SIYLI Executive Director

The Organization:

Originally founded in 2012, Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute (SIYLI) was created as a nonprofit organization to bring mindfulness-based emotional intelligence programming into workplaces of all kinds. The organization was divided into two in 2022, SIYLI (which continues as a non-profit) and SIY Global (serving corporations). SIYLI now focuses on supporting those in public service, and we are building our team for this effort. We are looking for a new leader to increase our impact and bring to life our vision of a more peaceful world in which all people feel connected and act with compassion for self and others. In particular, SIYLI supports the thriving of human service providers (civil servants, nonprofits, educators, healthcare providers, etc.) through practical mindfulness and emotional intelligence tools.

With over 13 years of experience, a global network of over 200 certified teachers, and more than 200,000 participants in over 50 countries, our learning experiences teach tools to stay resilient and thrive in the face of day-to-day work and life challenges.

Executive Director Position Overview:

This is a critical moment for SIYLI and the movement toward widely available contemplative practice resources in the world. SIYLI has been building our programs, team, and infrastructure, and now we are ready to take flight. We are inviting a new Executive Director at this time when there are growing inequities and chasms of resourcing globally. SIYLI is poised to expand and rise to this challenge by being a source of equitable, accessible mindfulness support for everyone working toward a better world. As such, we are seeking an Executive Director with agility, transformational leadership, and a sense of how to live into the emerging future.  

With a 2025 projected operating budget of 600K, a small and mighty remote team of 3, and over 200 certified teachers that are invaluable partners for scale and impact, SIYLI serves over 1,000 participants a year through client partnerships and open enrollment programs.

The Executive Director is the key leadership role responsible for advancing the mission and financial sustainability of SIYLI. As a self-aware and driven leader, they will manage SIYLI’s critical fundraising efforts, cultivate relationships with philanthropic donors and government agencies, and prospect for paying clients in public service sectors in order to increase SIYLI’s impact. They will build meaningful public-facing relationships, promoting mindfulness and emotional intelligence in a way that expands the reach of the organization’s work and influences how mindfulness is seen and utilized. In addition, they will manage and lead the values-aligned team in a culture of curiosity, awareness, and equity. SIYLI’s Board is open to a fractional or co-leadership structure for this role if the right candidates emerge.

This is a hands-on role, requiring someone who thrives on both visionary thinking and direct action. The Executive Director will lead the organization’s growth with courage, a big-picture mentality, and a passion for making mindfulness-based emotional intelligence, resilience, effective teamwork, and leadership a resource for underserved and critical public service sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Development:

• Build relationships with philanthropic donors, foundations, and government entities to secure grants and funding for both operations and special projects and ensure donors feel connected to the impact of their support.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies to sustain and grow the organization’s budget.
• Fundraising goal of approximately $100,000 annually, including in 2025.

Client Prospecting & Relationship Building:

• Identify and engage potential paying clients in healthcare, government, education, and nonprofit sectors.
• Build strategic partnerships and collaborations with public service organizations to increase the reach of SIYLI’s trainings.
• Serve as the primary public-facing ambassador of SIYLI, representing its mission at events, conferences, and with key stakeholders.
• Oversee the program management of an active 30-client portfolio in partnership with the program manager.

Visionary Leadership & Organizational Growth:

• Lead the organization through its next phase of growth, from stability to significant expansion. This may include implementing teacher training for new SIYLI programs and new approaches to scaling.
• Embody and promote a growth mindset, always seeking innovative ways to expand impact while being grounded in operational realities.
• Maintain a keen understanding of the evolving political, cultural, and social dynamics at play in the world, as well as the implications of these for the mindfulness movement and offer leadership in integrating these into the organization’s strategy.
• Inspire and support the team, fostering a collaborative, values-driven culture.

Operations & Team Management:

• Oversee SIYLI’s day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth implementation of programs and services.
• Manage our team of three with potential to grow, maintaining the unique “walk-the-talk” mentality of SIYLI’s practice-based culture.
• As a leader, balance strategic delegation with a willingness to personally roll up their sleeves and take on critical tasks as needed.
• Support and create operational efficiencies for maximizing the impact of our activities.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with a demonstrated track record of securing philanthropic donations, government grants, and/or robust individual donor support. Skilled at stewarding relationships and inspiring donors to support the movement.
• 5+ years in an executive-level role, responsible for driving significant organizational growth. Experience leading a remote team is a plus.
• A visionary mindset, with experience successfully leading organizations or initiatives through growth and expansion. The ideal candidates think big, embrace challenges, and are excited about the future of mindfulness in public service sectors.
• Heart-centered leadership, bringing empathy, self-awareness, and courage to their leadership style.
• Passionate about the mission of expanding access to mindfulness training for those in the public sector and excited about fostering an organization embodying equity, transparency, shared ownership, and joy.
• Strong relationship builder, comfortable being the face of the organization and building high-quality relationships with clients, partners, and donors.
• Sensitivity to the political and social landscape, with a deep understanding of the evolving narratives around mindfulness, and the ability to recognize and leverage diverse perspectives to proactively bridge boundaries. Courage and drive to help shift the current narratives about the field of mindfulness and who it is “for.”
• Knowledge or experience of SIYLI’s programs is a plus.

Why Join Us

This is a career-defining opportunity to lead a growing organization with a mission to change lives. We are looking for a candidate that is passionate about mindfulness, public service, and building a movement that impacts entire sectors.

Salary and Benefits:

SIYLI is offering a salary of $110,000-$120,000 for the role of Executive Director. In addition, SIYLI covers 100% of base plan healthcare premiums for employees, and this benefit extends to dental, vision, and life insurance as well. We have an open vacation policy for personal restoration and retreat. Finally, a flexible schedule and fully remote team enables the Executive Director wide flexibility in terms of when and where work is performed. Candidates must be legally allowed to work in the United States. SIYLI’s Board is open to a fractional or co-leadership structure for this role if the right candidates emerge.

​​Uncertain if you meet 100% of our qualifications? If you believe that you could shine in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are committed to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to this field, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we’d love to hear from you.

Details

• Job Classification: Exempt, full-time 
• Anticipated start date: February 1, 2025
• Location: Remote. At this time, we are seeking candidates based in the United States. Our organization is headquartered in San Francisco & San Diego, California, and we come together in person a few times per year.  
• Salary and benefits: $110,000-$120,000 annually, with comprehensive benefits package outlined above.

How to Apply

Please apply by December 9, 2025.

Click here to apply and submit your cover letter and resumé/CV. These documents MUST be submitted in word or similar editable format so that we can anonymize applications. In your Cover Letter, please include your answer to the question, “Why are you best suited to lead SIYLI in the pursuit of its mission, and why is this something you can’t wait to do?” Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you.