Description

ABOUT RAINIER SCHOLARS
Rainier Scholars is a comprehensive academic enrichment program that supports students over a 12-year journey – from 5th grade to college graduation. We seek to serve those who are most under-represented on college campuses and have the greatest number of barriers to achieving a college education: 85% qualify as low-income, 90% would be the first in their family to earn a college degree. Our program offers rigorous academics, leadership development and personalized support for scholars, providing access to educational pathways and myriad opportunities previously unimagined. 
 
With a budget size of $10 million, a staff team of 50+ full-time employees and 720+ scholars and families whom we currently serve in Seattle and Tacoma, Rainier Scholars has established a positive brand for our unwavering commitment to education, proven success rate, and sustainable impact. We grow new generations of diverse college graduates, career professionals, and community leaders. 
 
POSITION SUMMARY 
The Executive Site Director (ESD) of Seattle is the senior site-based leader responsible for ensuring a cohesive, high-quality experience for scholars and families and strong outcomes of Rainier Scholars’ Seattle program across the full 12-year scholar journey.  
 
As an active member of the Executive Leadership Team, the ESD contributes to the organizational strategy while owning the execution of program strategy at the Seattle site level. The ESD ensures that the organization’s program philosophy, standards and curriculum are implemented with excellence, fidelity, and responsiveness to local context. 
 
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Site Director leads and supervises senior Seattle program leaders and is responsible for overall site management, performance, operational effectiveness, and cross-functional integration. The ESD works in close partnership with the Chief Program Officer (CPO), as a member of the Program Strategy Committee. 
The ESD also serves as Rainier Scholars’ primary representative in the Seattle community, cultivating strong relationships with school partners, community organizations, donors, and families to support and sustain the full 12-year scholar journey. 
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 
 
1. Site Operations and Program Quality (40%)

• Own the full Seattle scholar experience across all 12 years, from 5th grade recruitment through college graduation, ensuring program quality, seamless transitions, and measurable outcomes at every stage.
• Set and drive site-level goals aligned with organizational OKRs; use data and feedback loops to monitor progress and adjust strategy for continuous improvement.
• Partner closely with the Chief Program Officer (CPO) to implement the program model and curriculum with fidelity to organizational expectations, while adapting delivery to meet Seattle-specific needs.
• Oversee Seattle program operations and budgeting in partnership with the COO, including resource allocation, facilities, district MOUs, and data-sharing agreements.
• Serve as the executive-level escalation point for high-complexity scholar, family, and crises. 

2. Supervision & Cross-Functional Leadership (20%)

• Lead and directly supervise the Seattle Leadership Team of 4-5 program directors and leaders, setting clear expectations for performance, accountability, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration that drives impact and results.
• Drive collaboration and integration across academics, mental health, family engagement, leadership development, and college success to deliver a cohesive, high-quality scholar experience.
• Ensure alignment and coordinated execution across Seattle programs, central teams, and peer sites through clear communication, collaboration, and shared accountability.
• Partner with People & Culture on leadership development, succession planning, and staff engagement to build a strong, sustainable team.
• Maintain a visible leadership presence during key scholar, family, and organizational moments.

3. Organizational Leadership (20%)

• Serve as an active member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), contributing to the organizational strategy and overall health, culture, and results.
• Elevate cross-site learning by sharing insights and best practices from Seattle.
• Identify and recommend Seattle site–level structural or strategic shifts to strengthen program sustainability and outcomes.
• Serve as a member of the Program Strategy Committee, contributing to the evolution of the 12-year scholar journey framework, program standards, and impact metrics.
• Serve as a key communication bridge between the Executive Leadership Team and Seattle staff, ensuring clarity and alignment in both directions. 

4. Community and Philanthropic Partnership (15%)

• Serve as Rainier Scholars' senior Seattle ambassador — representing the organization with school partners, community organizations, donors, and the public.
• Sustain strategic school and district partnerships that drive scholar recruitment, placement, and year-over-year persistence through college completion.
• Support Advancement in cultivating and stewarding donors and institutional funders through site visits, storytelling, and strategic engagement.
• Represent Rainier Scholars at regional events, speaking engagements, and in local media to strengthen community presence and mission visibility.

5. Board & Executive Partnership (5%)

• Act as the primary Seattle program voice to the CEO and Board, providing timely, accurate reporting on performance, risks, and scholar impact.
• Support Board engagement through site visits, data storytelling, and compelling scholar and family narratives.
• Other strategic and operational duties in line with site operations and organizational responsibilities may be assigned.
• This role balances strategic leadership, program quality, people leadership, and external partnership. The approximate allocation of focus reflects the nature of the role and may shift based on organizational priorities.

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in education or youth development in mission-driven organizations, with a demonstrated commitment to educational equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Deep understanding of K-12 systems, with experience working in or in close partnership with schools and/or school districts; skilled at navigating stakeholder dynamics and educational environments.
• Leader of leaders who builds alignment, accountability, and strong team culture across functions while contributing to organization-wide strategy, culture, and results.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex program initiatives, those that offer multiple services or serve multiple developmental ages.
• Proven ability to translate organizational strategy into execution, aligning goals, resources, and priorities to drive and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Experience implementing program models, curriculum, or quality standards, with attention to consistency, while adapting delivery to local context.
• Strong operational and financial acumen, including experience overseeing budgets, resource allocation and performance management.
• Track record of building relationships and working effectively with varied stakeholders including Boards, executive leaders, advancement team school partners and community organizations.
• Grounded and reflective leader who values continuous learning, thoughtful decision-making, and continuous improvement in pursuit of scholar success.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, & WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Compensation for this role is $150,000 - $170,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This is a full-time, exempt position. Rainier Scholars offers employer-paid medical and dental benefits, employer-paid life and AD&D insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, generous vacation, all-staff holiday closure, personal days, sick leave, and holiday pay. 
 
Rainier Scholars is a workplace committed to wellness and sustainability. This is a flexible, hybrid full-time role based out of our Seattle office, with 2-3 days/week working in-person. This role may require some work in the evenings and weekends. This schedule is subject to change as needs arise. 

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who submit their application by March 24, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.

Rainier Scholars is an equal opportunity employer committed to an equitable and inclusive environment for scholars, families, and staff. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and strongly encourage people of color, first-generation college graduates, and people from working-class backgrounds to apply.