Description
THE CALIFORNIA MASONIC FOUNDATION:
The California Masonic Foundation (CMF) is the philanthropic arm of the Masons of California, mobilizing one of the state’s largest membership-based communities to support seniors, families, and public education. The Foundation raises and stewards charitable giving to benefit the Masonic Homes of California and communities across the state. In addition to its core support of senior care, CMF invests in youth and education through public-school literacy programs and college access and success programs, as part of a broader portfolio of statewide philanthropic initiatives. Its work is amplified through partnerships with four Major League Baseball teams, Raising a Reader, college success organizations, school districts, and a broad network of nonprofits and service providers statewide.
CMF has a voluntary board of trustees who are all California Masons and who serve staggered terms appointed by the Grand Lodge of California.
To learn more about the California Masonic Foundation, please visit: MasonicFoundation.org
THE OPPORTUNITY:
The President reports to the Foundation Board of Trustees and works in close partnership with the chief executive of the Grand Lodge, the CEO of the Masonic Homes, and leadership across the Masons of California. This is a pivotal moment for the Foundation as it seeks to expand its philanthropic reach, deepen member engagement, and elevate its role in supporting California communities. The President will lead and execute the Foundation’s strategic vision, advancing its mission to support children, families, members, and communities across the state.
This role offers the opportunity to:
Lead a statewide philanthropic platform with growing visibility and impact.
Shape strategy and drive growth across fundraising, programs, and partnerships.
Engage a built-in, statewide donor mase of more than 37,000 Masons.
Operate within a $1B+ institutional ecosystem with strong infrastructure and shared services.
Serve as a high-profile ambassador to partners across education, nonprofit, and corporate sectors.
This role provides leadership across fundraising, programs, and external relations, with a focus on building strong relationships with Masonic members, volunteer leaders, and key community partners. The President will strengthen member engagement as the primary driver of philanthropic support, leveraging a highly engaged, built-in donor base. As a visible ambassador, the President will cultivate partnerships with organizations such as public education systems, stated-wide community leadership, and four Major League Baseball teams, elevating the Foundation’s brand, impact, and statewide presence.
The President will lead the development of a comprehensive strategic plan, expand participation in annual and planned giving, and identify opportunities to grow the Foundation’s reach and effectiveness.
CMF raises $8-11 million annually, primarily through planned gifts and an annual fund, with significant opportunity for growth. This role is responsible for growing the Masons of California’s endowment and philanthropic impact. The total Masons of California endowment exceeds $1 billion, with approximately $43 million managed directly by the Foundation.
The President operates within a highly integrated shared services model, partnering closely with centralized teams across finance, communications, marketing, and administration, while also collaborating with senior leadership across the Masons of California. The President oversees a fully remote team of four staff members, including the Director of Masonic Philanthropy, Southern California, Senior Manager of Development Operations, Manager of Foundation Programs, and a Gift Officer.
In the first 12-24 months, success will be defined by the development of a clear strategic plan, increased member participation in giving, strengthened community partnerships, and a more visible and cohesive philanthropic presence across California.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Provide overall leadership for the Foundation, setting and executing a clear strategic direction aligned with its mission role within the Masons of California.
In partnership with the Board and senior leadership, develop and implement a strategic plan that enhances impact, strengthens philanthropic reach, and positions the Foundation for continued growth.
Align the Foundation’s strategic priorities with the Masons of California’s Keystone Initiative, working in close collaboration with the Masonic Homes of California and the Grand Lodge of California.
External Relations & Partnerships
Serve as the Foundation’s primary ambassador, building strong relationships with members, community leaders, nonprofit partners, public agencies, and corporate collaborators.
Expand and deepen partnerships across California to increase visibility, influence, and impact.
Articulate a compelling case for support that clearly communicates the Foundation’s mission and outcomes.
Partner with communications leadership to elevate the Foundation’s visibility and clearly communicate its mission and impact as an engaging spokesperson.
Member Engagement & Philanthropy
Lead a relationship-driven approach to philanthropy, strengthening engagement among Masonic members.
Oversee fundraising strategies across annual, planned, and campaign giving, increasing participation, deepening donor relationships, and building a sustainable pipeline of support in partnership with volunteer leaders and lodges statewide.
