Cal Poly Pomona is recruiting their next Executive Director to lead the historic W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse 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. Although direct equine experience isn't required, a passion for horses and transformative education is key. Relocation assistance to sunny Southern California is available to help you get started.

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

About Cal Poly Pomona & the Arabian Horse Center 

Located on a stunning 1,400-acre campus just outside Los Angeles, Cal Poly Pomona is one of only three polytechnic universities in the CSU system and a national leader in experiential education. The W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center is a living embodiment of the university’s commitment to hands-on learning, serving as a resource for students, faculty, the community, and the Arabian horse world. 

With strong connections to academic programs in agriculture, business, and leadership development — and through partnerships like TeachingHorse LLC — the Center advances both the legacy of W.K. Kellogg and Cal Poly Pomona’s mission of student success, community engagement, and public service. 

• 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. 

Lead the Next Century of an Iconic Legacy 

Cal Poly Pomona is seeking a visionary, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven leader to serve as the Executive Director of the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the most distinctive and historically significant university-based equine programs in the nation. With roots dating back to 1925, this Center is not only woven into the land deed of the university but also into the fabric of Cal Poly Pomona’s polytechnic, “learn by doing” mission. 

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. 

About the Role 

Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and collaborating closely with the Dean of the Huntley College of Agriculture, the Executive Director will lead the Center as both a campus resource and a public-facing entity with unique visibility. This is not a traditional equine operations role — this is a strategic leadership position that demands vision, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking. 

The Executive Director will operate with the breadth and agility of a nonprofit CEO — blending business acumen, strategic planning, fundraising, and program innovation with a deep understanding of public higher education and complex institutional environments. 

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. 

Why a career with CSU is for You: 

The CSU system offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary: https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf 

• Immerse yourself: Being on campus allows you to enjoy renowned sporting events, artist events, world-renowned speakers. Stroll through trails, museums, and enjoy all campus has to offer. 

• Tuition waiver: up to 2 courses, or 6 units, per semester for employee, spouse, registered domestic partner or eligible dependent child for any of the 23 campuses.  

• Mission driven culture: Transforming the lives of a diverse student body, including first-generation students and under-represented communities. 

• Jury duty: The CSU will continue an employee’s salary while they are on jury duty, regardless of length of jury service. 

• CalPERS Retirement Plan: CalPERS is a defined benefit retirement pension plan. Lifetime medical benefits for you, your spouse, or registered domestic partner. Learn more here: http://www.calpers.ca.gov/ 

• 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan (Similar to a 401k plan) 

• Employees in this classification are entitled to two vacation days (16 hours) per month. 

• A healthier you. Access to athletic and gym facilities on campus  

• Transportation support. Pre-tax commuter benefits 

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis.  We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us. 

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