Seattle Executive Director, Summer Search

At Summer Search, we envision a world in which young people, regardless of circumstances, can chart their own destiny. In the United States, students from underserved communities – disproportionately BIPOC and first‑generation – face systemic inequities in school, the workforce, and in life. Nevertheless, these young people possess unique strengths, resilience, and limitless potential.

Since 1990, Summer Search has partnered with young people during their transition from adolescence into adulthood by connecting them to expansive opportunities, professional mentoring, and a community of support. Summer Searchers recognize their potential and build a toolkit to navigate and challenge systemic barriers, break new ground for their families and communities, and achieve economic equity and a life of purpose.

Learn more about Summer Search Seattle at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Reporting to the Chief Impact Officer, the Seattle Executive Director (ED) provides strategic, operational, and external leadership to advance Summer Search’s mission in the Seattle region. The ED is responsible for driving fundraising success, ensuring high-quality program delivery, and leading a dynamic team that supports youth in achieving personal and professional success. This role requires a balance of strategic vision, relationship-building acumen, and disciplined execution to strengthen both local outcomes and network-wide priorities.

• You are an experienced strategic leader who combines vision with disciplined execution to drive organizational success. You excel at aligning diverse stakeholders of staff, donors, board members, and partners around shared goals and measurable outcomes.
• You are a skilled fundraiser and relationship builder, bringing authenticity, presence, and strong communication to every interaction, inspiring trust and collaboration. You are a storyteller and advocate who knows how to elevate the organization’s visibility, mobilize resources, and cultivate lasting partnerships that strengthen both Summer Search and the communities it serves.
• You are grounded in equity and systems thinking, leading with both heart and rigor, advancing Summer Search’s mission while strengthening the teams and communities you serve.

Provide strategic leadership over Summer Search’s network-wide OKR to achieve mutually beneficial goals in Seattle.

• In partnership with the Sr. Director of Development and the Managing Director of Development, design and execute an annual fundraising plan to meet or exceed Seattle’s fundraising goal of $1.38 M in the coming fiscal year.
• Partner with the Senior Director of Development, Board of Directors, and National development team to drive a strong fundraising effort, including the solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship of major donors, foundations, and corporations.
• Partner with and support the Seattle Board of Directors, leveraging their networks, expertise, and influence to expand Summer Search’s visibility and donor base.
• Formulate and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to support donor engagement and fund development.
• Build and maintain relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners to sustain and grow regional funding.

• In collaboration with the local Program Director and National Program Team, ensure that Seattle delivers high-quality, outcomes-driven programming across student recruitment, mentoring, summer experience participation and post-secondary success.
• Use data to evaluate program impact, fundraising performance, and community outcomes; share learnings with internal and external stakeholders to inform strategy and storytelling.
• Align local program delivery with network-wide goals, maintaining the integrity and excellence of the Summer Search model.

• Oversee sound financial management for the region, partnering with the National Finance office to build and manage Seattle’s annual budget.
• Monitor all organizational expenditures and ensure sustainable and responsible spending.
• Ensure…