The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity seeks Executive Director

The Center Job Description

About The Center
The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity (The Center) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender community (LGBTQIA2S+) in Kern County, California.

Mission and Values
The Center is an easy-access hub providing safe, supportive spaces and services to Kern County’s LGBTQIA2S+ community and allies. We welcome persons of all identities and strive toward a goal of creating a feeling of belonging for all persons while serving as a bridge connecting to the greater community in Kern County.

Organizational History
The Center opened as a downtown community outreach center in 2011 and operated as volunteer-run organization until the first paid staff position was filled in 2016. Currently, there is a paid staff of seven. A second location, The Annex, houses administrative offices and counseling services. The 2023-24 Budget is $750,000., funded by local donors and multiple grants.

Organizational Impact
The Center provides services to support Kern County LGBTQ+ residents in living happy, productive, fulfilling lives in a safe and supportive community. Our efforts are focused on individual support services such as counseling and activities to help build self-esteem, and community transformation activities including cultural competency trainings. By conservative estimates, 66,000 Kern residents identify as LGBTQ+ (7.1% of the population, as estimated by Gallup, 2022); many have struggled for self acceptance as well as acceptance and understanding from family, friends, and community. The Center provides that acceptance and educates the wider community in how to provide affirming services. Since opening, The Center has welcomed over 13,000 visitors into its Safe Space as it serves the needs of Kern County’s LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Candidate Profile

The new Executive Director of The Center will be an experienced, motivational, and equity-centered leader with a professional track record of organizational development and mission advancement. They will bring a transparent, inclusive, and collaborative leadership style, and the ability to direct, mentor, support, and coach staff at all levels of experience and professional development. Candidates for this position should have a personal style that is empathetic, warm, and engaging, along with the ability to set healthy boundaries, hold people accountable, and actively listen/respond to the needs of a wide range of internal and external constituents. They should be empathetic, accessible, and people-centered and, at the same time, bring the professional skills and knowledge to lead The Center to new levels of success and impact. Regardless of professional background, a personal understanding of and commitment to intersectional issues/identities (race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status, etc.) in the LGBTQ+ community is essential.

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