Executive Director

NORTHWEST EDUCATION ACCESS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Announcement & Organization Overview

Priority Application Deadline: October 8, 2024

About Northwest Education Access

Northwest Education Access (NWEdA), previously Seattle Education Access, works throughout the greater Puget Sound region on Coast Salish land. We provide comprehensive and individualized support to help low-income young people, ages 16-29, build their own path to higher education and beyond. NWEdA focuses specifically on supporting alternative routes to high school completion and the transition into postsecondary pathways in King, Pierce, and South Snohomish County.

NWEdA is guided by the belief that all young people, regardless of income or background, should have the opportunity to access postsecondary. Our evidence-based model - the only one like it in Washington State - specializes in re-engaging low-income young people who have left high school prior to completion or did not transfer straight to postsecondary. The young people we serve navigate complex education barriers that are compounded by inequitable access to basic needs like housing, mental health services, and childcare. They do this while experiencing institutional racism and surviving generational and historical trauma. Many of the young people we serve are considered ‘Opportunity Youth,’ meaning they are typically disconnected from school and/or work. Our students all share a strong motivation to complete their education and demonstrate resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Prioritizing a Culture of Inquiry through an Antiracist Lens

NWEdA is on an evolving path of discovery and change in how we are in relationship with each other and our community. Inquiry is at the core of our anti-racism work as we question norms, patterns, power dynamics, and processes.

As part of our work, we’ve created more space for our staff to be curious, ask questions, learn from each other, and question the status quo. This has included regular meetings where staff discuss the work we do and implement changes as needed. We have also developed new mechanisms to get valuable input from students, alumni, and volunteers.

To help operationalize our learnings across the organization, we’ve created our Anti-Racist Team made up of staff, board, and student representatives. As a foundational part of our inquiry process, we explicitly examine how white supremacy culture norms show up in our work and have impacted every aspect of our organization, including the students we serve. Learn more about our vision, mission, and values here.

Executive Director Position Summary

The Executive Director is the key management leader of Northwest Education Access and will provide strategic leadership and oversee all aspects of the organization’s operations, including developing and implementing strategic plans. They will lead fundraising efforts, manage financial resources, and ensure effective program delivery.

This role involves representing the organization to external stakeholders, advocating for public funds, and working closely with the board of directors. Additionally, the Executive Director will oversee daily operations, support and develop staff, and drive the organization’s commitment to anti-racist leadership within the community.

The Executive Director will work primarily out of the NWEdA office in Tukwila and has flexibility for hybrid work as their meeting schedule allows. Attendance at regular in-person meetings in and around NWEdA’s service area of King, Pierce, and South Snohomish Counties will be required. Additionally, regular and occasional evening and weekend meetings and events will be required as a part of this role. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.

Primary Duties

Mission & Strategy

Collaborates with board and staff to ensure the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach.

• Implements NWEdA’s current strategic plan (2024-28) to ensure NWEdA can grow its systemic impact in the community and successfully fulfill its mission into the future while adhering to organizational values
• Serves as the primary spokesperson for the organization, conveying a clear vision for NWEdA’s strategic future to staff, board, volunteers, and donors
• Establishes and maintains relationships with various partner organizations throughout the region and utilize those relationships to strategically enhance NWEdA’s mission
• Responsible for the enhancement of NWEdA’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations
• Leads NWEdA in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission and values
• Champions and supports the organization’s anti-racist initiatives by developing and implementing policies and practices that promote equity, inclusion, and justice, fostering a culturally competent environment, and ensuring that anti-racist principles are integrated into all aspects of the organization’s work

Long-Term Financial Stability

Oversees and implements strategies to ensure stability and growth for the organization.

• Collaborates closely with the Finance Director to ensure the effective management of organizational finances, including budget development, financial planning, and reporting, aligning fiscal practices with the nonprofit’s strategic objectives
• Leads NWEdA in a fiscally responsible manner within the board-approved operating budget
• Maintains responsibility for the fiscal integrity of NWEdA

Fundraising

Develops resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization.

