Executive Director

Employment Type: Full-time, salaried (Exempt)

Location: B5 Community Learning Center, 715 S Jean St, Kennewick, WA

Reports to: Board of Directors

Compensation & Benefits

● $95,000-$120,000 annually (DOE)

● Health, dental and vision with 50/50 employer/employee shared cost

● 401(k) offered after one year

● Holidays and paid vacation

THE ORGANIZATION

B5 Learning Center is a community-rooted nonprofit dedicated to helping people overcome language, literacy, and cultural barriers so they can thrive in work, education, family and civic life. Founded in 2009 by Theresa Roosendaal as the Family Learning Center, a ministry of Family of Faith Church operating out of a single repurposed apartment in central Kennewick, B5 became an independent 501(c)(3) in 2013 and adopted its current name in 2022, honoring the apartment number the community had long used to refer to it.

Over its history, B5 has served more than 2,500 people from around the world, helping them learn English, earn citizenship, prepare for life beyond high school, and become contributing members of the Tri-Cities community. Our adult learners range in age from 20 to 70, speak over 15 languages, represent over 20 nations, including the US, and most have low socio-economic status. All students share one common element – the desire to learn and achieve their goals. Programs serve both adults and youth through English language instruction, citizenship preparation, homework help, and enrichment activities. In May 2024, B5 took occupancy of a new, dedicated Community Learning Center- a transformational milestone that significantly expanded the organization’s capacity to serve families for decades to come.

With increased capacity and visibility, B5 is now turning its attention to the unmet language and literacy needs of the broader Columbia Basin. B5 is at an exciting inflection point: a beloved, trusted community institution ready for its next chapter of growth and development under new leadership. B5 is more than a program, it is a trusted community space where learning happens through connection, encouragement, and hope, where every family is known, valued, and supported.

THE POSITION

The Executive Director is the primary leader and steward of B5 Learning Center, responsible for advancing its mission through strong relationships, effective programs, and sustainable growth. This role blends strategic leadership with active community presence.

We are seeking a relational, mission-driven leader who is deeply committed to immigrant and refugee communities and believes in education as a pathway to belonging and opportunity. The Executive Director will work closely with staff, families, volunteers, donors, and the Board to ensure the organization remains welcoming, financially healthy, and deeply connected to the community it serves. The Executive Director ensures B5 Learning Center remains responsive to community needs while growing its impact across the Tri-Cities.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Community-Centered Leadership and Engagement

● Build and maintain trusted relationships with immigrant and refugee families through consistent presence, listening, and follow-through

● Foster a culture where families, students, staff, and volunteers feel respected, seen, and valued

● Ensure programs reflect the voices, needs, and strengths of the community

● Lead B5 with humility, empathy, and cultural awareness

● Strengthen partnerships with schools, faith communities, and local organizations.

● Serve as a visible and trusted advocate for immigrant and refugee education in the Tri-Cities

Organizational Leadership

● Hire, develop, and support staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and accountable team culture

● Provide oversight and support for educational programs, ensuring quality and cultural responsiveness

● Encourage collaboration, learning, and shared ownership across the organization

● Alignment of team efforts, organizational goals, and community needs

Fundraising, Business Development & External Relations

● Direct the work of the development coordinator, and together create an annual fundraising plan, develop a case for support, and maintain a segmented donor list

● Serve on B5’s development team

● Serve as the primary relationship-builder with donors, community partners, faith communities, service organizations, local leaders, and community supporters

● Share the story of B5 in ways that honor families and highlight impact,

● Develop and sustain diverse funding streams, including contract services, grants, individual giving, events, and partnerships

● Pursuing new grant and fee-for-service funding opportunities

● Engage and support Board members to participate meaningfully in fundraising and community outreach

Community Partnerships & Advocacy

● Maintain partnerships with World Relief, the Kennewick School District, School's Out Washington, and WA DSHS to support B5 programs

● Maintain and strengthen relationships with community service clubs, churches, and a growing list of business, educational, and community service providers

● Represent B5 as a trusted, visible advocate for immigrant and refugee education in the Tri-Cities

Governance, Finance, and Operations

● Partner closely with the Board of Directors on vision, planning, and accountability

● Ensure responsible stewardship of resources and compliance with nonprofit best practices

● Oversee budgeting and financial planning with sustainability in mind

● Strengthening systems and processes that support long-term stability and growth

● Monitor compliance with policies, regulations, and funding requirements

● Balance strategic leadership with hands-on involvement when needed

● Provide transparent communication regarding programs, finances, and community impact

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

B5 seeks a steady, credible leader who can honor what has been built while preparing the organization for its next season of growth. As B5 transitions from founder-led leadership, the incoming Executive Director will inherit a beloved, high-trust organization with deep community roots and will have the opportunity to build upon that foundation with organizational discipline, strategic clarity, and relational warmth.

The ideal candidate will bring both passion and experience, someone who genuinely loves people and understands the immigrant and refugee experience, while also knowing how to run and grow a nonprofit. They will be equally comfortable in a conversation with a newly arrived family and in a meeting with a major donor or community partner.

This leader will maintain program excellence and community trust while demonstrating sound organizational management and fiscal discipline. The leader will build systems and develop staff in ways that position B5 for sustainable, long-term impact.

The next Executive Director will lead with visibility and authenticity, calming uncertainty during transitions, maintaining high standards, and reinforcing the culture of dignity and belonging that defines B5.

Personal Qualities

● Deeply relational and community oriented

● Mission-driven with a genuine heart for people

● Comfortable in both leadership and listening roles

● Collaborative, adaptable, and grounded

● Passionate about education, equity, and belonging

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

● Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field required

● Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in a nonprofit, educational, social services, or community-based organization, including staff supervision, volunteer coordination, and program oversight

● Proven ability to build organizational systems and lead through change

● Demonstrated experience managing nonprofit budgets, providing financial oversight, and managing government and private foundation contracts

● Fundraising experience rooted in relationship-building, with emphasis on donor retention and relationship-based giving

● Ability to build and sustain partnerships across diverse cultures and sectors

● Minimum 2 years of experience working with or serving immigrant and refugee communities (through professional, lived, or community experience)

● Bilingual or multilingual abilities

● Valid Driver’s license and insurance coverage required by organization policy

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND EXPECTATIONS

● This position is an on-site, community-based role requiring regular travel within the Tri-Cities and occasional regional travel

● Regular in-person presence at the B5 office, including occasional evenings or weekends to support programs, community engagement and board meetings

● It is not eligible for remote work on a regular or ongoing basis

● Ability to work at a desk and computer for extended period

THE COMMUNITY

Located in the heart of the Tri-Cities region of Southeast Washington, Kennewick is part of a vibrant, fast-growing metropolitan area of more than 300,000 residents spanning Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco. Known for its sunny climate - with more than 300 days of sunshine annually - the region offers an exceptional quality of life with access to the Columbia River, world-class outdoor recreation, and a strong, diverse economy anchored in agriculture, healthcare, energy, and technology.

Kennewick and the surrounding communities are home to families from across the globe who have come in search of safety, opportunity, and belonging. This richness of culture is a defining strength of the region and the heart of B5’s mission.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter that speak to their passion for the mission and their relevant experience to: John McCoy, B5 Board President at ***email_hidden***.

For more information about B5 Learning Center, visit

B5 Learning Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.