"Executive Director, W. K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center"

Job Details

Executive Director, W. K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center

Job No: 550492

Work Type: Management (MPP)

Location: Pomona

Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time

Cal Poly Pomona is recruiting their next Executive Director to lead the historic W.K. Kellogg Center, as it approaches its 100th anniversary. You will lead strategic growth, financial sustainability, and public engagement across California and beyond by driving fundraising, launching innovative academic and equine programs, and expanding campus-wide and public-facing impact. Ideal for entrepreneurial leaders with a proven track record in strategic program growth, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement. Relocation assistance to sunny Southern California is available to help you get started.

Description: What You'll be Doing

Another Source's client, Cal Poly Pomona is recruiting an Executive Director, WK Kellogg Center to join their team onsite in Pomona, CA.

Lead the Next Century of an Iconic Legacy

The W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center is entering an exciting new era of growth and revitalization, driven by strong university leadership, a $25M master plan, and the momentum of its 100th anniversary. The next Executive Director will have a pivotal opportunity to build on this foundation - strengthening the Center's strategic and financial position, expanding its academic and public impact, and elevating its visibility across the state and beyond.

Learn more about Cal Poly Pomona

Learn more about the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center

Salary range: The salary for this position will be $135,000-$150,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Relocation assistance is available.

About the Role

Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader ready to take the next significant step in your career, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the nation's most iconic equine institutions. Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and working in close collaboration with the Dean of the Huntley College of Agriculture, the Executive Director will guide the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center as both a vital campus resource and a high-profile public-facing entity.

This is a strategic leadership position, not an equine operations role. We're seeking a visionary leader with a background in nonprofit or institutional management, program growth, external partnerships, and fundraising. A dedicated team of equine professionals manages all day-to-day horse care and operations, enabling the Executive Director to focus on long-term strategy, visibility, and impact.

The Executive Director will operate with the scope and versatility of a nonprofit CEO - blending strategic planning, financial oversight, advancement, and innovation within the context of a dynamic public university and a nationally recognized legacy program.

How you will spend your time:

• Strategic Leadership & Vision
• Lead the continued transformation and revitalization of the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center through a bold, future-focused strategy that aligns with Cal Poly Pomona's mission and values.
• Serve as the primary ambassador for the Center, strengthening its reputation both within the university and across the broader public, industry, and philanthropic communities.
• Shape the long-term vision in collaboration with university leadership, aligning priorities across academic, philanthropic, and operational spheres.

• Revenue Generation, Fundraising & External Partnerships
• Drive revenue-generating initiatives through philanthropic partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and innovative program development (e.g., experiential leadership offerings, partnerships with TeachingHorse LLC).
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, alumni, and key industry partners to secure sustainable financial resources.
• Strengthen ties with the Arabian Horse Advisory Board and Cal Poly Pomona's Philanthropic Board to advance shared priorities.

• Programmatic & Academic Integration
• Deepen integration of the Center's work into Cal Poly Pomona's academic enterprise, supporting experiential learning, interdisciplinary partnerships, and student success initiatives.
• Enhance opportunities for students across disciplines through co-curricular programs, clinics, internships, and research activities.
• Collaborate with faculty and academic leaders to elevate the Center's role in education, research, and leadership development.

• Operational Oversight & Organizational Management
• Oversee high-level operations, staffing, and financial management of the Center, ensuring sustainability and excellence in animal care, facilities, and programming.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of professionals, fostering a collaborative, mission-aligned, and high-performance culture.
• Ensure operational alignment with university policies, compliance standards, and best practices.

• Community Engagement & Public Programming
• Expand the visibility and impact of the Center through public-facing programs, including the beloved Sunday Shows, and through strategic outreach efforts.
• Serve as a thought leader and connector, fostering partnerships with local, regional, and state organizations focused on education, agriculture, and community engagement.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, higher education administration, leadership studies, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex organizations or programs, with the ability to engage in thought partnership with key stakeholders, effectively influence to gain alignment on key tactics and strategies, and articulate and execute a clear vision aligned with institutional goals.
• Proven ability to design, launch, and scale mission-aligned programs that engage diverse stakeholders and generate new opportunities for institutional impact.
• Track record of securing philanthropic gifts, corporate sponsorships, and/or revenue from programmatic offerings; skilled in donor cultivation, stewardship, and external partnership development.
• Strong experience in managing budgets, personnel, and multi-faceted programs in alignment with compliance, financial, and strategic planning frameworks.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; able to represent the Center and university effectively to media, donors, campus partners, and the broader community.
• Ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams, build coalitions across departments, and foster an inclusive, high-performing workplace culture.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher in leadership, business administration, public administration, public affairs, education, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to identify market opportunities, create value-driven programming, and lead growth-oriented initiatives in mission-based settings.
• Understanding of university structures and experience building programs within academic or educational institutions, including partnership with teaching units, research and/or clinical administration.
• Experience forming mutually beneficial partnerships with external organizations, industry leaders, community groups, or academic collaborators.
• Proficiency in designing and promoting public-facing programs, events, or services to expand visibility and attract diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with the cultural and historical significance of equine programs and their role in educational and leadership development contexts.