Executive Director (Exempt)
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Olympia, WA 98501
Description:
Salary : $100,000.00 - $128,000.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-WSLB-001
Department: Washington State Leadership Board
Opening Date: 04/15/2025
Closing Date: 5/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
**This is a hybrid position within the Olympia or greater Seattle area, with the expectation to participate in on-site trainings, meetings, and events. You may be expected to work at the office located in Olympia, WA. Specific days of attendance will be determined at a later date by the Board of Directors.**
Who we are:
The Washington State Leadership Board (WSLB) is a trustee agency of Washington state codified in state law that specializes in delivering equitable leadership development programs for the State of Washington. The WSLB was originally founded in 1971, codified into state law in 2005, and designated a trustee agency in 2022 with the signing of Senate Bill 5750. The WSLB believes that to change the world, we need to start by empowering young leaders.
The WSLB endeavors to empower the next generation of leaders by providing opportunities for young, talented individuals to take on influential roles in various settings. This may include positions of leadership within the State Legislature, organizing in their own communities, or at universities throughout the country and abroad. To achieve this objective, the WSLB delivers a number of equity focused leadership development and honors programs.
What you will doing:
As the Executive Director of the WSLB, you will be effectively managing the agency resources by providing budget projections, adequate staffing levels, implementing programs in compliance with State guidelines and ensuring agency policies clearly outline operations. You will develop a long- and short-range strategic plan addressing sustainable expansion of programming, performance standards, budget planning, technical expertise, and staffing strategies for future caseloads.
Allow us to explain why you, a skilled professional, would want this unique job: This is a rare and unparalleled opportunity to lead an organization while utilizing your unique skill set. If you are passionate about developing and managing youth leadership programs, this is an ideal fit for you. We value our employees and their ideas, which are integral to achieving our mission of developing equity-focused leadership programs that meet the expectations outlined in legislation. Our team is composed of talented and dedicated professionals who are passionate about our programs and the work we do. We recognize the importance of a healthy work/life balance, and we offer a welcoming and inclusive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our workplace is located in Olympia, Washington, minutes from the Capitol Campus and Downtown Olympia.
Duties
Some of what you will enjoy doing:
Qualifications
Required Education, Experience, and Competencies:
Supplemental Information
Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:
NOTE: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section or supplemental questions of the application. Please do not "refer to resume" for detail, or your application may be disqualified.
Background Check Notice:
Prior to any new appointment into the Washington State Leadership Board, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Opportunity for All: The Washington State Leadership Board celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
You are welcome to include the name and pronouns you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.
Contact Information:
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or email
Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
What education level applies to you?
02
How many years of experience do you have with increasing levels of manager or director responsibility with a non-profit or similar organization
03
From the question above, briefly describe your skill/experience in this space AND state what job(s) this will be found on your application.If it does not apply to you, indicate "n/a" in this space.
04
Select ALL the skills and experience you possess that is related to this position below.
05
How many months of demonstrated executive management skills and abilities, including project management, strategic leadership, quality and system improvement and fiscal management do you have?
06
From the question above, briefly describe your skill/experience in this space AND state what job(s) this will be found on your application.If it does not apply to you, indicate "n/a" in this space.
07
Do you have experience with professional writing to include grants, reports, and marketing materials?
08
From the question above, briefly describe your skill/experience in this space AND state what job(s) this will be found on your application.If it does not apply to you, indicate "n/a" in this space.
09
Select ALL that apply to your experience:
10
How did you hear about this job posting?
11
We would like to know where you heard about this position.If you selected College Job Board, Job Fair, Job Board, or Other, please let us know the specific name of the college, job board, or place you heard about this position. If you selected a specifically named job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a"
Required Question
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-WSLB-001
Department: Washington State Leadership Board
Opening Date: 04/15/2025
Closing Date: 5/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
**This is a hybrid position within the Olympia or greater Seattle area, with the expectation to participate in on-site trainings, meetings, and events. You may be expected to work at the office located in Olympia, WA. Specific days of attendance will be determined at a later date by the Board of Directors.**
Who we are:
The Washington State Leadership Board (WSLB) is a trustee agency of Washington state codified in state law that specializes in delivering equitable leadership development programs for the State of Washington. The WSLB was originally founded in 1971, codified into state law in 2005, and designated a trustee agency in 2022 with the signing of Senate Bill 5750. The WSLB believes that to change the world, we need to start by empowering young leaders.
