Executive Director

THE OPPORTUNITY

Broetje Family Trust (the Trust) is an association of three foundations collectively stewarding a faith-led family legacy through three areas of practice: Servant Leadership, Community Building, and Philanthropy. The Trust commits itself to 1) live and teach the ethic of Christ-centered service through servant leadership development; 2) nurture and create new communities of healing and mutual service locally and internationally; and 3) place resources at the service of those communities.

Officially established in 2019, the roots of the Broetje Family Trust’s work stretch back to the establishment of Broetje Orchards in 1968 by Ralph and Cheryl Broetje in Benton City, WA. The business would expand significantly over the next five decades and touch the lives of countless migrant workers and their families, whose dedication contributed to the business’ success. Throughout this time, the Broetje family has answered God’s call to serve the community through the creation of various non-profit initiatives including the Center for Sharing, Vista Hermosa Foundation, and Jubilee Foundation respectively. Following the 2018 sale of Broetje Orchards, the various non-profit initiatives were brought together under the umbrella of the Broetje Family Trust.

Looking to the future, Broetje Family Trust seeks an inaugural Executive Director to steward a family legacy of “bearing fruit that will last” (John 15:16 NIV). For a faith-centered servant leader who can articulate a vision for the Trust that extends Ralph and Cheryl’s legacy of service, ensure effective and transparent governance, and represent the Trust and its programs effectively across the region and the globe, the Executive Director role is an exceptional opportunity for lasting impact.

STATEMENT OF FAITH IN ACTION (Drafted March 2025)

Broetje Family Trust is a Christ-centered organization. We embrace the Bible as the central guide for preparing ourselves to become followers of Jesus Christ. We believe that when God’s word comes to live in us, we are empowered to live into a new way of thinking. We are transformed as we submit to God’s “good and perfect will” (Rom12:1-2). Our hearts and minds compel us to engage the world differently as we learn to love as Jesus did.

We believe we are guided by the Holy Spirit in nurturing the spirit of all living beings through community. While the human spirit is integral to lasting transformation, it is God’s Spirit dwelling within that transforms one’s inner being to reflect God's love, leading one to become an ambassador of healing and reconciliation in the lives of those served (1 Cor 2:11-12; 1 Cor 15:45-47).

The lasting impact of our work can be seen in individuals, families, and communities as they shift their thinking to see the world as God sees it. People come to believe that they are deeply loved, have a divine purpose, and are called to something greater than themselves. This belief inspires service and connection as they reach out to others regardless of differences to work together to achieve God's dream of Shalom.

HISTORY AND MISSION

Ralph and Cheryl Broetje established Broetje Orchards in 1968 when they settled on a small cherry orchard in Benton City, Washington. Ralph's vision for the orchard began years earlier, as a teenager attending a hunger retreat at his church. There, a missionary from India spoke about the suffering of children, planting in Ralph a deep desire to one day own an orchard and use its profits to help children in need. The early years of building the business were slow and filled with challenges, but the Broetjes found support from their community. Among their supporters was Ralph’s Sunday school teacher, who reminded him during difficult times of the dream that first inspired him.

During the 1970s, Broetje Orchards expanded quickly, but by 1982, the family faced an economic crisis, forcing them to sell their home and most of their orchards before relocating to Prescott, Washington. The U.S. was in the midst of a recession and a farm crisis, which left many farmers, including the Broetjes, struggling to stay in business. At the same time, shifting labor patterns brought waves of young Mexican men searching for work to provide for their families. In 1983, seeking to reconnect with their mission, Ralph and Cheryl took their children to the U.S.-Mexico border, where they volunteered with a nonprofit supporting displaced families. Listening to stories of violence, unemployment, and hardship, they realized that their orchard’s purpose extended beyond growing apples—it was a calling to serve the very families who came to work on their farm, turning their original dream into a tangible mission.

The initiatives outlined below are the result of the Broetje family’s desire to build a network of support guided by the Holy Spirit for their community, both locally and globally.

Center for Sharing

The Center for Sharing was founded in 1986 in the basement of Pioneer United Methodist Church. What initially began as a charity that was formed around straightforward advocacy programs for women and children in Mexico would later evolve to become what it is today: a faith-based, experiential learning community that nurtures the practice of servant leadership.

Through the Center, the Trust offers leadership training, mentoring, and opportunities to engage with others. The Center provides the structure and space for servant leadership to be taught and practices across a range of educational efforts, with the goal of mentoring mission group development.

The Center’s ethos of servant leadership forms the bedrock of the Broetje Family Trust’s K-8 education and adult education programs. It provides mentorship to communities of practice in the USA, Mexico, and the Philippines, and supports the local Servant Leader Network which we call the Community of Servant Leaders (CSLs). The Center has just under $9 million in assets and has two full-time staff.

Vista Hermosa Foundation

The growth of Broetje Orchards brought dozens upon dozens of families to the area in search of work which, in turn, raised significant challenges for the new arrivals - overcrowded housing, limited access to safe childcare, and low high school graduation rates. Recognizing these struggles, the Broetjes sought to create a more supportive environment for their workers and their families.

