Executive Director

ABOUT LALA-W

In its start-up phase, the Latino Advocacy and Leadership Association of Whatcom (Washington) is in the process of establishing its 501(c)3 status. The organization is run by a Steering Committee of 18 members who represent a diverse cross-section of the Latino community – from the business sector to the public education system.

LALA-W’s priority is to open and expand the doors of opportunity through three strategic goals:

• To build a powerful advocacy presence with near and long-term goals
• To establish a robust grassroots network for community organizing and advocacy engagement
• To establish a culturally trusted system for linking community members to essential resources for building prosperous and healthy lives

The COMPLETE job description can be found here or at: https://lnkd.in/gSjxnCZV

CANDIDATE OVERVIEW

LALA-W seeks an inspirational Executive Director with strong vision, initiative, cultural and linguistic competence, and a collaborative and relationship-building ethos to lead an emerging organization in its goal to fulfill its long-term vision and mission. The leader will demonstrate a passion and commitment to the following principles:

• Honor and affirm our Latino cultures
• Advocate for our Latin American community
• Support and develop community leadership
• Network to connect and share information and resources

The successful candidate’s background will reflect living and working in the Latino community with an understanding of its daily equity challenges. The candidate will demonstrate a capacity and commitment for building community relationships that are culturally aligned and trusted.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Accountable to LALA’s Steering Committee, the executive director will be skilled in and responsible for six organizational functions: 1) leadership and governance, 2) community engagement and advocacy, 3) management and operations, 4) finance management, 5) fundraising, 6) work environment and organizational culture.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• College degree (bachelor’s) required or commensurate work experience; master’s degree or commensurate work experience desirable
• Three years holding an executive level, management and or leadership position in the nonprofit, for-profit or government sectors
• Background reflects actual lived experience and track record working in the Latino community
• Bilingual or conversant in Spanish and/or other indigenous language (fully bilingual/multilingual strongly preferred)
• Skills to create and implement new and/or innovative initiatives
• Ability to build strong and trusting community and interpersonal relationships
• Strategic mindset with skills to envision opportunity and lead action
• Capacity to manage in a start-up environment and adapt to change

APPLICATION – Application review begins March 1, 2026. Position open until filled. Please send:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application – Please describe your lived/work experience with respect to the Duties/Responsibilities (listed above) and reasons for pursuing the executive director position.

SALARY & BENEFITS – Salary ranges from $70,000-$100,000 commensurate with education, experiences, and expertise. A generous benefits package is included.

To learn more about this exceptional opportunity, contact:

Francisco Rios, Steering Committee Chair at frios8988@gmail.com or whatcomlatinx2023@gmail.com

A generous benefits package is included: health insurance, paid time off, contributions to retirement account, etc.

Bilingual or conversant in Spanish and/or other indigenous language (fully bilingual/multilingual strongly preferred)