Cook Silverman Search Seeks Executive Director for Fit Kids Foundation

January 31, 2023 – Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has been enlisted to find the next executive director of the Fit Kids Foundation. Victoria L. Silverman, managing founder of the non-profit-focused search firm, is heading the assignment. Redwood City, CA-based Fit Kids wants an experienced executive director who will be committed to advancing its mission to provide structured physical activity programs to underserved children to build the foundation for a healthy, active life. The executive director is responsible for leading, administering, and directing all operations of Fit Kids, said Cook Silverman Search. Within the framework of delegated authority and consistent with organizational policies and procedures, the new leader will be expected to ensure the quality of programs, sound fiscal operation, and good management of all internal and external affairs, thereby providing a point of accountability for all activities.

Other key oversight duties include developing a fundraising strategy, ensuring Fit Kids messaging is clear and in alignment with organizational objectives, and acting as the key point of contact for all strategic partnerships. A strong candidate for this important position will have a proven track record of leading teams, a positive attitude, clear and strong communications skills, passion for and commitment to a healthy and fit lifestyle, and awareness of fitness’ impact on the lives of young people.

Primary responsibilities of the role will focus on revenue, business management, and governance and financial management, said the search firm. The executive director will be charged with developing strategies and programs that will motivate donors and partners to support Fit Kids to maximize earned and contributed revenues. He or she will also act as the lead fundraiser who mobilizes staff and volunteers in fundraising activities, including the annual fund drive, corporate sponsorships, special events, endowment campaigns, developing a planned giving program, and personally identifying and cultivating donor relationships. This leader must also create and implement innovative marketing strategies designed to attract and retain new partnerships and donors and friends.

Day-to-Day Oversight

The executive director will also provide day-to-day oversight for the administrative staff to assure that they are properly focused and led to achieve the expected business results. This leader will also direct the business management of Fit Kids and is responsible to assure adherence to its annual operating budget.

This position is hybrid. The leader will be expected to be in the office three days per week.

Candidates should have five or more years of senior management experience in a non-profit organization, said Cook Silverman Search. Prospects should have a bachelor’s degree (a master’s degree preferred), or equivalent experience. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, as are strong strategic and financial planning skills.

Related: Cook Silverman Search Seeks CDO for San Francisco Non-Profit Glide

The ability to lead and make decisions during periods of uncertainty (i.e. pandemics, etc.) is critical to this role. Prospects should have a proven track record of working with a culturally diverse population of patrons, community leaders, board members, volunteers, and staff. Candidates must also have the ability to work respectfully and closely in a partnership manner with various colleagues and entities. Experience with raising funds from private sources including individuals, foundations, corporations, and working knowledge of planned giving techniques and vehicles would be highly valued.


Cook Silverman Search Seeks CDO for San Francisco Non-Profit Glide
Cook Silverman Search has been selected to find a chief development officer for Glide, a non-profit organization which provides food and social services for the homeless in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District. The chief development officer leads Glide’s efforts to create and implement new and innovative strategies to generate increased revenue. “The CDO is a bold, strategic, and experienced fundraising leader with a track record of success generating traditional and new streams of revenue within organizations positioned for growth,” said Cook Silverman Search.


Founded in 2011, Fit Kids has partnered with schools, after-school programs, and other non-profits serving youth and families in underserved communities. Using Fit Kids’ unique physical activity program, the organization provides the framework to help children build positive relationships, self-confidence, independence, and the ability to deal with adversity. In addition to its work in the greater Bay Area, Fit Kids has launched a scalable program outside the Bay Area in eight states and is looking forward to national expansion.

West Coast Non-Profit Recruiters

Cook Silverman Search focuses on senior development positions for not-for-profit organizations, predominantly in Northern California. Its client base represents a broad span of organizations, including independent schools, universities and faith-based organizations, as well as those serving conservation, health care, social service, museums, science and culture. The firm has placed advancement executives for Peninsula Family Service, Moreau Catholic High School, Children’s Council of San Francisco, and Pinewood School, among others.

Ms. Silverman has more than 30 years of experience in the philanthropic sector. Throughout her career, she has worked in senior fundraising, advancement, and management positions at Stanford University, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of California, the American Film Institute, and the Buck Institute for Age Research, among others. Her search work focuses on higher education, the arts, biotech and environment sectors. She has been speaker for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and has served on fundraising advisory committees for several non-profit organizations.

Related: Cook Silverman Search Seeks New Leader for Morgan Autism Center

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media

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