Senior Director, Programs

About Treehouse: We work to create opportunities for young people in foster care to thrive. We believe that every young person impacted by foster care determines their own future and can build the life of their dreams. Treehouse seeks to hire passionate individuals who understand the power of young people, celebrate diverse voices, and challenge themselves to do better. We are committed to providing opportunities for staff to learn and grow with the organization.

Benefits Summary: Treehouse values work-life balance and prioritizes the health of our staff. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with options for 100% employer-paid premiums; a retirement plan with 3% employer match; and paid leave that includes nine (9) holidays, generous PTO, and two weeks of staff appreciation days off.

• Generous PTO leave of four (4) weeks
• Healthcare benefit plans include options for 100% covered preventive care
• Two (2) weeks off (separate from PTO) for Staff Appreciation Weeks (each including a holiday)
• 403B retirement plan employer matching program (50% of employee contributions up to 6% of gross pay)
• 100% of payroll taxes for state family medical leave are covered by Treehouse
• Free, convenient parking
• Dog-friendly office space

Pay Transparency: This position’s annual salary range is $135K - $150K, depending on experience.

Primary Worksite Location: Seattle office

• *A submitted resume and cover letter are required as part of the application process for this position.**
• **Note that resumes/applications submitted for this position are reviewed on a rolling basis as received, until the position is filled.***

Job Summary:

Treehouse seeks a visionary, strategic, and equity-driven leader to serve as its next Senior Director, Programs. This executive-level role will lead the organization’s statewide direct service programs, which are designed to increase high school graduation rates and post-high school readiness for youth experiencing foster care.

The Senior Director, Programs will oversee the overall budgets for a portfolio of programs, manage three direct reports, and ensure the delivery of high-impact, trauma-informed, and culturally inclusive services across Washington State. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, they collaboratively shape program strategy, support operational excellence, and foster cross-functional collaboration to ensure Treehouse’s services are effective, equitable, and aligned with the organization’s Theory of Change.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Vision:

• Lead the development and execution of a statewide program strategy aligned with Treehouse’s mission and strategic plan.
• Translate vision into actionable goals and work plans for the Programs team.
• Partner with the CFOO and the Executive Team to drive organizational strategy, vision, and programmatic direction and impact.

Program Oversight & Operational Excellence:

• Oversee several statewide direct service programs, ensuring high-quality, consistent, and equitable service delivery.
• Manage and negotiate contracts, MOUs, and DSAs with school districts and state agencies.
• Ensure compliance with state contracts, program standards, and internal policies.
• Partner with the Learning & Evaluation team to assess program impact and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with the CFOO and the Executive Team to implement Treehouse’s strategic vision and impact strategy, establishing long- and short-term strategic priorities, annual goals, and evaluation metrics for all Treehouse programs.
• Report on and interpret program outputs and outcomes to the Executive Team, Program Committee, Board of Directors, staff, legislators, and the community at large, elevating successes and transparently communicating challenges and areas for improvement.

Team Leadership & Culture:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing, matrixed team of Programs leaders and direct service staff.
• Foster a culture of mutual respect, innovation, and learning.
• Champion change management practices that support staff through organizational transitions.
• Ensure leadership development and succession planning within the Programs team through mentorship, training, and other strategies.
• Model and enforce accountability to the young people we serve.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with the Treehouse Development, Policy, Finance, and Communications teams to align program goals with fundraising, advocacy, and operational priorities.
• Support the development of grant proposals, reports, and donor engagement strategies.

External Partnerships & Advocacy:

• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with school districts, state agencies, and community-based organizations.
• Represent Treehouse in statewide coalitions and policy forums to influence advocacy priorities in alignment with organizational goals.
• Serve as the staff liaison to the Program Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, education, or child welfare sectors.
• Proven experience managing large, matrixed teams and multi-million-dollar budgets.
• Deep knowledge of child welfare and K–12 education systems.
• Demonstrated success in program development, implementation, and continuous improvement.
• Experience leading staff through organizational change and building inclusive, high-performing teams.
• Reliable transportation, current driver’s license, and current insurance as required by Washington State law; provide proof upon request.
• Must satisfy Washington State and national criminal and motor vehicle background check requirements for working with youth and vulnerable adults.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strategic thinker with the ability to align programmatic work with organizational goals.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire, coach, and develop people leaders.
• Skilled in data-informed decision-making and performance management.
• Excellent communicator and relationship-builder with diplomacy and cultural humility.
• Deep commitment to racial equity, youth empowerment, and trauma-informed practices.
• Ability to work effectively across departments and with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget oversight and resource planning.
• Politically astute aptitude and the ability to build alignment in complex, multi-sector environments.
• Experience in contract negotiation, oversight, and compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and familiarity with CRM and data systems.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position.
• Must reside within Washington State to comply with workplace reporting requirements.

Travel:

• Occasional regional travel throughout the State of Washington during working hours.
• Occasional overnight travel required.

Physical and Mental Conditions:

• Physical Requirements – long periods of stationary work, working on a computer, moving between various work areas, going up and down stairs, talking on the phone, interfacing with a computer/office equipment, and sitting at a desk or table while listening, talking, and taking notes.
• Mental Requirements – ability to reason logically and make sound decisions, to consider alternative and diverse perspectives, to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, to remain poised under all circumstances, and to interact effectively with people in a positive manner that creates confidence and trust.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Treehouse values diversity and it is expressed in all aspects of our work, from the individuals and communities we serve to our organizational culture, employees, and volunteers. We understand that historic structural inequities have influenced each one of us, and we use this knowledge to deliberately cultivate the success of all people and treat everyone with dignity, humanity, and respect.

Treehouse believes that our capacity to effect sustainable change is strengthened when diverse individuals, beliefs, and perspectives are included. We model an institutional commitment to equity by investing resources at all levels and working toward measurable indicators of change.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of our positions. This commitment reflects our core belief in creating an inclusive environment that empowers all individuals to contribute fully and meaningfully to our mission.