Tavon Learning Center Executive Director

Executive Director Opportunity at Tavon Learning Center

Tavon Learning Center seeks an Executive Director who is passionate about person-centered programming and the impact it makes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. If you're ready to lead an organization where quality is paramount, relationships are central, and your leadership can create lasting impact, this is your opportunity!

At Tavon, we've built something exceptional: a nature-based learning program that combines outdoor exploration, real-world community experiences, and individualized support in ways no other local program replicates. Our members don't just attend a day program, they grow vegetables in our gardens, take the light rail to Chinatown for lunch, hike forest trails, and build skills for independent living. We fill a critical need by providing both an impactful program and critical respite for families and caregivers.

As Executive Director, you'll steward the organization through an important transition and significant moment in its history. You’ll build upon a strong foundation from our founding Executive Director, who thoughtfully grew the organization over the past 18 years, while you guide Tavon into our next chapter. You'll work alongside a dedicated team of 20+ staff members, an engaged Board, and a loyal community who are passionate about preserving what makes Tavon unique, while building the systems and structures that will enable Tavon to thrive and grow into this next chapter of impact.

This role puts you at the center of meaningful work: leading a talented and committed team growing into their own leadership, ensuring Tavon's continued financial sustainability, and collaboratively making strategic decisions that will shape Tavon's future. You'll become the public face of an organization that members thrive in, families depend on, staff are proud of, and peers admire.

Organizational Overview

Tavon Learning Center empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to experience personal growth in nature, the community, and the classroom. For nearly two decades, we've provided active learning programs distinguished by our commitment to quality, individualized support, and nature-based approach. We envision a future in which all adults with disabilities experience learning and thrive in inclusive communities.

What Makes Tavon Distinctive

Tavon fills a critical post-high school gap in services for adults with I/DD by providing opportunities for learning, growth, social connection, and meaningful outdoor experiences. Our low staff-to-member ratios, nature-based environment, and commitment to dignity and person-centered philosophy have earned us a strong reputation in the greater Seattle area disability services community.

We serve approximately 100 members with an annual operating budget of $2.5 million, supported by state contracts, fee-for-service programming, and individual philanthropy. Our team of 20+ mission-driven staff members are committed to our values and the people we serve.

Our Programs

We achieve our mission through programs at both of our Issaquah sites, our Downtown location and Black Nugget campus, focused in three core areas:

Social Development

We create opportunities for members to build friendships, develop healthy relationships, and strengthen interpersonal skills. Through group activities, recreation programs, and collaborative projects in our gardens and community spaces, members practice communication, learn social cues, and build the confidence that comes from genuine connection and belonging.

Independent Living

We support members in developing practical skills for daily life through hands-on, real-world practice. From household management and food preparation to functional academics, personal safety, and time management, our learn-by-doing approach takes place in both classroom and authentic settings—helping members build the skills and confidence they need to live as independently as possible.

Community Connections

We believe real-world practice matters. Our members engage in enriching community experiences including visiting local businesses, volunteering, exploring the region, and participating meaningfully in civic life. Through nature-based learning on our six-acre property including horticulture, animal care, and outdoor exploration, plus participation in the broader community, members build skills, discover interests, and develop a sense of place and purpose.

The Tavon Team

Tavon's culture is rooted in compassion, respect, and genuine care for the people we serve. Our team members are mission-driven individuals who balance serious work with joy and connection. Staff consistently describe our culture using words such as warmth, respect, compassion, curiosity and heart-centered, and take pride in Tavon's reputation for program excellence and our distinctive approach.

We are a close-knit team where collaboration is essential and everyone's contribution matters. Our leadership team has been thoughtfully developed over the past few years, with senior staff growing into expanded responsibilities in program operations, development, and business management.

Working at Tavon means being part of a program where nature is deeply ingrained in daily practice, where members' individual goals influence programming decisions, and where the commitment to quality drives every decision we make. It means working alongside people who genuinely care about each other and the members we serve, united in our commitment to dignity, person-centered philosophy, and creating exceptional experiences for the adults with disabilities who are at the center of everything we do.

Tavon recognizes that systems of oppression impact people with disabilities and their families in intersecting ways. We work intentionally to create a welcoming, accessible community where everyone belongs. Our person-centered philosophy means listening to all voices and empowering each person to participate fully in their own life and community.

Opportunities and Essential Duties of Position

This role offers the opportunity to lead an organization at a pivotal moment, preserving what makes Tavon an unparalleled model, while further developing the infrastructure, relationships, and financial resources needed for long-term impact. You will balance strategic external leadership with internal organizational development and intentional programmatic growth, as you guide Tavon into its next chapter.

Stewarding Change and Growth

You will guide Tavon through a significant leadership transition, honoring nearly two decades of history while establishing your own vision and voice. This means building trust across staff, families, and community partners; communicating a compelling direction for Tavon's future; and empowering the team through change by building the systems and structure that support the team's success. You'll position Tavon for its next chapter of growth and impact.

Fundraising & Financial Sustainability

You will lead Tavon's fundraising efforts as its chief storyteller, translating impact into compelling narratives that resonate within, and beyond, the disability community. This will entail stewarding existing connections, building new donor relationships, and partnering with development staff on strategy and execution. You'll oversee Tavon's $2.5 million budget, making strategic decisions that ensure long-term sustainability while balancing mission fidelity and program quality with financial discipline.

Staff Leadership, Retention & Organizational Management

You will build trust with a dedicated team providing visible, values-driven leadership. This involves coaching and mentoring senior leaders, having courageous conversations when needed, and nurturing a culture where staff are valued and supported. You'll invest in the joyful, empowering environment that makes Tavon special while formalizing internal systems, from HR practices to budgeting processes, that support both effective day-to-day operations and sustainable organizational growth.

Strategic Vision for Program Quality & Growth

You will provide clarity about where Tavon is headed, making disciplined decisions about sustainable growth while preserving program quality. This means partnering with the Board on strategic direction, guiding site expansion and program evolution, and ensuring Tavon continues to provide the exceptional, individualized experiences that have earned its strong reputation.

Community Relationships & External Presence

You will be the public face of Tavon, building relationships with families and representing the organization to donors, policymakers, and community partners. This means making families feel comfortable raising concerns, engaging in advocacy, and raising Tavon's profile among new audiences.

The Leader We Seek

We are seeking a mission-driven, heart-centered leader who brings both compassion and business acumen to this work. You care about the people Tavon serves and lead from authentic connection to the mission. We seek a leader with skills and experience across these key areas, while recognizing that no single candidate will be an expert in all of them:

Deep experience with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

You bring understanding and credibility through direct experience working with individuals with I/DD, whether in program delivery, program management, advocacy, or another role that demonstrates deep connection to this community. You understand person-centered philosophy, communicate respectfully, and use a collaborative approach to building trust with members, families, and stakeholders. Familiarity with Washington's disability services systems is valuable, however, the ability to build relationships and learn these systems is most important.

Collaborative & people-centered manager

You bring strong experience developing and managing staff leadership teams, cultivating a positive