Team & Volunteer Leadership
Lead, mentor, and develop staff, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven culture.
Operate effectively within a shared services model, partnering across internal functions.
Build trust and alignment across a diverse stakeholder base, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
Governance & Board Partnership
Partner closely with the Board of Trustees, which meets quarterly, to establish priorities, support governance, and engage board members in fundraising and external relations.
Provide clear communication, strategic counsel, and effective leadership in board meetings and retreats.
TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS DESIRED:
Key Leadership Capabilities:
Strategic and forward-thinking leader who can translate vision into action and identify opportunities to expand philanthropic relevance, engagement, and impact across California.
Highly relational and collaborative, with the ability to build trust and credibility across a diverse, decentralized network of stakeholders, including members, board leadership, staff, and external partners.
Skilled communicator and storyteller, able to clearly articulate the Foundation’s mission and impact while serving as a visible and engaging ambassador.
Diplomatic and emotionally intelligent, with the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and bring stakeholders together with respect for tradition and culture.
Innovative and entrepreneurial, with an openness to new ideas and the ability to lead through influence within a shared services and highly collaborative environment.
Values-driven and mission-oriented, demonstrating integrity, humility, authenticity, and a deep commitment to service and community impact.
The President will foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and shared success, leading with integrity and purpose while respecting the traditions of Freemasonry. This individual will be adaptable and forward-looking, able to balance continuity with evolution as the Foundation seeks to expand its reach and deepen its impact across California.
Membership in Freemasonry is not required. CMF and the Masons of California welcome and encourage candidates from outside the fraternity, including those who bring fresh perspectives and diverse experiences. The organization’s executive leadership includes both Masons and non-members, reflecting a commitment to inclusive and mission-driven leadership.
CAREER TRACK LEADING TO THIS POSITION:
The ideal candidate will bring senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, philanthropic, or mission-driven organization, with success in relationship-driven environments. They will have experience leading strategic initiatives that expand reach, strengthen impact, and support long-term growth. Relevant sectors may include higher education, healthcare, community foundations, fraternities, youth-serving organizations, or other community-centered institutions.
Experience in membership-based or volunteer-driven organizations is highly beneficial, as is the ability to navigate tradition-rich environments with sensitivity and respect. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to build cross-sector partnerships, engage diverse audiences, and lead effectively in a visible, statewide role.
COMPENSATION & ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
The annual salary is $275,000 – $325,000 based on experience, with bonus potential. A comprehensive benefits package is provided. Benefits include a generous employer contribution and match to the 401(k) retirement plan, flexible time off, and a range of health and wellness offerings.
This is a remote, California-based position with significant statewide travel required (approximately 20-25%). The President is expected to maintain a strong in-person presence through visits to lodges, events, retreats, and board meetings, with increased travel in the first year to support relationship-building and onboarding.
ABOUT THE MASONS OF CALIFORNIA
A Mission-Driven Community with Deep Roots
Freemasonry is a 300-year-old global fraternity grounded in a simple but powerful idea: helping people improve themselves and the communities around them. In California, that mission comes to life through a network of members committed to friendship, personal growth, and service.
With more than 37,000 members across 330 lodges statewide, the Masons of California represent one of the largest and most established membership-based communities in the state. Since 1850—the year California became a state—the organization has played a meaningful role in supporting communities, families, and public education.
A Statewide Network for Impact
The Masons of California operate through a family of related entities, each with a distinct role but united by a shared mission. These include:
California Masonic Foundation
Masonic Homes of California
Acacia Creek Retirement Community
California Masonic Memorial Temple
Nob Hill Masonic Center, Inc.
Together, these entities form a coordinated ecosystem that delivers charitable programs, senior services, community support, and member engagement across the state.
How the Organization Works
The Masons of California are governed by the Grand Lodge of California, which provides strategic oversight and ensures alignment across all entities. Each organization has its own leadership and mission, but all contribute to a broader, shared purpose. A shared services model supports this structure, centralizing functions like finance, HR, communications, legal, and technology. This allows each entity—including CMF—to focus on impact while benefiting from the scale and efficiency of a larger system.
