Opportunity Council - Executive Director

Valtas Group•Bellingham, WA

3d•$245,000 - $295,000

About The Position

The Executive Director provides overall leadership and management of Opportunity Council, ensuring that the organization carries out its mission and implements strategic plans approved by the Board of Directors. The role works with the Board and staff to align strategy, budget, personnel, and organizational priorities, while supporting effective decision-making, transparent communication, and measurement of financial, programmatic, and community impact. The Executive Director oversees agency operations and programs, including planning, fiscal accountability, program integrity, compliance, evaluation, fundraising, and fund disbursement. The role supports and develops staff, promotes cross-departmental collaboration and inclusive practices, and ensures high-quality, integrated service delivery as the organization grows. The position leads donor and funder cultivation and provides strategic direction for marketing, branding, and development efforts. It also holds executive oversight of personnel matters and serves as the agency’s chief spokesperson, representing Opportunity Council to external stakeholders, engaging with community partners, and advocating with elected officials on policies affecting people with low and marginal incomes. Opportunity Council is a private, nonprofit Community Action Agency headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, serving Whatcom, Island, and San Juan Counties as its primary region. Its work includes housing and homelessness services, children and families programs, basic needs assistance, job skills and financial well-being, and individual and community health.

Requirements

Expertise in leading large, complex, multi-service nonprofits and/or Community Action Agencies, including relevant laws and regulations, standards and protocols, organizational and management techniques, and operational efficiency.
Excellent coalition-building skills and ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to negotiate persuasively and achieve consensus among differing opinions.
Outstanding presentation and communication skills and ability to serve as an engaging spokesperson and relationship builder.
Proven ability to raise and diversify revenue.
Commitment to staff professional development and a successful record of recruiting and retaining a diverse team.
Knowledge of housing programs, early childhood learning, social services, and community health sufficient to understand their role in the organization and social service industry and communicate effectively with staff.
Knowledge of accounting and financial analysis sufficient to understand financial reports and the effect of financial performance on operations.
Demonstrated commitment to Opportunity Council’s mission, values, and community impact.
Ability to frequently travel within the service area and to national, state, and regional meetings and conferences for job-related activities.
Knowledge of systems thinking principles, political landscapes across levels of government, and trauma-informed leadership.
Ability to lead with empathy, dignity, and inclusion; align strategy, structure, and operations across complex, multi-program organizations; and exercise sound political judgment in governmental and policy environments.
Ability to build and sustain relationships with staff, internal leaders, elected officials, donors, funders, and partners across diverse constituencies.
Ability to demonstrate humility, self-awareness, and low-ego leadership; maintain composure during uncertainty or change; and prioritize initiatives and allocate resources effectively.
Skill in public speaking and advocacy, including persuasive communication with varied audiences.
Skill in active listening and thoughtfully synthesizing and responding to stakeholder input.

Nice To Haves

Curiosity about emerging technology and judgment to adopt it when it advances the mission.
Willingness to support staff recommendations for better systems and processes.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Board and staff to refine and implement the strategic plan and align the budget, staff, and priorities with the organization’s mission.
Provide leadership and direction to executives and support the development and effective management of the organization.
Establish decision-making processes that advance long- and short-term organizational goals.
Maintain a transparent working relationship with the Board and communicate performance against financial, programmatic, and impact goals.
Provide agency-wide leadership and oversight of the organization and its programs, including staff and Board planning.
Build systems for fiscal accountability, program integrity, compliance, evaluation, fundraising, and fund disbursement.
Ensure efficient, integrated delivery of high-quality services across programs while managing current and future growth.
Support and motivate staff, facilitate cross-departmental collaboration, and strengthen internal communications.
Foster a consistent, inclusive work environment across organizational strategy, operations, and data practices.
Lead donor and funder cultivation and ensure funding is adequate and allocated to support the mission and balance current and future needs.
Direct the development and execution of comprehensive marketing, branding, and development strategies to strengthen consistency and revenue from foundations, government agencies, and corporations.
Provide executive oversight for recruitment, training, evaluation, guidance, and management of agency personnel.
Ensure appropriate communication channels are established throughout the agency.
Serve as chief spokesperson to the media, professional community, elected officials, regulatory agencies, volunteers, and other external entities.
Oversee and participate in outreach, public relations, and community engagement.
Work with peer organizations and community partners across the region and state.
Build relationships with city and county council members and advocate to elected officials on policies affecting people with low and marginal incomes and related constituencies.
Travel within the agency’s service area and attend national, state, and regional meetings and conferences as job-related activities require.

Benefits

Paid time off accrued for vacation, sick time, and personal holidays
Paid time off for wellness needs
Employer-paid holidays
Employer-paid HDHP and low-cost traditional health care options
HSA and FSA plans, subject to plan terms
Eligibility for critical illness insurance coverage
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
Eligibility for health coverage for legal dependents
Eligibility for employee and family dental and vision coverage
Voluntary benefits including life insurance, long-term disability, long-term care, and personal legal services