The WSLB endeavors to empower the next generation of leaders by providing opportunities for young, talented individuals to take on influential roles in various settings. This may include positions of leadership within the State Legislature, organizing in their own communities, or at universities throughout the country and abroad. To achieve this objective, the WSLB delivers a number of equity focused leadership development and honors programs.
What you will doing:
As the Executive Director of the WSLB, you will be effectively managing the agency resources by providing budget projections, adequate staffing levels, implementing programs in compliance with State guidelines and ensuring agency policies clearly outline operations. You will develop a long- and short-range strategic plan addressing sustainable expansion of programming, performance standards, budget planning, technical expertise, and staffing strategies for future caseloads.
Allow us to explain why you, a skilled professional, would want this unique job: This is a rare and unparalleled opportunity to lead an organization while utilizing your unique skill set. If you are passionate about developing and managing youth leadership programs, this is an ideal fit for you. We value our employees and their ideas, which are integral to achieving our mission of developing equity-focused leadership programs that meet the expectations outlined in legislation. Our team is composed of talented and dedicated professionals who are passionate about our programs and the work we do. We recognize the importance of a healthy work/life balance, and we offer a welcoming and inclusive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our workplace is located in Olympia, Washington, minutes from the Capitol Campus and Downtown Olympia.
Duties
Some of what you will enjoy doing:
- Develop and manage State funded programs that provide services to underrepresented and marginalized youth
- Collaborate in the formulation/revision of policies with the Board of Directors and oversee the development of appropriate procedures to effectively carry out approved policies
- Oversee community outreach, policy priorities, and programming
- Develop, implement, and manage projects, initiatives, and programs as directed by the legislature
- Manage, direct, and oversee professional staff including strategic planning, identifying operation goals and performance measures, developing strategies for performance success, ensuring professional development and training opportunities for management and staff, coaching, and mentoring for performance, and leading standards for professional behavior and conduct
- Apprise board of current program and community building efforts, engage the board on resource development strategies, and provide sufficient information for board members to fulfill policy and fiduciary responsibilities
- Responsible for the agency budget efforts including the preparations and planning of biennial budgets and the monitoring of actual spend versus budgeted dollars
- Develop biennial and supplemental program budgets, projects, and plans fiscal activities around related legislation to procure needed resources
- Maintain authority required to meet the agency's strategic plan, goals, and objectives
- Respond to records requests in a timely manner and in compliance with Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56)
- Oversee records management program in accordance with Washington State Preservation and Destruction of Public Records (RCW 40.14)
- Serve as the WSLB's liaison with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor
- Monitor revenues and expenditures and maintain accountability for the program's overall financial management
- Represent the WSLB with key stakeholders; develop and maintain collaborative partnerships. (These stakeholders include; program participants, their families, educators, board members, appointed and elected officials, state agency heads, legislative staff and members, the Governor's Office and the Office of Financial Management, community organizations, state agency staff, citizens, the tribes, businesses, associations, key community groups, and experts in the field)
Qualifications
Required Education, Experience, and Competencies:
- Must pass a Background Check
- Bachelor's degree in public administration, social services or related field preferred
- Minimum of three years of experience with increasing levels of manager or director responsibility with a non-profit or similar organization
- Proven successful experience with resource development or external partnership building
- Demonstrated skill in nonprofit leadership including human resources, financial management, fund development, program development and oversight, and community relationship building
- Experience with professional writing to include grants, reports, and marketing materials
- Experience/familiarity working with public/private social service providers and/or schools
- General understanding of the non-profit sector and previous work with a non-profit Board
- Ability to develop plans with clear objectives and follow through to achieve goals; ability to complete all
- assignments and meet organization goals using innovation, flexibility, creativity, and persistence
- Demonstrated servant leadership, including sharing power, prioritizing the needs of others, and helping people to develop and perform as highly as possible
- Knowledge and understanding of the needs and challenges facing youth
- Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to maintain multiple priorities in a complex/changing environment; ability to address urgent situations while maintaining a focus on important goals of the organization
- Execute culturally competent and inclusive best practices with all staff, program participants, board members, and partners
- Honest and transparent with board members, sponsors, partners, and participants
- Has program management or direct service experience working with vulnerable populations; awareness of and sensitivity to the diverse needs of youth and families served
- Understands resource development strategies and adept at initiating relationships; comfortable making community presentations and connecting with individuals in large and small group settings
- Proven strong written and oral communication skills
- Comfortable with technology and capacity to learn new software applications
- Comfortable working with numbers; understands budgets and basic program evaluations
Supplemental Information
Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:
- A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting;
- A current resume, detailing experience, and education; and
- A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)
NOTE: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section or supplemental questions of the application. Please do not "refer to resume" for detail, or your application may be disqualified.
