Interim Executive Director

About the Position: Washington CAN! seeks an experienced Interim Executive Director to provide steady leadership during our transition to a permanent Executive Director. This critical role will maintain organizational stability, support staff and Board through the transition, and position the organization for continued success. The Interim ED will report to the Board Chairs of both the 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations and will work closely with our transition consultant throughout their tenure.

Timeline: 6-9 months with possibility of extension as needed to complete permanent ED search

Please note: This is an interim position designed to support the organization during our leadership transition. To ensure an open and unbiased search process for the permanent Executive Director, candidates who serve in the interim role will not be considered for the permanent position. We seek an experienced leader who is energized by the opportunity to guide an organization through transition and set it up for long-term success.

Core Responsibilities:

Organizational Stability & Leadership

  • Maintain operational stability and staff morale during the transition period

  • Provide regular check-ins and supervision with leadership team

  • Staff management and support during transition, including supervision of 5 Directors

  • Report any concerns or urgent issues to the Board Chairs

  • Maintain ongoing internal and external messaging that Washington CAN! is stable and strong

Program & Campaign Management

  • Keep all programmatic and campaign work on track

  • Lead multiple simultaneous campaigns, including legislative, advocacy, electoral, and policy work

  • Ensure continuity of organizing, canvassing, and coalition work

  • Guide campaign strategy and maintain momentum on key initiatives

Financial Management & Development

  • Manage organizational finances and ensure financial stability across both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities

  • Maintain relationships with funders and pursue funding opportunities

  • Oversee annual budget of $3 million with strong financial acumen

  • Complete all compliance and reporting requirements

Relationship Management

  • Maintain strong relationships with funders and partners

  • Build and sustain relationships with coalition partners and allies

  • Maintain government relations and navigate Washington state systems

  • Serve as ED for both Washington CAN! and Washington CAN! Education and Research Fund

Board Support & Communication

  • Support the Board through the permanent ED search process

  • Maintain regular and ongoing communication with both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) Board Chairs

  • Handle decision-making authority and board collaboration

  • Manage external pressure and address urgent issues with Board guidance

Transition Planning

  • Provide thoughtful organizational assessment to inform permanent hire

  • Position the organization for a smooth transition to permanent ED

  • Work in conjunction with transition consultant throughout tenure

  • Document systems, processes, and institutional knowledge

Desired Qualifications:

  • Minimum 15+ years of management experience, preferably in nonprofit and/or governmental sectors

  • Strong nonprofit financial management skills, including budget oversight

  • Experience managing multiple campaigns and maintaining programmatic continuity

  • Proven ability to maintain organizational stability during transitions

  • Experience working with Boards of Directors and managing board relations

  • Strong communication and relationship management skills

  • Ability to provide steady, calm leadership during organizational change

  • Experience with 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizational structures preferred

The Interim Executive Director position is full-time with 3-4 days in office per week with a $40,000-$60,000 contract period of up to 9 months with the possibility of extension if needed. Position open until filled.

Washington CAN! is an aggressive affirmative action employer. People of color, women, immigrants, people with disabilities, people of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and people with low-income backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

APPLY TODAY!

Please submit a cover letter and resume to the Washington CAN! Interim Director Hiring Committee at interimEDsearch@washingtoncan.org

Washington CAN! Communications