Executive Director

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Camp Fire Central Puget Sound inspires and supports young people to thrive through inclusive programs that build confidence, foster belonging, and encourage a lifelong connection to nature and community. We are committed to creating welcoming spaces where every child and family feels valued, empowered, and equipped to succeed.

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of Camp Fire Central Puget Sound and is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, vision, and long-term sustainability. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership, oversees day-to-day operations, develops organizational capacity, and serves as the primary ambassador for Camp Fire throughout the community.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, mission-driven leader who excels at building relationships, inspiring teams, fundraising, and driving organizational growth while maintaining a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and youth development.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of the organization’s strategic plan.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to establish long-term priorities and organizational goals.
• Identify opportunities to expand programs, partnerships, and community impact.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Organizational Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing staff team.
• Build an inclusive and collaborative organizational culture.
• Establish clear performance expectations and support professional development.
• Ensure effective communication across staff, volunteers, and the Board.
• Serve as the organization’s chief fundraiser and external ambassador.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, and government agencies.
• Partner with the Board to strengthen fundraising capacity and donor engagement.
• Oversee annual fundraising strategy, major gifts, grants, and special events.
• Oversee the organization’s annual budget and long-term financial planning.
• Ensure responsible fiscal management and financial transparency.
• Monitor financial performance and provide regular reports to the Board.
• Work with finance staff and external partners to ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations and sound accounting practices.

Program & Mission Impact

• Ensure programs align with Camp Fire’s mission and strategic priorities. Partner closely with Camp FIre National staff.
• Monitor program quality, participant outcomes, and organizational impact.
• Champion safe, inclusive, and accessible experiences for youth and families.
• Use data and community feedback to strengthen programs and services.

Board Partnership & Governance

• Maintain a strong partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Support board recruitment, orientation, and ongoing engagement.
• Provide timely information to support effective governance and strategic decision-making.
• Assist board committees and ensure compliance with applicable nonprofit laws and policies.

Community & External Relations

• Represent Camp Fire Central Puget Sound with community organizations, schools, funders, civic leaders, and partner agencies.
• Build strategic partnerships that advance the organization’s mission.
• Serve as the public face of the organization through speaking engagements, media opportunities, and community events.
• Advocate for youth development and equitable access to outdoor and leadership experiences.
• Oversee site master planning and facilities improvement for Camp Sealth.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible nonprofit, education, youth development, or related leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success leading teams and developing organizational strategy.
• Proven fundraising experience, including major gifts, grants, and donor stewardship.
• Strong financial management and budgeting experience.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience serving as an Executive Director, CEO, or senior nonprofit leader.
• Experience working with a nonprofit Board of Directors.
• Knowledge of youth development, outdoor education, or camping organizations.
• Familiarity with the Seattle philanthropic and nonprofit community.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to sit.
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel, including keyboarding and mouse use.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Visual/auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards of the facilities.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Travel Requirements

This position will be required to regularly travel throughout the Puget Sound region to attend meetings with donors and other constituents, commuting regularly to program sites including Camp Sealth on Vashon Island, and occasional air travel to related industry trainings and conferences.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Strategic thinking and sound judgment
• Emotional intelligence and empathy
• Financial and operational acumen
• Relationship building and collaboration
• Fundraising and storytelling
• Change management and organizational development
• Integrity, transparency, and accountability

Camp Fire Central Puget Sound offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people and families throughout the Seattle region.

Benefits include:

• Medical/dental/vision coverage – Camp Fire pays 75% of premiums for employees.
• Paid Time Off Accruals:
  • 22 days of vacation per year
  • 15 sick-days per year
  • 3 assigned paid holidays, plus 10 floating holidays annually
• 401(k) Match – Camp Fire currently offers a 200% contribution match, up to 5% of an employee’s annual wages.
• Staff Program Sponsorship Credit – up to $1,170 employee credit for any affiliate program for any youth(s) designated by employee.
• Worker’s Compensation – Camp Fire pays 100% of employee L&I premiums.

The salary range is $151,550 – $189,438.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Camp Fire Central Puget Sound is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, identities, and abilities who are passionate about helping young people thrive.

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