letter
Letter of Interest
Résumé/CV
Three professional references (name, title, organization, email, phone number)
Indeed: Go to Indeed.com and search for President/CEO at FIELD (Farmworkers Institute of Education & Leadership Development). Submit your application through Indeed.
The Farmworkers Institute of Education & Leadership Development (FIELD) is committed to uplifting the economic prospects of our underserved populations in poor, minority communities. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit founded and established in 1978 by Farmworker Leader Cesar E Chavez. Cesar’s ultimate vision was to inspire farmworkers & the rural workforce to gain self-sufficiency through employee owned social enterprises. FIELD carries out this mission through educational and workforce development programs that assist underserved communities in achieving empowerment, self-sufficiency, and a better quality of life. Whether it is developing skills to fight devastating wildfires, combating the negative effects of climate change, or fostering the use of clean energy, FIELD is making a difference in the quality of life for all Californians. FIELD helps individuals and families overcome educational and societal barriers by equipping them to participate productively in the California economy.
Our Core Purpose – To empower the underserved to be self-sufficient
Our Core Values – Integrity, Innovation, Opportunity, and “Si Se Puede” ~ “Yes We Can”
Our Focus – A Continuum of Education and Training: Leads to employee owned social enterprises
