Executive Director, Tides Foundation

Tides, a nonprofit and philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing social justice, seeks a future-focused, entrepreneurial, and collaborative leader to serve as the Executive Director of Tides Foundation.

Centering equity and social justice at its core, Tides works in deep partnership with movement leaders, nonprofits, foundations, corporations, and donors to shift power to communities of color and other historically excluded groups who face systemic barriers to accessing it. Tides supports the agency and leadership of these communities through the approach and focus of their services and solutions, including fiscal sponsorship, capacity building, grantmaking (through donor advised, collective action, and other purpose-driven funds), program development consulting, and impact investing. Tides seeks to become the premier convener of doers and donors seeking justice and equity by shifting power, building capacity, and increasing the flow of resources to proximate leaders and communities to achieve their missions.  

Tides Foundation partners with mission-aligned doers and donors to shift resources and power to proximate leaders working to advance social justice. As Tides’ primary grantmaking organization, Tides Foundation manages over 400 donor advised collective action and other purpose-driven funds. Tides Foundation does not have an endowment; the vast majority of grants are made based on the recommendation of donor partners. Tides’ philanthropy practices are built on close partnerships with community leaders and funders, directing power, money, and resources to local organizations on the forefront of climate justice, racial equity, reproductive freedom, democracy, and more. 

Joining Tides at this moment represents a timely, meaningful opportunity to help shape the next chapter of an organization that has been at the forefront of social change for nearly half a century – and is continuing to evolve its focus and materially deepen its impact.

Tides is committed to providing a competitive compensation package and values pay equity. Starting salary for this role will fall into one of three ranges, depending on your location:

• National market (most U.S. states): $191,000-$238,800
• Moderate market (Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and D.C. metro areas): $208,400-$260,500
• High market (New York City and San Francisco metro areas): $229,100-$286,400

Starting salary will be based on geographic location, depth and breadth of relevant experience, and ensuring pay equity within the organization. Please note the above geographic areas are examples and not a complete list. Tides will confirm each candidate’s placement within this structure.

Tides offers a generous benefits package including: comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, life and disability insurances, retirement plan, educational assistance, confidential counseling and life balance resources designed to support the passion, commitment and energy that is vital to Tides team members.

Tides is headquartered in San Francisco, CA, with a hybrid work model that supports remote work from anywhere in the United States. The Executive Director of Tides Foundation must have the ability to travel as required, including but not limited to: Tides’ offices in San Francisco, CA and New York, NY; industry convenings; and partner meetings.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, and applications (résumé with cover letter) should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/tides/executive-director-tides-foundation. For best consideration, please apply by May 2, 2025. Electronic submission of materials is required.

Cati Mitchell-Crossley is leading this search with Evan Layne and Thea Kosmack.

Tides is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, and bilingual individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, or medical condition including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related conditions. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we encourage and will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. If you seek an accommodation, please advise the search team in writing at the time you apply.