Executive Director

SafeFutures Youth Center (SFYC) is a community-rooted nonprofit that has supported young people from low-income, immigrant, and refugee communities for 30 years. SFYC partners with youth and families across Seattle and South King County to navigate barriers related to education, system involvement, and access to opportunity. Serving Seattle & South King County since 1996, SFYC empowers youth most impacted by poverty, systemic racism, and educational and justice system disparities.

SafeFutures is entering an exciting new phase . With a strong core team, trusted community relationships, and a renewed focus on growth and sustainability, SFYC is ready to evolve its programs, partnerships, and systems. We are seeking an Executive Director who is energized by collaboration, steady leadership, and shaping what comes next alongside youth, staff, and community partners.

Learn more at

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director provides strategic, operational, and relational leadership for SafeFutures Youth Center. This role is ideal for a values-driven leader who enjoys guiding organizations through transition, strengthening systems, and supporting people to do their best work.

The position is responsible for advancing the organization's mission, vision, and long-term sustainability through strategic direction, financial oversight, program management, team leadership, and community engagement. This role serves as the primary representative of SFYC and works closely with the Board of Directors, staff, youth, families, funders, schools, and public agencies to advance trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and youth-centered services.

As SafeFutures transitions from long-standing executive leadership into its next chapter, the Executive Director will help define priorities, support staff, deepen partnerships, and ensure programs remain responsive, equitable, and impactful.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic and Organizational Leadership

• Guide a strong, youth-centered program portfolio aligned with our mission and community voice
• Lead staff across programs, development, and administration to ensure operational excellence
• Foster a culture of equity, collaboration, learning, and wellness across the organization
• Drive our next strategic chapter with clarity, courage, and community partnership
• Steward our budget and resources responsibly to ensure long-term impact and sustainability

Program Oversight

• Ensure program design and delivery supports organizational mission and goals
• Oversee ongoing program and resource development, with special attention to underserved youth populations
• Lead efforts to evaluate and communicate program impact on metrics such as graduation, re-engagement, employment, recidivism, and post-secondary success
• Promote systems-level change through community mobilizing efforts, particularly in immigrant, refugee, and BIPOC communities
• Cultivate a culture of equity, collaboration, and wellness where staff and youth thrive

Fund Development and Financial Management

• Lead and grow all fund development strategies to sustain and expand our impact
• Supervise and support development efforts across grants, donors, and partnerships
• Oversee grant management, contracts and reporting with clarity and accountability
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with public agencies, foundations, and major funding partners
• Expand and diversify our private donor community to strengthen long-term support
• Develop and manage the operating budget with disciplined financial oversight
• Partner with our external accounting firm to ensure audit readiness and fiscal integrity
• Align fundraising strategy with program priorities and community needs to ensure long-term sustainability

Human Resources Management

• Lead thoughtful hiring processes for senior staff that strengthen our team and culture
• Oversee staff onboarding, development, and learning to support growth and retentionEnsure compliance with HR policies and procedures
• Manage contractor relationships with clear expectations, accountability, and partnership

Board Engagement and Governance

• Primary liaison to the Board of Directors, fostering transparent and timely communication
• Provide regular, high-level reporting on organizational performance, financial health, and strategic priorities
• Work alongside the Board to set direction and ensure accountability to our mission, youth, and community while upholding fiduciary and ethical responsibilities
• Partner with the Board to recruit, develop, and grow a strong, engaged, and mission-aligned board
• Collaborate with Board to prepare thoughtful meetings, materials, and decision-making processes

Community and Public Partnerships

• Serve as the public face of SafeFutures, representing the organization in coalitions, commissions, advocacy spaces, and community forums
• Build and sustain strong collaborative relationships with public schools, juvenile courts and probation, law enforcement, service providers, and other community-based organizations
• Attend and represent SFYC at community events, public meetings, and coalition gatherings, ensuring SFYC remains visible, respected, and impactful

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, community-based, or youth-serving organization
• Experience managing teams, programs, and organizational operations
• Comfort working with budgets, financial reports, and external accounting partners
• Experience contributing to or leading fundraising efforts across grants, public funding, and donor engagement
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and collaboration skills
• A people-centered, inclusive leadership style
• Commitment to equity, cultural responsiveness, and youth-centered practice
• Ability to work locally with a hybrid schedule, including 3–5 days per week onsite
• Background in youth development, education equity, juvenile justice, or prevention/diversion programs

Preferred Qualifications

• 8+ years of nonprofit or community-based leadership experience
• Experience managing organizational budgets in the $750K–$3M range
• Direct experience securing and managing government contracts and foundation grants
• Experience supervising development staff and overseeing fundraising strategy
• Familiarity with Seattle and King County schools and youth-serving systems
• Master’s degree in nonprofit, education, public policy, social work, or a related field
• Experience guiding organizations through transition, growth, and strategic planning

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary range: $110,000 – $140,000 annually (commensurate with experience)
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid PTO and holidays, group life insurance and professional development support
• Hybrid schedule with regular onsite presence of 3 to 5 days per week at SafeFutures

TO APPLY

This position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications received by March 22nd, 2026.

Please send your resume and cover letter to

SafeFutures Youth Center is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and youth-centered workplace. SafeFutures provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We believe our work is strongest when it reflects the lived experiences of the young people and communities we serve.

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