Executive Director

Executive Director

Latino Advocacy and Leadership Association - Whatcom Bellingham, Washington, United States

Full-time

Launched in 2024, the Latino Advocacy and Leadership Association - Whatcom (LALA-W; see LALA for more information) was founded as a direct response to the Latino community’s population growth and the need for expanded support to ensure Latinos have every opportunity to build prosperous and thriving lives.

In its start‑up phase, LALA‑W operates under the fiscal sponsorship of the Whatcom Community Foundation and is in the process of establishing its 501(c)(3) status. The organization is run by a Steering Committee of 18 members who represent a diverse cross‑section of the Latino community—from the business sector to the public education system.

LALA‑W seeks an inspirational Executive Director with strong vision, initiative, cultural and linguistic competence, and a collaborative and relationship‑building ethos to lead an emerging organization in its goal to fulfill its long‑term vision and mission. The leader will demonstrate a passion and commitment to the following principles:

• Honor and affirm our Latino cultures
• Advocate for our Latin American community
• Support and develop community leadership
• Network to connect and share information and resources

The successful candidate’s background will reflect living and working in the Latino community with an understanding of its daily equity challenges. The candidate will demonstrate a capacity and commitment for building community relationships that are culturally aligned and trusted.

Accountable to LALA’s Steering Committee, the executive director will be skilled in and responsible for six organizational functions:

• 1) Leadership and governance
• 2) Community engagement and advocacy
• 3) Management and operations
• 4) Finance management
• 5) Fundraising
• 6) Work environment and organizational culture

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• College degree (bachelor’s) required or commensurate work experience; master’s degree or commensurate work experience desirable
• Three years holding an executive level, management and or leadership position in the nonprofit, for‑profit or government sectors
• Program building/organizational start‑up experience preferred
• Background reflects actual lived experience and track record working in the Latino community
• Bilingual or conversant in Spanish and/or other indigenous language (fully bilingual/multilingual strongly preferred)
• Ability to maintain focus on priorities and achieving results
• Strong communications and writing skills
• Skills to create and implement new and/or innovative initiatives
• Ability to build strong and trusting community and interpersonal relationships
• Strategic mindset with skills to envision opportunity and lead action
• Capacity to manage in a start‑up environment and adapt to change

Salary ranges from $70,000‑$100,000 commensurate with education, experiences, and expertise. A generous benefits package is included.

Application review begins March 1, 2026. Position open until filled.

Resume / Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application – Please describe your lived/work experience with respect to the duties/responsibilities (listed above) and reasons for pursuing the executive director position.

Please review the full and complete job announcement (responsibilities, qualifications, salary/benefits, application requirements, etc.) here.

F. Rios, Steering Committee Chair, at  or