In 1987, Broetje Orchards expanded by building a packing line and shipping warehouse, becoming a fully integrated company under the FirstFruits label, inspired by the mission to "go and bear fruit, fruit that will last" (John 15:16). The following year, they opened New Horizon Preschool to provide affordable, onsite childcare, ensuring parents could work knowing their children were safe. By 1990, the vision for a thriving community took shape with the construction of approximately 100 single-family homes, alongside a chapel and community center. The first residents named their new home Vista Hermosa— “Beautiful View”—a place of peace, safety, and belonging near their workplace.

In 1990, Vista Hermosa Foundation was established to formally direct profits from the apple orchards to invest in faith-inspired, place-based, community-led solutions in underserved communities around the world. Vista Hermosa Foundation now funds organizations in the United States, Mexico, Eastern Africa, Haiti, and India. The Foundation takes a trust-based approach to learning from and working alongside our grantee partners.

Vista Hermosa Foundation has approximately $165 million in assets and employs 21 full-time staff. Vista Hermosa Foundation uses the following vehicles for change to fulfill the vision of the Trust:

• Global Grants Initiative - Vista Hermosa Foundation’s Global Grants Initiative invests in the holistic wellbeing of individuals living in marginalized communities across Mexico, Haiti, India, and East Africa. In 2024, they distributed $5,839,938 in grants across 55 grantees.
• Shelton Award - Created in 2021, the Joe D. Shelton Memorial Award is an annual award granted to organizations who exemplify the vision and values of Joe D. Shelton, a beloved member of the Broetje Orchard community. The award is typically in the amount of $100,000 to one single organization.
• Nueva Esperanza Leadership Academy (NELA) - Nueva Esperanza Leadership Academy (NELA) is a private, Christian school for students in grades K-8 who have been underserved in other academic settings. Servant leadership, trauma-informed care, and social-emotional learning are integrated into all aspects of NELA’s curriculum. NELA values diversity, celebrates uniqueness, and builds a community where children, families, and staff can feel safe, loved, and connected. With a student body of just under 50 students at the moment, NELA currently employs 12 full-time staff.

Central Services

The Vista Hermosa Foundation also houses the finance, administration, and human resources functions of the organization. This 5-person team works across all three organizations.

Jubilee Foundation

In 1995, the Center for Sharing launched its first nine-month Servant Leadership course with 27 participants. From this experience emerged a new calling—to create Jubilee Youth Ranch, a program dedicated to supporting struggling teens. Over the next two decades, Jubilee served more than 2,500 boys from across the country, providing guidance and stability. In its final years, as the program embraced trauma-informed care, it became evident that lasting solutions for youth and families would be best fostered within long-term, community-based environments.

With this understanding, the Broetjes broke ground in 2005 on a new community in East Pasco, Washington, naming it Tierra Vida - “Land and Life.” Constructed on discarded land, the initiative embodied the values of redemption, restoration, and renewal. The development included single-family homes, multi-family units, and shared spaces such as a recreation center, Vida Café, and a community garden. These "third spaces" have become gathering places where neighbors can connect, build relationships, and cultivate a spirit of welcome and service. Jubilee Foundation has $180M in assets and employes 18 staff.

• Tierra Vida Community - From humble beginnings on a neglected tract of land on ‘A’ Street in Pasco, Tierra Vida Community has blossomed into a thriving community consisting of 250 single-family and 126 multi-family units, housing over 1,500 people. Tierra Vida Community models a supportive residential-led neighborhood that embodies community and connection. Places like the Rec Center, community garden, or the Vida Café serve as “third spaces” in which to foster connection and provide places for both youth and adults to learn, grow, and lead.
• Vida Café - Vida Café is situated within Jubilee Foundation’s “collegium” – a collegium is a gathering space where people from diverse backgrounds come together to share ideas, and to learn and grow together. The foundation’s collegium hosts programs and services to foster inclusion and connection. The Café also hosts workforce readiness programs for those seeking a second chance.

THE POSITION

Working alongside the Board of Directors, the staff, and the community, the incoming Executive Director will have the unique opportunity to steward a legacy built on nearly six decades of service and help a newly unified and well-resourced organization identify new opportunities for impact, both locally and globally. The board is comprised of members of the family and faith-driven allies in the community whose lives have been touched by the Trust’s work. The ED will work closely with the board and staff to set organizational strategy and vision, center a faith mission in the work, create processes that support strong, efficient, and transparent governance, engage the community, and represent the organization locally, regionally, and globally.

KEY PRIORITIES FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The inaugural Executive Director of the Trust will create cohesion and alignment across the Trust’s initiatives, honoring its deep-rooted faith-based mission and stewarding the vision of its founders into the future. The following opportunities and challenges define the landscape the ED will navigate:

Strengthening Mission Alignment and Faith Integration

In keeping with the founder’s desire to ensure that their original calling remains steadfast as the organization continues to grow, the ED will cultivate an internal culture that consistently reinforces the “why” of the work: to shift the thinking of those we serve to see the world as God sees it. The ED will work with the board to strengthen the organization’s spiritual foundation and ensure that faith remains central to the culture and decision-making while remaining inclusive and recognizing that everyone, regardless of background, has a divine purpose and is called to something greater than themselves.

