Westminster Woods
Position: Interim Executive Director
Commitment: Full-time, Exempt, Temporary – includes some weekends and regional travel.
Compensation: Annual salary of $85,000 – $100,000
About this position
Westminster Woods is seeking a mission-driven Interim Executive Director to lead the
organization through a period of leadership transition for at least a one-year period between
September 2026 and August 2027, with the option to extend the Interim’s term of service up to
Six months, ending on January 31, 2028.
Position Overview
We seek a candidate who has a proven record of management, administration, and transitional
leadership; who can work closely with the Board of Directors in a process of redevelopment,
and contribute to the efforts to strengthen and enhance the Westminster Woods program and
mission. Executive experience working with a Board, understanding the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.
polity and governance, supervising staff, and supporting efforts in development are required;
Previous experience on staff at a camp and retreat center is preferred.
Primary Responsibilities
● Assess and strengthen organizational systems, operations, and governance to ensure a
smooth transition to permanent leadership.
● Supervise and support year-round and seasonal staff.
● Fulfill the executive function of the staff as appropriate (filing reports, maintaining
licenses, overseeing administration, payroll, benefits, etc.)
● Oversee organizational risk management practices, including compliance with all
applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards, to protect the safety, assets, and
long-term sustainability of the camp.
● Provide leadership in organizational safety, compliance, and risk management to ensure
a secure environment and protect the organization’s long-term sustainability.
● Oversee hiring of a new Food Services Manager.
● Partner with the Board of Directors to develop a sustainable, fiscally responsible budget
that supports long-term organizational stability and accommodates a salary that will
attract quality permanent Executive Director applicants.
● Contribute to the enhancement and development of the camp’s programs, including
school programs, summer camp, retreat, and challenge course programming in
collaboration with staff.
● Contribute to and work collaboratively with Board and Staff leadership to maintain and
care for property, buildings, and grounds.
● Collaborate with Board members and development staff to cultivate donor relationships
and advance fundraising goals.
● Serve as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and camp staff, translating
board vision and direction into timely operational action while elevating staff insights and
feedback to the Board.
● Nurture and enhance relationships with the diverse multitude of groups the camp serves,
including, but not limited to, the four regional Presbyteries (Redwoods, San Francisco,
San Jose and North Central California, church partners, community groups, school
districts, and other groups, and guest groups.
● Actively nurture and advance a cooperative, harmonious, and teamwork-oriented
environment that promotes an atmosphere of dignity, respect, inclusivity, and
professionalism
Desired Characteristics
● Ability to effectively manage staff at all levels, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal.
● Ability to work closely with a Board of Directors and to be collaborative in leadership.
● Ability to communicate effectively and clearly in writing and in person.
● Ability to lead meetings effectively.
● Ability to support clear and transparent financial practices.
Qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred
● Proven success in nonprofit administration, board collaboration, fundraising and team
leadership
● Experience providing steady leadership during times of organizational transition,
including executive succession or structural change.
● Ability to provide spiritual leadership consistent with the mission of Westminster Woods
● Comfortable and familiar working within the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. environment.
The Interim Executive Director must affirm and support the doctrinal position of the Presbyterian
Church U.S.A.
Westminster Woods is a rustic camp in Occidental, and some parts of the camp are accessible
only by maintained but unpaved trails. Some trails can be steep, and some buildings are not
ADA accessible. Candidates should be comfortable with being in nature and walking on trails
during day-to-day operations. If candidates are living off-site, they should have reliable
transportation to and from the workplace.
The permanent Executive Director recruitment process will be open and competitive.
Application Process: Please send résumé, cover letter, and three references (name, phone,
email, relationship to applicant) to:
Eli Brown – Admin/HR Manager
eli@westminsterwoods.org
(707) 874-2426 ext. 636