Chief Development Officer Jobs in San Diego, CA

Why join Job Options, Inc. is a premier leader in the AbilityOne program, with our Hospital Environmental Services (HES) Division ranking as the second-largest business of its kind among more than 400 contractors nationwide. We offer a unique opportunity to lead a complex, high-performing social enterprise that changes lives through the power of work. As Chief Executive Officer (CEO), you will guide a strong organization based in San Diego, California, with strong local presence and contracts across North America, with $72 million in annual revenue and a profound commitment to inclusion, workforce development, and operational excellence.

This leadership position will have a strong, consistent presence at our corporate office in San Diego to drive our mission and regional impact.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Inspire staff, partners, and stakeholders toward shared goals through visionary leadership. Lead business development efforts in collaboration with Division and Contract Managers, aligned with the organization’s mission and values. Partner with the Board to define and implement a long-term strategic plan that advances the organization’s mission and growth objectives. Drive organizational agility and sustainability through innovation, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making.

Operational & Regulatory Excellence

• Ensure full compliance with all company contracts and defend performance when challenged by federal agencies. Oversee contract modifications and negotiate corrective action plans as needed. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation (DFAR), and AbilityOne program requirements. Proactively manage risk and resolve findings from oversight bodies (e.g.,SourceAmerica, AbilityOne Commission, DOL, OFCCP, EEOC, IRS).Champion continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and performance accountability across all divisions.

People & Culture Leadership

• Foster an inclusive, mission-driven organizational culture grounded in respect, accountability, and collaboration. Recruit, interview, and select high-performing management personnel. Establish systems for staff development, recognition, and succession planning. Encourage innovation and professional growth at all levels. Oversee performance management, disciplinary processes, and annual appraisals for key management staff. Develop and maintain the organization’s succession planning framework, policies, and processes. Provide input to legal counsel on employment matters and grievances.

Mission Stewardship & External Relations

• Serve as the chief ambassador for the organization’s mission to employ and empower individuals with disabilities. Cultivate relationships with the AbilityOne Commission, SourceAmerica, federal agencies, and community partners. Represent the company at industry conferences, training programs, and trade shows.

Financial & Business Management

• Develop incentive plans for Project and Division Managers, measuring progress against key goals such as disabled direct labor percentage, safety, profitability, and growth. Monitor financial performance, operational metrics, and contract compliance to ensure efficiency and profitability. Collaborate with the CFO to develop and manage annual budgets, cash flow projections, and capital expenditures. Identify and secure additional capital to support growth and strategic initiatives, including debt financing, grants, and leasing arrangements.

Governance & Board Relations

• Act as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, ensuring transparent communication, timely reporting, and effective governance support. Provide insights and recommendations on organizational performance, risk, strategic direction, and long-term sustainability. Advise the Board on potential growth areas and long-range planning.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Oversee subordinate supervisors managing 600–950 employees across multiple divisions, including Facilities, Food Service, Laundry, Accounting, and Personnel. Responsible for direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws. Lead recruitment, training, performance appraisal, and resolution of employee issues.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, or related field) preferred. Minimum of 10 years of progressive executive or senior management experience in a complex, mission-driven, or government contracting organization; prior CEO or executive management experience preferred. Strong business acumen and a proven record of visionary leadership at the executive level. Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic and financial plans aligned with mission and performance goals. Solid understanding of financial management, business ethics, and grants management. Knowledge of human resources and personnel management. Familiarity with federal contracting, AbilityOne program requirements, and regulatory frameworks (FAR, DFAR, DOL, OFCCP, EEOC) preferred.

Skills:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interpret complex documents and present to diverse audiences. Advanced mathematical and analytical skills. Strong problem-solving and reasoning abilities. Demonstrated leadership skills: vision, inspiration, integrity, ethics, and the ability to motivate and develop others. Proficiency with spreadsheet, word processing, presentation, and AI software. Physical Demands & Work Environment: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Work environment is typically quiet to moderate.

Job Options Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and as such affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources Department at your closest Corporate Office Location.

Job Options Inc. is an active nonprofit organization of the AbilityOne Program https://www.abilityone.gov/ that is one of the largest sources of employment in the United States for people who have significant disabilities. More than 440 nonprofit organizations employ these individuals and provide quality products and services to the Federal Governments. The U.S. AbilityOne Commission, an independent Federal Agency, administers the program with assistance from National Industries for the Blind https://nib.org/ and Source America https://www.sourceamerica.org/