• In partnership with the Development & Communications Director, utilizes data-driven approaches to evaluate and improve fundraising performance, analyzing trends and outcomes to optimize strategies and maximize revenue
• Partners with the Development & Communications team to complete fundraising activity, develop contracts, and participate in other resource generating opportunities crucial to supporting NWEdA’s mission
• Cultivates and maintains strategic relationships with current and potential funders by effectively advocating for the nonprofit’s mission and impact, leveraging partnerships to secure sustainable financial support
• Partners and mentors the Director of Development and Communications to support and bolster their effectiveness in fundraising activities, including prospect research and donor stewardship
• Builds and nurtures relationships with major donors and community stakeholders through engagement and recognition programs, ensuring long-term commitment and increased unrestricted giving

Board Engagement & Recruitment

Works with NWEdA Board of Directors to fulfill organizational mission, goals, and values.

• Collaborates with current and former NWEdA board members to recruit and steward an engaged and supportive board of directors
• Effectively communicates with the board and provides timely and accurate information necessary for the board to function properly and make informed decisions
• Reports to and works closely with the board to seek their involvement in policy decisions, fundraising, and to increase the overall visibility of NWEdA
• Fosters a culture of philanthropy within the organization by collaborating with board members to support their active engagement in fundraising efforts

Operations

Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure that organizational operations effectively support the mission.

• Hires, supervises, and retains competent, qualified staff within the Operations Team
• Enhances staff support, professional development, and training to promote happy, healthy, passionate, and evolving employees
• Effective administration of NWEdA operations, including establishing administrative policies and procedures for the day-to-day operation of NWEdA
• Reviews, approves, and signs all notes, contracts, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the organization
• Serves as NWEdA’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media, and the general public
• In partnership with the Operations Team, leads monthly staff meetings and biweekly Operations Team meetings

Advocacy

Facilitate advocacy efforts at the state and local levels to sustain and expand public funding.

• Oversees NWEdA student advocacy efforts, primarily through the Alumni & Student Advisory Board and Advocacy Day efforts
• Leads NWEdA’s advocacy goals, including communication with lobbyist, increasing connections with lawmaker and participating on policy-making decisions
• Advocates for expanded public funding opportunities by engaging with government agencies, policy makers, and community leaders to promote the organization’s mission, influence priorities, and secure government funding to support key programs and initiatives

Qualifications

• A strong belief that every young person has the capacity to achieve their goals and is an expert in choosing their path
• An ability to articulate how institutionalized racism impacts a student’s educational process and pathway
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience in advancing anti-racist practices and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations
• Strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment
• Proven track record of effective leadership and management in a nonprofit or educational setting, with at least 5-7 years in senior leadership roles
• Upholds and maintains transparency in decision-making as a core function of their leadership
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies, including experience with major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, and events
• Strong understanding of nonprofit financial management, including budgeting, financial reporting, and grant compliance, with experience collaborating with finance professionals
• Experience in advocating for organizational needs with diverse stakeholders, including funders, government agencies, and community leaders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate the organization's mission and impact effectively to a variety of audiences
• Experience successfully working with governing bodies (ex: board of directors), including providing strategic guidance, facilitating board engagement, and ensuring effective governance
• Knowledge of organizational operations, including human resources, compliance, and operational efficiencies, with preference for nonprofit experience
• Strong networking skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including donors, community partners, and policy makers
• A proven track record of thinking critically about challenges and mapping out action steps
• A demonstrated ability to cultivate and build authentic relationships with colleagues and partners
• A Bachelor’s degree or an Associate’s degree with relevant professional experience in relevant area of study
• Valid Washington State Driver’s license and access to a reliable insured vehicle
• A personal cell phone that can be used for work (work number will be provided)

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience serving as an Executive Director or CEO for a nonprofit organization, preferably in a related context

Compensation and Benefits

The Executive Director will have a starting salary of $150,000.

• Vacation time is 3 weeks for year 1, 4 weeks for year 2 & 3, and 5 weeks for year 4+;
• Two weeks of sick leave each year;
• 16 paid holidays, including your birthday;
• Annual collective week of rest office closure in December;
• Full medical, vision, and dental insurance covered for employee; 50% of insurance is covered for one dependent;
• Employer contribution to retirement 401k: 1% in 1st & 2nd years, 2% in 3rd year, 3% in 4th year+;
• Access to regular internal training and professional development opportunities;
• Annual $600 professional development stipend for external trainings of employee’s choosing;
• $400 technology reimbursement benefit every 3 years toward purchase of technology tools, such as a laptop, that support your work;
• $20 monthly personal phone reimbursement;
• Commute mileage reimbursement for daily commute miles between home and work over 30 miles per day, with a $200 max for reimbursement each month;
• Flexible schedule and independence over calendar.
• An amazing group of colleagues to work with in an organization that values work-life balance!