The Durfee Foundation is an at-will equal opportunity employer who recognizes that its work rests on the shoulders of Angelenos whose courage, innovation, and lived experience are making LA a better place. Durfee nurtures a culture of trust and inclusion in all interactions, especially with people from historically marginalized groups. Acknowledging the inherent power imbalance held as stewards of financial resources, Durfee looks for opportunities to share that power. Durfee strives to actively learn from, partner with, and invest in leaders who are deeply rooted in the communities served. Durfee does not unlawfully discriminate in the provision of employment opportunities, benefits, or privileges; create discriminatory work conditions; or use discriminatory evaluative standards in employment, if that discriminatory treatment is, in whole or in part, based on a protected classification under federal, state, or local law. As such, Durfee welcomes individuals of all races, religions, national origins, ethnicities, ages, mental or physical disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identities, marital status, veteran status, medical conditions, formerly incarcerated people, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance to apply. 

To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and list of three references (references will not be contacted without advance notice) to durfee@walkeraac.com by Friday, May 3, 2024 at 5:00 pm PT. Use the subject line: CEO Application. Please submit PDF or Microsoft Word files only, preferably with all materials in one combined file. Resume review begins immediately.

Questions or Nominations? Contact Jeannine N. Walker at jwalker@walkeraac.com.

The Application Process

Durfee FOUNDATION

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will have overall strategic operational responsibility for Durfee’s staff, programs, and execution of its mission.


The ideal CEO candidate:

  • Is committed to Durfee’s mission to support change through investing in individuals
  • Is passionate about Los Angeles with deep knowledge of the nonprofit sector across LA County
  • Has worked in a senior leadership role in the nonprofit, philanthropic, or public sectors 
  • Has experience supporting the development of nonprofit leaders 
  • Has a demonstrated track record in creative program design
  • Brings a history of sound fiscal stewardship
  • Is an innovative, strategic thinker
  • Is inclusive, emotionally intelligent, collaborative, and generous
  • Embodies patience and curiosity with tolerance for risk-taking and experimentation
  • Brings experience as and enjoys being a connector, coach, facilitator, and/or capacity builder who is invested in and energized by gaining and sharing knowledge


Durfee encourages interest by leaders who bring aligned expertise, skills, and attributes which might include some of the following Desired Qualifications and other relevant professional and/or lived experiences:

  • Past success working with a Board of Directors with the ability to cultivate existing board member relationships as well as support the growth, development, and governance of a diverse multigenerational family and community Board with new membership cycling on every three years
  • Ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures through convening and facilitation with the ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills with a bias towards listening; persuasiveness and passion in public speaking; and excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills
  • Seven or more years of effective senior leadership and management experience at a nonprofit and/or in philanthropy or the public sector with excellence in personnel management and the ability to coach, manage, and develop high-performance teams and set and achieve strategic objectives
  • Track record of having developed and operationalized strategies and programs that have advanced an organization’s mission through strategic thinking and creative program design with tolerance for risk-taking and experimentation
  • History of sound fiscal stewardship with demonstrated experience in designing and managing a complex, balanced budget of at least $3 million with comfort working with advisors on investment management a plus
  • Passion for bringing leaders together across sectors in a way that allows them to learn from and contribute to one another, working creatively in partnership
  • Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to planning
  • Integrity, honesty, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed leader

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This is a full-time position based in downtown Los Angeles requiring deep engagement with local stakeholders. The ideal CEO will currently live in the Los Angeles area with local knowledge and roots. Candidates currently in other markets but with experience and connections in LA may apply but must be willing to relocate. 


The anticipated annual compensation range is $260,000 to $330,000. All candidates with the experience and skills to fulfill the role – regardless of compensation history or background – are encouraged to apply. The target starting salary for the CEO will be close to the midpoint of the range at or near $295,000, commensurate with experience.


For more information, read the full Position Announcement.

The Position

The Foundation

The Durfee Foundation - a private family foundation that supports individuals and organizations in Los Angeles County, with a special emphasis on community development and nonprofit leadership - seeks a CEO to lead an organization primed to thrive in its next evolution. 

You Built It. We’ll BOOST It.TM

​The Durfee Foundation is a private family foundation that supports individuals and organizations in Los Angeles County, with a special emphasis on community development and nonprofit leadership. The Durfee Foundation is named in honor of Dorothy Durfee Avery who, with her husband, R. Stanton (Stan) Avery, established it in 1960. Since that time, the foundation has awarded more than $35 million in grants, primarily in the Los Angeles region.

Governed by a Board of Directors consisting of seven Family Trustees and three Community Trustees, The Durfee Foundation invests in people and possibilities in Los Angeles County, where the foundation’s history lies and where funding needs are great. With assets of approximately $60 million and annual grantmaking of approximately $2.9 million, Durfee is led by a dynamic staff of four and supported by a strong team of core consultants.

Durfee embodies an authentic approach building trust-based relationships with individuals and organizations that share ideals of creativity, risk-taking, equity, integrity, fiscal care, and continuous learning. Durfee nurtures deep connections by building networks beyond traditional boundaries and identifying where the greatest difference can be made. Partnership in building networks that may leverage new opportunities is critical to Durfee’s culture.

Durfee is a patient grantmaker, recognizing that results often unfold over time. Inspired by its founders, whose legacy of openness and curiosity guides the foundation forward, Durfee continually seeks new ways to meet the needs of the Los Angeles community.