The Organization

Founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1993, Friends of the Children uses a bold, proven, and replicable model to accelerate change and break the cycle of generational poverty. Friends of the Children-Seattle is a chapter of a national network of fifteen sites throughout the United States and England.

A pair of friends who were retiring from Microsoft were impressed by Friends of the Children’s use of data and the profound impact of using professional mentors (called Friends) to support youth facing the highest risks of school dropout, involvement in the juvenile justice system, and early parenthood. In 2000, they founded Friends of the Children-Seattle (Friends-Seattle), which is leading the movement and is serving as a model for other organizations across the country. Friends-Seattle identifies kindergarten children in Seattle Public Schools who face the greatest challenges and connects them with salaried, full-time, professional mentors for 12½ years. No matter what.  

The Opportunity

As they enter their next phase of growth, Friends-Seattle seeks a dynamic Executive Director (ED) who is driven by a passion to break the cycle of generational poverty by supporting the youth who are the most vulnerable at the most at risk. The new ED will lead the organization as Friends-Seattle is on track to double the number of youth it serves by 2020.

The ideal candidate will be an entrepreneurial, collaborative leader who has the ability to inspire a team to be agile and creative and surpass ambitious goals. She or he will have the experience successfully leading a staff and organization through a period of rapid change and growth. Leading with an attitude of unwavering positivity, the new ED will have a cultural sensitivity and the emotional IQ to engage and mobilize the Board, staff, and stakeholders from a variety of background and cultures.

To read more about Friends of the Children’s organizational priorities, the characteristics of the ideal candidate, minimum qualifications and how to apply, please view the full profile here.

To Be Considered

Friends of the Children is committed to our community, to equal employment opportunity, and to diversity in our workplace. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Cover letters expressing your passion for the mission and fit for the role should be addressed to Mikkell Jackson Roeland. Please submit your cover letter and resume to the Waldron candidate portal no later than March 2^nd, 2018.