Background Check Notice:
Prior to any new appointment into the Washington State Leadership Board, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Opportunity for All: The Washington State Leadership Board celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
You are welcome to include the name and pronouns you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.
Contact Information:
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or email
Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
What education level applies to you?
- Bachelor's degree or higher in business administration, law, organizational development, social or political science, public administration, or related fields.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in an unrelated field
- I do not have a Bachelor's degree or higher
02
How many years of experience do you have with increasing levels of manager or director responsibility with a non-profit or similar organization
- Less than 1 year
- At least 1 year
- At least 2 years
- At least 3 years
- At least 4 years
- 5 or more years of experience
03
From the question above, briefly describe your skill/experience in this space AND state what job(s) this will be found on your application.If it does not apply to you, indicate "n/a" in this space.
04
Select ALL the skills and experience you possess that is related to this position below.
- Proven successful experience with resource development or external partnership building.
- Demonstrated skill in nonprofit leadership including human resources, financial management, fund development, program development and oversight, and community relationship building
- Experience with professional writing to include grants, reports, and marketing materials.
- Experience/familiarity working with public/private social service providers and/or schools.
- General understanding of the non-profit sector and previous work with a non-profit Board.
- None of these apply to me
05
How many months of demonstrated executive management skills and abilities, including project management, strategic leadership, quality and system improvement and fiscal management do you have?
- 0-11 months
- 12-23 months
- 24-35 months
- 36 months or more
06
From the question above, briefly describe your skill/experience in this space AND state what job(s) this will be found on your application.If it does not apply to you, indicate "n/a" in this space.
07
Do you have experience with professional writing to include grants, reports, and marketing materials?
- Yes
- No
08
From the question above, briefly describe your skill/experience in this space AND state what job(s) this will be found on your application.If it does not apply to you, indicate "n/a" in this space.
09
Select ALL that apply to your experience:
- Ability to develop plans with clear objectives and follow through to achieve goals; ability to complete all assignments and meet organization goals using innovation, flexibility, creativity, and persistence
- Knowledge and understanding of the needs and challenges facing youth
- Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to maintain multiple priorities in a complex/changing environment; ability to address urgent situations while maintaining a focus on important goals of the organization
- Execute culturally competent and inclusive best practices with all staff, program participants, board members, and partners
- Program management or direct service experience working with vulnerable populations; awareness of and sensitivity to the diverse needs of youth and families served
- Understands resource development strategies and adept at initiating relationships; comfortable making community presentations and connecting with individuals in large and small group settings
- Comfortable working with numbers; understands budgets and basic program evaluations
- None of these apply
10
How did you hear about this job posting?
- Careers.wa.gov
- Indeed
- Friend
- Job Board
- Other
- ZipRecruiter
- Work Source
- Coworker
11
We would like to know where you heard about this position.If you selected College Job Board, Job Fair, Job Board, or Other, please let us know the specific name of the college, job board, or place you heard about this position. If you selected a specifically named job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a"
Required Question