WHAT WE DO

UPAC is a multicultural beacon of hope for all underserved communities in San Diego. With an annual operating budget of $18M and a dedicated team fluent in over 30 languages, we deliver more than 18 programs across 10 office sites and more than 20 schools each year, serving nearly 6,000 individuals. Our comprehensive programs encompass mental health, addiction recovery, housing counseling, community engagement, business development, and cultural competency education.

OUR HISTORY

Since our founding over 50 years ago, our mission remains steadfast: to strengthen and empower diverse, underserved, and vulnerable communities in San Diego. Every day, our team works to unite people across cultures while empowering individuals and strengthening communities toward self-sufficiency. In 1974, Beverly Yip and six Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community leaders founded the Unions of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) to address the urgent need for cultural adjustment and language assistance programs in San Diego, breaking barriers to essential services for impoverished, elderly, and limited-English-speaking residents. As waves of refugees from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia arrived with complex health, behavioral health, and housing needs, UPAC expanded its offerings to include culturally and linguistically tailored services. Today, we are extremely proud to serve community members from around the world who have chosen to make San Diego their home.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

As a trusted service provider in San Diego, UPAC is guided by an engaged board of five dedicated community leaders deeply committed to our mission. UPAC’s culture of connection and cultural competency is at the heart of everything we do – honoring, respecting, and empowering the diverse communities we serve.

For the past 35 years, President & CEO Margaret Iwanaga Penrose has been the visionary force behind our remarkable growth and transformation. Under her leadership, UPAC grew and evolved from an API-focused organization into a multicultural agency serving all underserved communities in San Diego. Margaret’s tireless dedication has touched countless lives, achieving milestones that define UPAC’s legacy of compassion and impact. As Margaret plans her retirement in 2025, UPAC has launched a national search for its next President & CEO. This is a rare opportunity to build upon a legacy of compassion, innovation, and transformative community impact.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary – $185,000 - $215,000
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• ROTH/403B with an employer match
• PTO: Accrued paid days off including sick days, 14 paid holidays, 1 floating holiday

LOCATION

This is an in-person role based at UPAC’s administrative office (1031 25th Street, San Diego, CA 92102).

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Board of Directors and supervising seven direct reports (CFO, HR Manager, four Vice Presidents, and a consultant), the President & CEO will shape UPAC’s strategic vision, program excellence, and sustainability. Overseeing an $18M budget, 209 staff, and 18 programs, they will ensure impactful programs and operations while fostering collaboration with the board and team to enhance fundraising and revenue diversification. As UPAC’s public spokesperson, the President & CEO will authentically represent our mission, strengthen community connections, and elevate our visibility. This is a unique opportunity for an inspiring leader to build on UPAC’s incredible legacy, ensuring our continued impact and readiness to meet the community’s evolving needs.

Strategic priorities for the first 12 months include:

• Build trust and cultivate strong relationships with board members, staff, and community stakeholders while honoring UPAC’s history and impact.
• Use innovative strategies to diversify funding and ensure sustainability.
• Drive modernization efforts by integrating innovative technologies and systems to enhance efficiency, service delivery, and impact.
• Lead a rebranding initiative reflecting UPAC’s growth and evolution into an inclusive and multicultural serving agency.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Visionary Leadership

• Collaborate with the board and staff to define and implement a bold, clear vision for UPAC’s future that aligns with its mission and values.
• Develop and execute long-term organizational strategies to strengthen programs, expand reach, and achieve measurable community impact.
• Act as a steward of UPAC’s brand and reputation, ensuring the organization remains a trusted and respected leader in the community.
• Work with the board and UPAC’s executive search firm to make the final selection for the newly created role of CFO/COO, to succeed the current CFO retiring later this year.

Community Engagement & Fundraising

• Build and nurture authentic relationships with stakeholders across private, public, and corporate sectors to advance UPAC’s mission and visibility.
• Advocate for UPAC and the communities it serves in local and state policy discussions, particularly in behavioral health and social service areas.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to diversify revenue streams, including planned giving, major gifts, corporate and individual giving, grants, and events.

Program Development & Oversight

• Ensure the effective delivery of programs and services that address the evolving needs of the diverse communities UPAC serves.
• Maintain program quality and consistency while driving innovation and exploring opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Use technology and data-driven insights to evaluate program performance, track outcomes, and refine strategies to maximize impact.

Board Relations

• Partner with the board to create and operationalize strategic plans that drive growth and sustainability.
• Strengthen the board through recruitment, training, and engagement in organizational initiatives.
• Serve as a primary liaison between the board and staff, ensuring alignment and clear communication.

Leadership & Management

• Work with leadership to set and monitor KPIs for staff to ensure accountability, alignment with strategic objectives, and professional growth.
• Lead collaboratively, inspiring staff and stakeholders to embrace UPAC’s mission and strategic vision.
• Ensure talent acquisition, retention, and development strategies are in place, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

Operations

• Oversee the effective operational management of UPAC’s facilities, programs, and services.
• Develop and manage UPAC’s budget, ensuring fiscal discipline, financial integrity, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Ensure compliance with policies, financial standards, and legal requirements to protect UPAC’s operations and reputation.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

• Committed to the UPAC’s mission; leads with empathy, and an understanding of the challenges faced by diverse and underserved communities.
• Successful experience and expertise in strategic planning, board and volunteer engagement, fundraising, federal/state grants management, change management, team collaboration, talent development, and mentoring.
• Demonstrated executive-level leadership experience within a nonprofit organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong listening and interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience building and cultivating effective external partnerships and relationships; ability to foster multicultural leadership and bridge cultural divides.
• Business acumen – formidable skills in budgeting, reporting, and operations; gives attention to both short-term and long-term objectives.