Executive Director; RS

Applications submitted by October 15 will be given full consideration. Interviewing will begin in October. Please see full announcement with application link here.

Rainier Scholars offers a pathway to college graduation for hard-working, low-income students of color by providing access to transformative educational opportunities. Our scholars engage in a proven, 12+ year program – from 5th grade through college graduation and beyond – that brings together the academic preparation, leadership development and personalized support they need to graduate from a top-tier four-year college and develop into career professionals and leaders in their communities.

We serve students who are most underrepresented on college campuses and have the greatest number of barriers to achieving a college education; 90% of graduates are first in their family to earn a college degree. Our program provides access to exceptional educational pathways and the opportunity for our scholars to realize their full potential.

• Are knowledgeable and passionate about educational pathways for low-income students of color
• Bring the vision and creativity to drive thoughtful program expansion, with a focus on impact and results
• Have experience leading a mature mission-driven organization, managing budgets and a complex scope
• Are inspiring storytellers and fearless about seeking support for students of color
• Are a successful manager who develops and manages consistently high performing teams
• Embody the values we ask of our scholars: excellence, perseverance, integrity, and courage

This is a pivotal moment in the fight for racial equity and a more just society. Rainier Scholars’ next Executive Director will guide an organization with a national reputation for excellence through an exciting period of expansion, impacting the lives of students, families, and communities for years to come.

OUR MISSION

Rainier Scholars cultivates the academic potential and leadership skills of hard-working, low-income students of color. By creating access to transformative educational opportunities and providing comprehensive support to scholars and families, we increase college graduation rates and empower new generations of leaders.

OUR VISION

Our vision is a legacy of successful and inspiring leaders who make a positive impact in our community and our world through:

• Greater number of diverse students successfully graduating from top tier colleges
• Increased diverse pool of qualified candidates for high-level leadership roles
• Growing number of families of color who are advocates for quality education

OUR APPROACH

Rainier Scholars achieves its mission and vision using educational approaches grounded in research. We are committed to our scholars attending four-year colleges because research shows that for low-income kids of color, these schools provide the best access to careers, networks and positions of leadership. Similarly, we provide access to independent, parochial, boarding, and Advanced Learning public school placement because these pathways are the most likely to provide scholars with choices in colleges, careers, and leadership opportunities.

This model has demonstrated success: each year, nearly 100% of our high school seniors are accepted to and matriculate at four-year colleges and universities, and 93% have graduated or are on track to graduate from college.

OUR FUTURE

Rainier Scholars is proud to be celebrating 20 years of significant impact, growing new generations of diverse college graduates, career professionals, and community leaders. The next Executive Director will lead our organization into an exciting period of growth and expansion, even as we address the new challenges and opportunities brought about by the pandemic, the shifting economy, and the current national dialogue about systemic racism.

We have launched a plan to significantly expand our programs in the South Sound/Tacoma area, which will require developing new partnerships and improving our infrastructure. We will also continue our focus on increasing recruitment and retention for multigenerational African American students (MGAA, as…