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Nonprofit
Interim Executive Director
Hybrid, Work must be performed in or near Seattle, WA
Details
Job Type:
Full Time
Job Type:
Temporary
Start Date:
October 15, 2025
End Date:
April 15, 2027
Application Deadline:
August 28, 2025
Education:
4-Year Degree Required
Experience Level:
Director
Salary:
USD $140,000 - $160,000 / year
Cause Areas:
Legal Assistance
Description
Key Responsibilities & Ideal Candidate Experience
- Connection to the Mission
- Deep understanding of CLS’s core work and affected communities
- Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, anti-Blackness work, and social justice
- Experience advancing mission-aligned, community-informed initiatives
- Strategic Leadership
- Skilled in assessing organizational health and identifying cultural misalignment
- Ability to guide teams through transition with transparency and inclusion
- Demonstrated experience in setting interim strategic direction without a full strategic plan
- External Relations & Fundraising
- Track record in cultivating donors and managing institutional funder relationships
- Comfort with public speaking, legal advocacy, and media engagement
- Familiarity with grant writing, reporting, and financial stewardship of public/private funds
- Organizational Leadership
- Proficient in managing operations, compliance, and human resources
- Experience overseeing budgets, fiscal controls, and nonprofit financial health
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and empower managers
- Board Relations
- Proven ability to engage, advise, and partner with Board leadership
- Experience in nonprofit governance, Board development, and transparent reporting
- Organizational Culture
- Demonstrated ability to foster a healthy, inclusive, and healing-centered workplace
- Skilled in addressing anti-Blackness and systemic inequities in staff culture
- Experience creating safe pathways for staff to raise and resolve concerns
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, or related field or equivalent professional experience
- 5 years of senior leadership experience, with at least three years of experience managing others.
- Background in the legal, public policy, or nonprofit advocacy field
- Demonstrated success in change management and conflict resolution
- Experience working with labor unions and collective bargaining agreements
- Proven leadership with system-impacted communities, particularly immigrants and incarcerated individuals
- Familiarity with nonprofit governance, Board relations, and fund development
Desired Qualifications
- Advanced degree (JD, MPA, MA in Organizational Development, or similar)
- Knowledge of Washington State’s racial justice, legal, and policy landscape
- Strong communication, facilitation, and consensus-building skills
- Ability to integrate equity across HR, finance, and organizational infrastructure
Key Responsibilities & Ideal Candidate Experience
- Connection to the Mission
- Deep understanding of CLS’s core work and affected communities
- Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, anti-Blackness work, and social justice
- Experience advancing mission-aligned, community-informed initiatives
- Strategic Leadership
- Skilled in assessing organizational health and identifying cultural misalignment
- Ability to guide teams through transition with transparency and inclusion
- Demonstrated experience in setting interim strategic direction without a full strategic plan
- External Relations & Fundraising
- Track record in cultivating donors and managing institutional funder relationships
- Comfort with public speaking, legal advocacy, and media engagement
- Familiarity with grant writing, reporting, and financial stewardship of public/private funds
- Organizational Leadership
- Proficient in managing operations, compliance…
Benefits
Work Week: 35 hours, occasional flexibility required.
CLS offers a robust benefits package, including:
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 50% of out-of-pocket max deductible covered
- Subsidized family medical coverage
- 403(b) retirement with employer contribution and match
- Paid parental and family medical leave
- Student loan repayment assistance (<10 years' experience)
- FSA and HRA plans
- 15–21 vacation days + 3–5 personal days annually
- 12 sick days per year
- 14 paid holidays + winter closure
- Paid sabbatical after 7 years
- Disability and life insurance, EAP, and public transit subsidy
Work Week: 35 hours, occasional flexibility required.
CLS offers a robust benefits package, including:
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 50% of out-of-pocket max deductible covered
- Subsidized family medical coverage
- 403(b) retirement with employer contribution and match
- Paid parental and family medical leave
- Student loan repayment assistance (<10 years' experience)
- FSA and HRA plans
- 15–21 vacation days + 3–5 personal days annually
- 12 sick days per year
- 14 paid holidays + winter closure
- Paid sabbatical after 7 years
- Disability and life insurance, EAP, and public transit subsidy
Location
Hybrid
Work must be performed in or near Seattle, WA
Associated Location
Seattle, WA, USA
How to Apply
JOIN US
This is a rare opportunity to lead a bold, mission-driven legal organization committed to advancing systemic equity and justice in Washington State. If you bring clarity, compassion, and a commitment to transformation—we welcome your application.
- Please complete an online application using the link provided or visit our website.
- Attach a resume with relevant lived and professional experience, and a cover letter explaining your interest in CLS and how you meet the qualifications.
- Include a writing sample (max two pages) such as a grant narrative or similar, demonstrating grant writing experience.
- Top finalists will be asked to create and deliver a presentation as part of the hiring process.
JOIN US
This is a rare opportunity to lead a bold, mission-driven legal organization committed to advancing systemic equity and justice in Washington State. If you bring clarity…
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