Executive Director

Portland Community Squash is searching for its next Executive Director. Founding Executive Director Barrett Takesian will support the transition before turning his focus to new community-building ventures.

The role, the qualifications, and how to apply are outlined below, followed by a short video about PCS. Please share this post with anyone who would be a strong fit.

Full-time Position. Reports to the Board of Directors.

About Portland Community Squash

Portland Community Squash is a multicultural and multigenerational community center that serves hundreds of individuals and families each week through a mix of guided programs and open-access membership. We use squash, education, wellness, and community-building to create opportunities, relationships, and belonging. We provide scholarships, meals, transportation, and mentorship so that everyone can participate fully. What began as a youth squash program has grown into a community building model that is now being replicated in other cities.

PCS operates on a budget of roughly $1.5 million, more than half of it contributed revenue and the remainder through membership fees and sales. The organization is financially stable, well governed, and well run, with a strong leadership team and a board that is supportive and closely engaged. We have 7 full-time and 20 part-time staff, and a large group of volunteers.

The Opportunity

After fifteen years, our founding Executive Director is stepping into a temporary part-time role reporting to the new ED, with the responsibility of transitioning key relationships and systems.

The board is looking for the person who will lead PCS into its next chapter — someone who can imagine and facilitate the future of PCS. This means holding the culture, engaging with the community we serve, championing the mission with donors and the public, and building on what has been established without being bound by it.

What the Executive Director Does

Vision — Conceives of and articulates the long-term objectives of PCS for both internal and external stakeholders. Leads the organization with an eye toward consolidating and building on what’s working and identifying and revamping what isn’t.

Communication — Ensures timely, targeted and consistent communication to the members and the public. Responds to inquiries and issues with positivity and diplomacy.

Fundraising — Serves as the organization's lead fundraiser and public face. Holds a portfolio of key donor relationships directly, sets development strategy in partnership with the development team, and leads the organization's major campaigns and events.

Governance — Partners with the board on strategic planning, board communication, and committee work across finance, development, governance, technology, and facilities.

Finance — Prepares the annual budget and ensures the organization's long-term financial health, including debt, reserves, and endowment, working closely with the Finance Committee.

People — Leads a small senior team. Responsible for hiring, performance, accountability, and organizational culture.

Collaboration — Partners with our schools, along with other local and statewide organizations, to expand and enhance our community and programming.

Operations — Oversees systems, safety, facilities, external events, media relations, and program outcome data.

Who We Are Looking For

Deep belief in the mission and a commitment to access and equity.

A proven fundraiser who will deepen existing donor relationships and build new ones.

Nonprofit financial management, preferably at a comparable scale.

Experience leading and developing staff and building culture.

Experience working with a nonprofit board.

Comfort operating in a data-driven, well-instrumented organization.

Compensation

Salary is competitive, plus health insurance, paid time off, participation in the staff bonus pool, and access to the club and wellness facilities.

Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We anticipate interviewing candidates in late fall 2026, with a start date in early 2027.

Portland Community Squash is an equal opportunity employer.