President & CEO, SPUR (San Francisco)

Job Description

 President and Chief Executive Officer

SPUR, the San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association, is the leading civic planning organization in the Bay Area. With offices in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, SPUR brings people together from across the political spectrum to develop solutions to the most urgent problems faced by the cities of the Bay Area – and then mobilizes the civic will to take action. 

SPUR is seeking a President and CEO to be responsible for providing strategic vision and leadership on matters of governance, mission, programs, and operations. The CEO will report to a 16-member executive board of directors, lead 40 full-time employees in three offices, and oversee an annual operating budget of $8 million. 

The CEO will ensure the financial stability and long-term viability of the organization, build, lead, and motivate high-performing staff and board members, and enhance the organizational culture. The CEO will raise the profile and visibility and build relationships, partnerships, and strategic alliances with diverse stakeholders to help shape and advance SPUR’s policy agenda and drive social and economic change. This executive will serve as an organizational spokesperson. 

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree; with an advanced degree preferred and a minimum of ten years of experience in urban policy, research, planning, or nonprofit organizations, or other organizations requiring enterprise management and P&L responsibility. 

Carlson Beck is conducting this search in partnership with the SPUR Search Committee of the Board of Directors. For additional information about the opportunity, please contact:

Heidi Holzhauer- Partner

707.963.1250 direct

415.298.6659 mobile

Lisa Fisher- Senior Principal

301.273.7074 direct