Executive Director at Diabetes Camping and Educational Services (DCES)
Orange, CA, United States of America (Hybrid)
Orange, CA, United States of America (Hybrid)
Executive Director at Diabetes Camping and Educational Services (DCES)
Supporting Type 1 Diabetic Families through Camp Conrad Chinnock
Join an organization where camp isn’t just a place—it’s a turning point. We’re seeking a leader who can grow our impact, strengthen our community, and carry forward a family legacy.
This role is at Diabetes Camping and Educational Services and the search is being assisted by Riverwalker Talent
About Us:
Diabetes Camping and Educational Services (DCES) is a nonprofit organization with a family legacy of serving children, teens, and families living with Type 1 diabetes. For over 75 years, DCES has provided annual support to 500 campers from Southern California and beyond. Through Camp Conrad Chinnock and related programs, we provide life-changing experiences, education, and support that empower young people to thrive while building lifelong connections.
DCES is seeking an innovative and mission-aligned Executive Director to lead the organization through its next chapter of growth and impact. The Executive Director will serve as the face of the organization, with a primary focus on fundraising and donor development, increasing camper enrollment, and building strong community partnerships. This leader will work with the Board of Directors and the Executive Camp Director, providing leadership to other senior staff members and ensuring financial sustainability in alignment with DCES’s mission.
Our camp is located in the San Bernardino Mountains, and we have satellite offices in Los Angeles and Orange County. This will be a hybrid position, with a primary work location in our office in Orange County.
Fundraising & Development
Build and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, with a focus on major gifts, grants, events, and individual giving.
Lead planning and execution of DCES’s signature Gala, ensuring strong donor participation, sponsorship engagement, and revenue growth.
Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, foundations, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.
Generate off-season revenue opportunities with our facilities.
Partner with the Board to expand DCES’s donor base and secure sustainable funding for camp programs.
Articulate the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic direction.
Camper Enrollment & Community Outreach
Lead efforts to increase enrollment at Camp Conrad Chinnock and other programs.
Build partnerships with hospitals, clinics, schools, and diabetes-focused organizations to raise awareness and strengthen referral pipelines.
Develop marketing and outreach strategies to engage new families
Manage public image. Oversight of the Camp’s website, social media channels, and promotional materials.
Leadership & Operations
Provide leadership and strategic direction to staff, board, and volunteers.
Oversee financial management, budgeting, and reporting in collaboration with the Executive Camp Director, Board Treasurer, and Finance Committee.
Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance standards and all applicable regulations. Stay informed of and ensure the organization follows best practices and legal requirements.
Foster a culture of inclusivity, compassion, and community aligned with the camp’s mission and values.
Develop off-season programs for our campers, families, and community.
Required
Proven success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and nonprofit revenue generation. We imagine this will include 5+ years of fundraising experience or clearly delineated transferable skills.
Strong financial acumen, organizational management, and strategic planning skills.
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to connect authentically with families, donors, and partners.
Relationship builder at heart with a track record of using marketing, community outreach and connection to build partnerships, relationships, and achieve KPIs.
Commitment to and passion for serving children, families, and communities affected by Type 1 diabetes.
Strongly Preferred
Experience leading major fundraising events (Galas, auctions, donor recognition events) strongly preferred.
Experience in community outreach, marketing, or enrollment growth strongly preferred.
Leadership experience in a nonprofit, youth development, healthcare, or camp setting is highly desirable.
Nice to Have
Lived experience with Type 1 diabetes or a connection to the community
Former camper experience
Former Executive Director experience
Location: Hybrid schedule: partially remote role with a working office in Orange, CA. Camp is in the San Bernardino Mountains, occasional travel to camp both on and off-season.
Salary: Base salary $100,000-$120,000 (commensurate with experience). Opportunities for performance bonuses and raises based on fundraising revenue growth and organizational impact goals.
Benefits: Medical, vision, and dental insurance with 100% employer coverage, match up to 3% in a retirement fund, paid sick leave, and paid time off
Community: Opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families living with diabetes.
Riverwalker Talent has been retained to support this search and initial screening interviews. To apply, please fill out this application. In lieu of a cover letter, you will be asked 4 short answer questions and will upload your resume.
Share an example of a fundraising success story. What were you responsible for and what was the outcome?
Please elaborate on your budget management skills and experiences that would help you succeed in this role.
What to expect: We will be collecting applications until Monday, January 5, 2026, and screening interviews will begin in early January.
If you have any accessibility issues, need accommodations, or have questions, please contact Jessye Kass Karlin (jessye@riverwalkertalent.com).
We follow California’s Fair Chance Act. A criminal background check is conducted only after a conditional offer of employment is made. A conviction does not automatically disqualify a candidate; all findings are reviewed through an individualized assessment consistent with state law.
