Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Director

Reports To: Board of Directors

Location: Seattle, WA

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

About Tilth Alliance

Tilth Alliance works in community with Washington farmers, gardeners and eaters to build a

sustainable, healthy and equitable food future. We promote the adoption of organic and

regenerative production practices by Washington farmers and gardeners, seek to make locally

grown food more accessible, and inspire people to enjoy growing, cooking and eating food that

is good for them, their communities and the environment. The primary strategies we employ in

this effort are advocacy, education and collaboration. Equity and inclusion are important

outcomes expected in all our work.

Job Responsibilities

The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for strategic

direction, financial sustainability, organizational health and community relations. The Executive

Director works directly with the Managing Director, Program Directors, and connects with all

staff in a meaningful way.

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• Champion a culture of transparency, equity, and inclusive decision-making, modeling

values-based leadership.

• Provide a clear, compelling vision and strategic direction for the organization and

operational leadership in concert with the Board.

• Align diverse program areas into a cohesive and effective whole to help further our

mission.

• Lead implementation of the strategic plan and operational priorities.
• High-level oversight of multiple locations/work-sites.

Community Relations and Resource Development

• Cultivate and deepen relationships with community partners, local government and other

agencies across the state, to support the Tilth Alliance mission of promoting an equitable

and sustainable food and farming system

• Develop strategic collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance Tilth Alliance’s

mission and goals.

• Serve as the chief spokesperson for Tilth Alliance and effectively communicate the

vision and mission.

• Serve as a primary liaison between Board and Staff.

Program Stewardship and Organizational Effectiveness

• Foster a healthy, inclusive and equitable organizational culture.
• Ensure equitable engagement and communication across all teams.
• Ensure trust through transparency, consistency and responsiveness.
• Foster and oversee the growth of a strong leadership team, ensuring all organizational

leaders are equipped with tools and practices necessary to develop and support their

teams.

• Provide mentoring, professional development, and performance management of staff.
• Promote a culture of care by encouraging open communication, foster cross-functional

collaboration, and ensuring team members feel valued and supported.

• Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization’s programs

and services.

• Monitor program outcomes for effectiveness, financial stability and alignment with

strategic priorities.

Financial Leadership and Sustainability

• Provide leadership and accountability for achieving annual fundraising goals.
• Oversee the preparation of the annual budget and implement sound financial

management practices that demonstrate fiscal responsibility.

• Oversight of strategic financial reserves for organizational sustainability.
• Oversight of the Director of Development and financial Development goals.
• Partner with Staff and Board to strengthen revenue diversification.

Required Skills

• 10+ years nonprofit leadership, including direct work with a board of directors.
• Ability to cultivate a culture of inclusivity by engaging diverse individuals, cultures, and

community partners.

• Comprehensive financial management, budgetary leadership experience.
• Extensive and diverse fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated ability to champion open communication, collaboration and trust.
• Strong decision-making skills in collaborative environments.
• Strong knowledge of effective governance practices, non-profit compliance, shared

decision making and strategic planning.

• Strong knowledge of effective governance practices, non-profit compliance, shared

decision making and strategic planning.

• Passion for the mission and commitment to addressing food system and agriculture

issues in Washington state.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.
• A graduate degree in non-profit administration, business administration, public

administration, agriculture or related field. Equivalent work/agriculture experience may

be considered in lieu of education requirements.

Desired Experience

• Ability to balance vision with execution.
• Ability to lead through periods of complexity and uncertainty.
• Executive leadership or equivalent experience directing and mentoring staff.
• Ability to manage conflict with care.
• Proven track record of grant writing and fundraising with individual donors (including

solicitation of major gifts), businesses, government entities, and foundations.

• Ability to quickly assess needs and determine action.
• Strong history of developing and implementing programs for participants from

underrepresented communities and diverse racial, cultural and economic backgrounds.

• Knowledge of and demonstrated passion for food systems and agricultural sustainability.

Benefits & Compensation

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) non-exempt position that requires occasional evening and

weekend work. It is eligible for our benefits package that includes medical (75-80% employer

paid), dental (95% employer paid), employee-funded Flexible Spending Account, 401k with

employer match most years, 10 flexible holidays (employee-chosen), 10 sick days per year, 3

weeks paid vacation in years 1 and 2, 4 weeks in years 3 and 4, and 6 weeks in years 5+,

employee discounts and produce shares, no cost for Tilth Alliance

classes/workshops/conference attendance, and annual professional development stipend.

Compensation is $110K-$120K per year.

In line with our commitment to equity practices, the salary for this position has been carefully

determined to reflect market standards and internal equity considerations. We value the skills

and expertise that each candidate brings to the table, and we believe that our non-negotiable

salary approach fosters a level playing field for all applicants. This practice aligns with our core

values of transparency and fairness.

All submissions are reviewed by humans – there is no AI used in our hiring process.