Executive Director

Organizational Overview

WeTrain Washington promotes job quality, economic security, workforce equity, and career pathways in Washington’s retail grocery workforce. As a nonprofit supported by UFCW Local 3000 and the state’s largest union grocers, we deliver high impact apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and leadership development programs that open pathways to stable, high-quality careers. Backed by a Taft Hartley Training Trust and public grants, WeTrain Washington has built a strong operational and financial foundation over its first five years. The organization is now entering an exciting period of intentional growth—and seeks an Executive Director to lead the next phase of expansion, innovation, and industry impact.

Job Overview

WeTrain Washington is seeking an Executive Director who brings strategic vision, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to transforming the lives of grocery store workers. The ideal candidate has a proven record in workforce development, labor or nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and organizational management.

This role provides the unique opportunity to shape the organization’s long-term direction, strengthen its partnerships across labor, industry, education, and government, and expand programs that improve lives and strengthen Washington’s workforce. The Executive Director will oversee fundraising, operations, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, board governance, and a growing internal team while defining a bold 5-to-10-year organizational trajectory.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership and Management:

• Lead staff meetings, one‑on‑ones, and leadership team sessions that foster alignment, collaboration, and accountability.
• Conduct performance reviews for core leadership staff and support their development.
• Provide strategic project guidance and troubleshoot organizational challenges.
• Serve as primary contact for legal counsel and senior‑level employee concerns.
• Represent WeTrain Washington at key events and public engagements.

Fundraising and Development:

• Advocate for funding at the city, county, state, and federal levels, in partnership with a contract lobbyist.
• Identify, pursue, and manage all grant opportunities, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Promote WeTrain Washington’s workforce strategy to public officials, funders, and partners.
• Prepare budgets and presentations for the Sound WeTrain Training and Workforce Development Trust.
• Lead planning and execution of the annual gala and other fundraising initiatives.

Board Engagement:

• Prepare and present at WeTrain Washington Board meetings.
• Partner with board leadership on member recruitment and onboarding.
• Prepare board meeting agenda and board packet.
• Develop strategic agendas and maintain strong, transparent communication with board officers.

Stakeholder and Partner Relations:

• Build and sustain strong relationships with employers, UFCW Local 3000, education partners, and workforce agencies.
• Assess employer needs and promote WeTrain Washington programs to drive engagement and buy‑in.
• Implement and manage data‑sharing agreements.
• Deliver compelling presentations about WeTrain Washington’s programs, outcomes, and funding needs.
• Develop new external partnerships to support growth and innovation.

Strategic and Annual Planning:

• WeTrain Washington’s annual organizational planning process.
• Drive long‑term strategic planning that positions the organization for growth and impact.

Financial Oversight:

• Collaborate with the Office Manager to develop annual and mid‑year budgets.
• Produce cash‑flow projections that guide decision‑making and sustainability.
• Approve organizational expenditures with a focus on stewardship and impact.

Program Support:

• Contribute to program design, goal‑setting, and evaluation.
• Ensure programs and curriculum align with the organization’s mission and financial capacity.
• Partner with staff to strengthen program implementation and innovation.
• Attend apprenticeship graduation ceremonies and program events as needed.

Qualifications and Skills

Required:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field plus 5+ years of progressive supervision, management and leadership experience in labor or workforce education; Or Bachelors with at least 10+ years relevant experience.
• Knowledge in the following areas is required: experience with working class communities, adult or worker education, finance, human resources, fundraising or lobbying, oral and written communications, and planning and evaluation.
• Experience in the field of labor, non-profit management and governance, workforce, public policy work, and/or community relations is preferred.
• Have an inclusive leadership style and history of success unifying and managing diverse teams.
• Consistently displays integrity, models behavior, develops people, creates an open collaborative environment, and builds teams and deals effectively with demanding situations.
• Strong communication and diplomatic ability working with stakeholders holding a diverse range of interests and priorities.
• Shares WeTrain Washington’s values, mission, and vision.

Preferred:

• Experience with Microsoft Office and Teams.
• Experience working with labor unions.
• Experience with the retail grocery industry.

• Dental insurance (union plan)
• Health insurance (union plan)
• Paid time off
• 401k plan and up to 3% match
• Pension
• Reimbursement of relocation expenses may be considered