Job Announcement & Organization Overview
Priority Application Deadline: October 8, 2024
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.
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.
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.
Mission & Strategy
Collaborates with board and staff to ensure the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach.
Long-Term Financial Stability
Oversees and implements strategies to ensure stability and growth for the organization.
Fundraising
Develops resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization.
Board Engagement & Recruitment
Works with NWEdA Board of Directors to fulfill organizational mission, goals, and values.
Operations
Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure that organizational operations effectively support the mission.
Advocacy
Facilitate advocacy efforts at the state and local levels to sustain and expand public funding.
Preferred Qualifications
Job Announcement & Organization Overview
Priority Application Deadline: October 8, 2024
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…
The Executive Director will have a starting salary of $150,000.
The Executive Director will have a starting salary of $150,000.
Priority will be given to applications received by October 8, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted until a candidate has been selected.
To be considered for this position, please submit the following items to apply@nweducationaccess.org.
Position Posted: September 18, 2024
Priority Application Deadline: October 8, 2024
Invitations to Interview Sent: October 16, 2024
First Round Interviews: October 21 - 25, 2024
Zoom
Second-Round Interview with Staff: November 4, 2024
In-Person at Tukwila Office, virtual option if needed
Final Interview: November 8, 2024
In-Person at Tukwila Office, virtual option if needed
Job Offer Extended: November 12 - 15, 2024
Desired Start Date: January 6, 2025
Priority will be given to applications received by October 8, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted until a candidate has been selected.
To be…