Careers

Looking for your occupassion? Tired of raising money for causes that don’t inspire you? Love writers and writing? Want to work at the nexus of the arts and entertainment and public service? Willing to read a longish job spec and submit a resume that’ll make us want to meet you? Look no further!

The Writers Guild Foundation celebrates the vital importance of screen storytelling and storytellers. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we’re proud of all we do for the community, including our Veterans Writing Project, our Volunteer and Mentorship Programs, our Archive, and the Shavelson-Webb Library – the world’s only library devoted entirely to writing for the screen.

Our benefits are outstanding and include health insurance, paid time off, sick leave, a pension program, access to special screenings, and super way cool co-workers. Plus, our offices are in a great part of town, across the street from the Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax.

We are an equal opportunity employer. You must be eligible to work legally in the United States without employer sponsorship. You must have a valid California driver license. A job offer is contingent: Hire is subject to the results of a background check.

Current Opportunities

Executive Director

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for coordinating the overall operations, financials and strategy for the organization. This hybrid role will improve fund development and revitalize the strategic plan and make sure the proper staff and programs are in place to further the mission. The Executive Director is a collaborative leader, equipped to effectively engage the senior staff and Board in refining the vision for the organization. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Executive Director of The Writers Guild Foundation should be a dynamic, high-energy leader who thrives in a fast-paced, multifaceted environment. They should bring a genuine passion for TV and film while maintaining a strategic, mission-driven focus rather than aspiring to be a TV writer themselves. This person should be adept at navigating diverse professional settings, from collaborating with union leaders and community partners to engaging with industry professionals and philanthropic stakeholders. A strong sense of humor, engaging presence, and visionary mindset are essential qualities for excelling in this role.

The ideal candidate must be flexible, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple high-level responsibilities. As the leader of a small but highly effective team, they should be comfortable "scrambling" when necessary and guiding the organization across multiple disciplines efficiently. Experience in nonprofit leadership is highly desirable, particularly within arts, education, or media-focused organizations. Additionally, they should be a confident and strategic leader, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation while ensuring the organization's continued growth and impact. The ability to build strong relationships, champion storytelling, and engage in meaningful conversations with writers, industry leaders, and community partners is central to the role.

Ultimately, this individual should be a versatile, forward-thinking executive who can lead the Writers Guild Foundation into its next chapter, expanding its reach and impact while maintaining its commitment to supporting writers and storytelling in the entertainment industry.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Organization Strategy and Leadership

  • Partner with the Board and staff to ensure effective operations that achieve the overall mission and vision of the organization.

  • Oversee all programs, services, and operations at the organization, ensuring they contribute to the mission and priorities of the organization.

  • Support operations and overall administration by serving as a liaison between the Board and staff and supporting the Board to fulfill their governance function.

  • Manage the team to deliver effective and efficient programs, supporting the organization’s mission and principles.

  • Foster an organizational culture that attracts and retains a dynamic staff of top-quality employees.

Fundraising

  • Lead both the development committee and staff in creating and implementing a fundraising strategy, inclusive of major donors, corporations, foundations, events, and other diverse and creative revenue streams.

  • Collaborate with the development team to increase government, grant and foundation funding.

  • Develop strategic alliances to increase the visibility of the organization’s programs.

Financial Management

  • Oversee all financial matters of the organization, including maintaining budgets, approving and reviewing expenditures, and developing financial plans and procedures.

  • Provide the Board with financial reports and prepare the annual budget for Board review prior to the start of each new fiscal year.

  • Ensure compliance on contractual obligations and agreements.

  • Lead financial planning, forecasting, and analytical activities; ensure alignment of financial plan with vision and strategy.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Nonprofit Management, Business or Public Administration, or commensurate experience preferred.

  • A minimum of 5-years’ experience in a leadership role in the nonprofit sector.

  • Demonstrated success in fundraising, including individual giving, major gifts, grants and foundations.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage and lead staff and work harmoniously and openly with a Board of Directors.

  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience overseeing financial matters, including audits, reporting, and budgeting.

  • Experience in program operations and management as it relates to strategy, implementation, compliance, and reporting.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Located in Los Angeles, the Executive Director role is primarily in the office with some flexibility. The salary range is $155,000-$175,000. The Writers Guild Foundation offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid holiday, sick time, and PTO, medical, dental, vision, EAP, a flexible spending account (FSA), and employee discounts. This job offers a traditional union pension where the employer fully funds the plan, employees vest in just four years, and retirees receive a guaranteed lifetime benefit based on employer contributions—no employee contributions required.

The Writers Guild Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender orientation, or different ability.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.