State Executive Director

Company: Philanthropy Northwest
Location: Tacoma
Posted on: May 6, 2025

Job Description:

Communities In Schools of Washington (CISWA)City:Tacoma, WashingtonState:WAPosition InformationEmployment Type:Full timeExperience Level:ExecutiveJob Category:EducationExecutiveJob Category - Other:The salary range for this position is $180k-$220k.Communities In Schools of Washington (CISWA)is at a pivotal moment in its history as it launches the search for its State Executive Director. With a deep commitment to educational equity, CISWA has played a critical role in ensuring that students across Washington state-particularly those in under-resourced schools-have the support they need to thrive. CISWA is a dynamic and high-energy organization that provides essential support to the CIS Washington Network of 13 local network affiliates across Washington State-10 independent 501(c)(3) organizations and three emerging organizations housed within the CISWA State Office. Its annual budget is $5.5 million (from diverse revenue streams).As part of the national Communities In Schools network, CISWA ensures that Washington affiliates have the resources, guidance, and capacity to deliver high-impact student programs that break down barriers to educational success. Working directly inside K-12 schools, CIS affiliates serve students who have historically been furthest from educational justice, surrounding them with a community of support to keep them engaged in school and on a path to success.CISWA operates within a federated network model, where local affiliates maintain autonomy, adhere to national accreditation standards, and leverage the State Office and national network resources. The State Office and affiliates collaborate across Washington State to achieve collective impact towards the CIS mission. The State Office plays a crucial role in ensuring alignment with the Integrated Student Supports (ISS) model, which is the foundation of the CIS approach to supporting students and families.Success in this role will be defined by the leader's ability to ensure stability, credibility, clarity, and a compelling vision to internal and external CISWA stakeholders. Following a few short-term executive director transitions, the organization is seeking a leader who will commit to the role for the long term-providing steady, consistent leadership that strengthens internal alignment and reinforces external confidence. A committed, reliable leader will be especially valuable in building and sustaining strong relationships with CISWA stakeholders, including funders, partners, policymakers, staff, and affiliates. Key priorities include building a cohesive and impactful statewide network, raising awareness of the organization's work, advancing youth-centered advocacy, and securing sustainable funding. In the near term, the leader will focus on cultivating strong relationships across the network, clarifying the role of the State Office, strengthening strategic alignment, deepening the board-executive partnership, and fostering a positive internal culture that supports staff engagement and retention.The next State Executive Director of CISWA will step into a dynamic organization that has experienced significant transition and growth. They will play a key role in supporting the implementation of the Network's shared agenda and adapting strategies to align with evolving economic and policy landscapes. This next chapter calls for a State Executive Director who can lead with vision, collaboration, and strategic execution, ensuring that CISWA continues to build a strong social impact network, advance advocacy efforts, and expand sustainable funding streams.This full-time position is based at the Communities In Schools of Washington State office in Tacoma, with frequent travel throughout the state, including occasional evenings and weekends. While hybrid work is optional, the role requires being in person at least one day per week (currently Tuesdays), in alignment with the broader in-office team schedule.The salary range for this position is $180k-$220k.The State Executive Director of CISWA will serve as the statewide leader and chief advocate for the organization, responsible for deepening partnerships, securing funding, and supporting affiliates in delivering high-impact programs to students across the state. This individual must be a bridge-builder, facilitator, bold strategist, and trusted partner to the board, staff, affiliates, donors, and policymakers.With a unique network structure that requires collaboration and strategic support rather than direct oversight, the State Executive Director must be adept at leading through influence-bringing stakeholders together around a common vision for the future while ensuring affiliates have the resources, support, and autonomy needed to thrive. Key responsibilities include: strategic leadership and organizational management; advocacy, partnerships and network support; and constituent engagement and public relations.This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and mission-driven leader to support the future of CISWA and make a lasting impact on students, families, and communities across the state. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned nonprofit executive with a strong track record of strategic leadership, financial management, fundraising, advocacy, and network-building. They will be a trusted leader who fosters collaboration and transparency, working to ensure that every student in Washington-regardless of their circumstances-has the opportunity to succeed.Candidate Qualifications:Mission Alignment & Expertise

• Deep understanding and passion for the mission of CISWA
• Experience with community based direct services programs
• Demonstrated experience working in communities similar to those served by CISWALeadership & Strategic Vision
  • Minimum of 5+ years Executive Director/CEO experience or comparable senior leadership role in a nonprofit organization leading a senior management team in a complex organization
  • Strong experience developing and executing strategy and vision for an organization
  • Proven track record of leading organizational change, managing transitions, and guiding transformation
  • Proven fiscal accountability and experience managing budgets of at least $2M
  • Experience managing budgets with multiple funding sources (government, foundation, corporate, individual giving, etc.)
  • Strong organizational skills and a strategic approach to leveraging and optimizing resourcesStaff Leadership & Organizational Culture
    • Experience supervising 3+ direct reports and leading teams of 10+ employees
    • Proven track record of building a collaborative work environment where staff feel heard, motivated, and inspired to perform at their highest levels
    • Strong ability to build and sustain an organizational culture of accountability
    • Expertise in organizational development, progress monitoring, and reporting to enhance team performance and strategic alignment
    • Ability to set and track KPIs to measure effectiveness, drive improvement, and inform decisionsPublic Engagement & Advocacy
      • Ability to serve as the public face of CISWA and effectively communicate its impact
      • Outstanding communication skills, including public speaking, writing, and active listening
      • Ability to engage with political leaders, elected officials, and key stakeholders to advance CISWA's policy and advocacy goalsEducation
        • Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experienceBrettschneider Executive Search is pleased to partner with CISWA in this national search.Application Instructions:To submit your application, upload your CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile to the link below. Nominations and inquiries are invited to be submitted to CISWA@BrettSearch.com.
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Keywords: Philanthropy Northwest, Edmonds , State Executive Director, Executive , Tacoma, Washington