Establishing a Cohesive Leadership Structure and Fostering Collaboration

As the leader of three separate foundations with six initiatives between them, the new ED will serve as a bridge between the organization’s various initiative directors and the board, fostering a culture of transparency and direct communication. The new leader of the Trust will create strong decision-making processes that ensure the initiative leads are empowered to break down siloes and collaborate effectively to amplify their collective impact. The ideal candidate will be a practiced servant leader who fosters a strong connection between the staff and board while ensuring that the board keeps an appropriately strategic and visionary orientation as a governing body.

Driving Effective Storytelling and Public Awareness

The work of the Trust is represented in the arc of a story that began in 1968 and will extend far into the future. The ED will support the staff in telling the stories of those they serve and ensuring that they connect to and build on narratives that inspire new ways to answer the call to serve. Tremendous opportunity remains for the Trust to tell the story of its deep impact on the broader community, whether in the Tri-Cities, nationally, or globally, particularly in the community of faith-based changemakers. The ED will lead efforts to develop compelling narratives, enhance external visibility, and strengthen relationships with community stakeholders to elevate the organization’s presence.

Managing Growth and Organizational Development

With a staff that has quadrupled since 2019, the Trust faces challenges in sustaining growth while maintaining operational efficiency. The ED will need to implement strong processes, professional development strategies, and talent retention initiatives to support a thriving and mission-driven workforce. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader who embodies servant leadership, values faith-driven service, and possesses the strategic acumen to guide the Broetje Family Trust into its next chapter.

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Minimum Qualifications

We seek candidates with a minimum of 10 years of executive management experience with a significant portion of that time spent leading faith-based work; preferably in a non-profit or philanthropic context. They should demonstrate a deep commitment to faith-driven servant leadership, with a proven record of integrating spiritual values into organizational culture and decision-making. Strong strategic vision, organizational development skills, and the ability to foster collaboration across multiple initiatives are essential. The candidate must have excellent communication and storytelling abilities to enhance public awareness and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, experience in financial oversight, board relations, and managing organizational growth is strongly preferred.

Desired Characteristics and Qualifications

The Broetje Family Trust’s first Executive Director will be a dedicated servant leader who understands what it means to walk alongside those they are leading. The next leader of the organization will believe that everyone has a divine purpose and will be passionate about helping those they serve find their calling. While no single candidate will embody all the characteristics enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following characteristics, experiences, and perspectives:

• A mission-driven, faith-led servant leader – A flexible executive who leads with humility, integrity, and a deep commitment to faith-driven service. Grounded in the Trust’s spiritual mission, they will foster an inclusive environment where faith is integrated into decision-making and organizational culture while ensuring all individuals feel valued and respected.
• A bridge-builder who fosters transparency and collaboration – The ED will be adept at uniting multiple initiatives, foundations, and teams under a shared mission, breaking down silos, and creating opportunities for synergy. They will cultivate a culture of transparency, direct communication, and shared decision-making between the board, leadership team, and staff.
• An adaptive leader who embraces change, complexity, and the opportunity to learn – The new ED will be a lifelong learner who is able to navigate the challenges of an evolving organization with flexibility and wisdom. They will be comfortable leading through ambiguity, making strategic decisions while remaining open to 360-degree feedback and continuous growth.
• A visionary strategist and operational leader – The leader must be capable of empowering staff to manage effectively. They will bring experience in managing growth, streamlining processes, and fostering professional development, ensuring the Trust’s continued impact and sustainability. They will have experience building processes and infrastructure that allow the board and the staff to reach their full potential for impact.
• An exceptional storyteller and public advocate – A compelling communicator who can effectively articulate the Trust’s history, mission, and dedication to faith to elevate its presence. They will work to increase public awareness, strengthen external partnerships, and ensure that the Trust’s work is recognized and understood at both the local, national, and global levels.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, & LOCATION

The hiring range for this position is $190,000 – 225,000. A robust benefits and wellness package is also included. This is a full-time position in Tri-Cities, WA except for required travel. Relocation support is available as part of a comprehensive benefits package.

Tri-Cities, Washington

The Broetje Family Trust is based in Pasco, which together with Richland and Kennewick makes up the area of Tri-Cities, WA. With a population of just over 300,000 people, Tri-Cities boasts a vibrant community at the confluence of the Yakima, Snake, and Columbia rivers. The Tri-Cities region is known for world-class recreational opportunities, majestic natural beauty, and world-class wineries. The region is three hours from Seattle and Portland by car, two hours from Spokane, and one hour from Walla Walla and Yakima, with direct flights from 10 major hubs into the Tri-Cities Airport. Since 2010, Tri-Cities has routinely been named a Top 10 city to raise a family.